As a dog behaviourist, I deal with a huge range of breeds, and often get asked if a dog’s breed makes a difference to behaviour and/ or training.
People often seem really surprised that the answer is a huge yes!
There are seven groups of breeds, according to the kennel club, which represent behaviours and traits that these breeds are more likely to show. You can view information on the breeds here: Breeds A to Z | The Kennel Club
Pastoral breeds, such as border collies and German shepherds, are bred to move livestock.
Toy breeds, including chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers and cavalier King Charles spaniels, are bred to be small companion dogs.
Working breeds have a large variety of roles, including guarding, search and rescue, and pulling sleds! Breeds vary from Great Danes to huskies, and akitas and boxers.
Terriers are bred to hunt and kill vermin. There are loads of different types of terriers, including Jack Russell, west highland, and Airedale.
Hound dogs are generally split into two - sight hounds, such as greyhounds, and scent hounds, such as bloodhounds.
Gundogs, have been bred to work closely with people to hunt, point, and retrieve. Breeds include Labradors, springer spaniels, and Irish setters.
Utility dogs include Dalmatian’s and poodles. They have been bred to be useful for a variety of tasks. This group of dogs are all the dogs that don’t fit into any of the other groups! Because of this, they range in size and temperament.
Why is this important?
If you are choosing a new dog, whether a puppy or rescue, it is crucial that you do research into their breed. People do tend to be driven towards a dog’s looks, which is normal, but also consider their personality, and how well that fits in with your lifestyle.
One breed that most commonly ends up in the wrong home are border collies. A border collie has been bred to herd sheep. This behaviour involves a lot of natural instinct to chase, herd, and nip. Because of their job, they have an incredible amount of drive and are very intelligent. In the wrong home, think about what could happen.
A dog that has been bred to chase and nip probably won’t be best with children.
A dog that has been bred to work, won’t enjoy lazing around all day.
A dog who is incredibly intelligent, NEEDS to work their brain, and won’t cope well without training and mental stimulation.
Working in the RSPCA as well as training, I’ve seen it hundreds of times, where dogs are in this exact situation, and sadly they have often ended up being rehomed.
So what should you expect to see with certain breeds?
As with the border collie, it is common for all herding breeds to herd and many are also nippy, especially as puppies. However if you are interested in lots of training and are always active, perhaps one of these breeds could be ideal for you!
Toy breeds are typically quite relaxed dogs and may not like hiking every weekend, nor being left for long periods of time. However if you enjoy lazing on the sofa and want a companion, they would most likely be perfect for you!
Terriers have a high prey drive, love to chase, and enjoy being busy! They are prone to digging, so may not be great for people who are very garden-proud, but if you want a tough cookie with a strong personality, who enjoys being active, a terrier could be a great partner!
Gun dogs are another group which are active and without training can become unruly, especially when they have to put everything in their mouth. However because they have been bred to work closely with humans, they are affectionate, friendly and social. This means that they can be a great family dog!
Hound breeds can be frustrating for some owners as they can be very aloof and single minded: when they get their mind set on something, they can’t think of anything else! Sighthounds will be super sprinters, however scent hounds will be couch potatoes! They are super clever, but can be a challenge for new owners!
Working breeds are confident and active. Some dogs, like huskies will run all day, where as others, although they LOVE to be doing things, they will happily laze around until told to do something. Other traits depend on their job, such as guard dogs who will guard and be territorial.
Utility dogs vary in what they have been bred to do, so make sure you do your research into each individual dog! Talk to breeders and other owners. Think about their exercise needs, grooming requirements, and personality traits. They vary on every end of the scale!
What next?!
Choose the right breed.
No matter how much training you do, dogs still have instincts and they are not robots. If you can’t handle a certain breed’s instinct, or it won’t be right for your family, don’t get that breed. Alternatively, ensure you are fully aware of the dog’s unwanted trait, and how you will manage the behaviour. (Don’t hesitate to ask for a professional’s assistance! A short session before you get your puppy could help so much!)
Choose your breeder with care, and make sure the puppy is home reared, not kennel bred. This helps puppies to learn typical home-things, such as the hoover and TV, as well as being handled safely.
Training!
Your new dog should always be trained using positive reinforcement and science based training. No matter the breed, there is no need to use punishment in training.
If you ever need assistance with your new dog - puppy or adult - don’t hesitate to contact a professional! It’s much easier to stop / reduce a behaviour that’s only just started, rather than one that has had months or years of practise.
And if you have a puppy, I would strongly recommend getting a behaviourist to give you puppy classes! Not only is it easier, cheaper, and nicer to prevent bad behaviour than cure it, but you’ll gain SO MUCH from having a well trained pup!
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