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Different dogs, different temperaments

 

Just like humans, all dogs have different attitudes, habits and abilities.

Most often, the way a dog is treated, will affect his temperament.

 The dogs breed or mix of breeds, can also have an effect on their temperament.

I have  a few of the more common breeds and their characteristics.

 

German Shepherd:

intelligence, versatility, stability, energy, and strength to do almost any task. Coupled with its high trainability, curiosity, classical beauty, and undying loyalty.

Many of them work as police dogs guide dogs for the blind, narcotic or bomb detection dogs, protection dogs, search and rescue dogs, herding dogs, movie stars, and t.v. actors

they are not the perfect pet or companion for everyone. Because of their high intelligence and curiosity, German shepherds have a genuine need to be included in their owner's daily activities. They truly need to be a part of your family and feel like they have a useful purpose or job. They do not make good kennel dogs or backyard dogs because the resulting boredom can lead to destructive behavior. Be prepared to spend quality time with your German shepherd each day-both playing and training. A German shepherd is a big responsibility.

 

Border Collie:

The most outstanding characteristic of Border Collies is their desire to work above all other things. They herd with their heads lowered, eyeing the sheep with an intense stare. They notice every movement of the livestock, and they react by moving, at times almost imperceptibly, to take advantage of or counter it. Movement of both dog and stock should be calm and steady. These dogs are the world's premier sheep-working breed and are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and strong work ethic.

Typical Border Collies are workaholics. They are happiest when they have a job to do, whether that job be herding, obedience, agility, or any of the other active occupations and dog sports at which they excel. They are extremely quick, high-energy, busy dogs, and they must have plenty of exercise. They are bred for endurance: a working Border Collie is able to run many miles a day over difficult terrain, then go out and do it again the next day; a one- or two-mile run is barely a warm-up this athletic breed. People without the time to give a dog plenty of good, vigorous exercise every day are usually happier with a calmer breed. A bored Border Collie can become neurotic, obsessive, and destructive.

Border Collies are always underfoot. These dogs watch you constantly (as if you are the stock), and rush in front of you if they think something is going to happen. They thrive on attention and are very affectionate and people-oriented. However, good early socialization is important for puppies: adults can be reserved with people they don't know, and aggressive with other dogs. Border Collies are highly intelligent and quick learners, but they are slow to mature - they are "puppies" until around 2 or 3 years (or older), and many 10- and 12-year-old dogs are still very lively and full of energy. Don't expect a Border Collie to start acting mature and dignified at 3 or 4 years of age!

 

Poodles:

The Poodles temperament, personality, and good nature are why the Poodle is, and has been such a popular breed. The Poodle is intelligent, learns quickly, and is very eager to please his owner. When the Poodle knows what is expected, he will happily comply.

The Poodle is highly adaptable and can fit into the lifestyle of any household. The Poodle is sensitive to his owner, seems to read situations, and respond accordingly. The Poodle has a sense of humor and the ability to make people laugh.

 

Labrador retrievers:

The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion. Physical features and mental characteristics should denote a dog bred to perform as an efficient Retriever of game with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of pursuits beyond the hunting environment.
The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an "otter" tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament.
Above all, a Labrador Retriever must be well balanced, enabling it to move in the show ring or work in the field with little or no effort. The typical Labrador possesses style and quality without over refinement, and substance without lumber or cloudiness. The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance.

Husky:

The characteristic temperament of the Siberian Husky is friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing. He does not display the possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs. Some measure of reserve and dignity may be expected in the mature dog. His intelligence, tractability, and eager disposition make him an agreeable companion and willing worker.

The most important breed characteristics of the Siberian Husky are medium size, moderate bone, well-balanced proportions, ease and freedom of movement, proper coat, pleasing head and ears, correct tail, and good disposition. Any appearance of excessive bone or weight, constricted or clumsy gait, or long, rough coat should be penalized. The Siberian Husky never appears so heavy or coarse as to suggest a freighting animal; nor is he so light and fragile as to suggest a sprint-racing animal. In both sexes the Siberian Husky gives the appearance of being capable of great endurance.

 Siberian Huskies are happiest when they can share in family activities. The best arrangement is one in which the dog can come in and out of the house of its own freewill, through a dog door. If a dog door is not possible, then training the dog to go to an outside door to be let out is also very easy to do. Outside, the dog should have a large, fenced yard. The fence should be strong and at least 6 feet tall. It is also a good idea to bury wire in the ground to discourage digging out. Siberians are notorious diggers.

 

Jack russell terrier:

The Jack Russell Terrier is a bold, friendly, active, and alert hunting Terrier, built for work underground. This breed is notoriously fearless and requires little encouragement to go to ground. Aggression towards anything other than legitimate quarry detracts from the dog's ability as a working terrier and should be discouraged as much as possible. This is a high-energy breed and is happiest in an environment where there is lots of regular activity.

Dachshunds:

They have huge voices as they were bred to go in holes and flush game like badgers and wolverines out of the ground.  If they got stuck then the hunter could hear them and dig them out.  If you do not like a big voice on a little watch dog find another breed.
 
This also means that the dogs will dig with their bred in flipper feet up front so you need to discourage destruction dog tendencies early if you are a gardener like me.  But most are less than 15 pounds so it is easy to get the upper hand but do it early.
 

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