Different Dog Breed Traits

by Walt Newsome
(Pittsburgh, PA)

All dogs are not created equally, and not all dogs will follow through with all of the standards of the breed. We all know of the snappy Golden retriever or the affectionate poodle that goes against everything that you thought you knew. And while there is always the exception that proves the rule, there are enough of the dogs that do follow standards and traits to make them worth exploring when you are considering adding a dog to your family. Remember, dog breed traits are merely guidelines and may not fully and adequately describe each individual animal. Always evaluate a dog on its own merit, keeping in mind any potential traits that might seem troublesome to you.

Some dogs are known for being hyperactive, rambunctious creatures that have the potential to be destructive, incorrigible and potentially nuisances if they are not properly trained and monitored at all times. These include the Jack Russell terrier, the Labrador Retrievers, and the collie. Jack Russell Terriers also tend to dig when bored, while the lab will show his unhappiness by refusing to be fully housebroken. (Again, these are just generalizations, I am sure your lab is a perfect angel and only piddles outside!)

Some breeds are rampant barkers, or even worse, howlers. Vocal dog breeds include the Boarder Collie, who has a sharp, hard to take bark, the bored beagle that howls and, of course, the yappy poodle. Timid dogs tend to overreact to every sound or movement and will bark as well. This behavior is usually found in the smaller breed dogs, including the Chihuahua, the Pomeranian and the Lhasa Apso. The Chihuahua is also notoriously stubborn with housebreaking and tends to be a bit of a biter. (Mine would lay outside on a sunny porch for hours, get up, stretch and then dash inside to pee on my floor, so do not get me started.) Hound breeds tend to be the howlers, especially if they hear trains or sirens. Hounds in the city are bound to be miserable, and freak out all of the neighbors.

There are some breeds that no one would say a bad word about, and then there are the opposite- the breeds that no one would say a good word for. Golden retrievers are generally highly praised dogs, quiet, good natured and gentle, but there is bound to be a barking, biting golden to deal with. And of course, we all know that it is the pit bulls and their close cousins that get all of the negative press. While these are the dogs most affected by negative press and bad ownership, it is still probably worthwhile to consider owning these only if you are willing to properly, and gently train them, and learn everything that you can about the breed.