List of Dog Temperament & Personality Traits of Common Breeds
DOG TEMPERAMENT – Here is a guide on the personality traits of some of the most popular breeds of dog as well as their temperaments.
When getting a dog, most especially if you have small kids at home, it is best to search for the breed’s temperament first or its personality type. There are dogs that are good for household with kids while there are breed of dogs that are not. Here are the important terms when it comes to dog temperament:
- Extraversion – refers to how energetic and outgoing a dog is
- Training Focus – refers to how responsive a dog is during training
- Neuroticism – shows the nervous sensitivity of the dog
- Motivation – refers to how self-assured a dog is
- Amicability – refers to how friendly and sociable a dog is
Below, you can check the temperament of five (5) of the most popular dog breeds. Also, you may take the explanation below as to why mixing dog breeds is not suggested.
1. Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are undeniably popular for their friendly and sociable nature. They have an outgoing dog temperament and are great in households with children. They also score high in terms of motivation, extraversion, amicability, training focus, and low for neuroticism.
2. Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers share the same traits with Golden Retrievers. They are highly-trainable, friendly, and adaptable to the environment. They can socialize with other dogs well and they also love kids. Their main difference with Golden Retrievers is that they are a short-coat breed in terms of fur while the GRs have long coats.
3. German Shepherds
Although they are usually used as canines, German Shepherds are known to the public as aloof, brave, and confident. Meanwhile, they are also affectionate to their hoomans and can be good with other dogs when socialized well. They score high for amicability, motivation, and training focus as per Vitapet but they can be prone to neurotocism.
4. Border Collies
Are you thinking about getting a border collie? The dog temperament of this type of dog breed is really commendable for families with young kids. It is good with children, affectionate to their owners, intelligent, and playful. However, they may like to bark. They score high on training focus and motivation but they can be neurotic.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is an energetic type of dog. They are also athletic, clever, and intelligent. This breed scores high on being amicable and in the dimension of training. They can easily socialize with other dogs and can be a perfect choice for households with kids.
How about the Dog Temperament of Mixed Breed Dogs?
Based on the article, with regards to the assessment of the temperaments of dogs who are coming from at least two (2) different breed types, it is a tough challenge. Anyone may be clueless on how the dog will behave because of the mixture of different dog breed temperaments.
Thus, it is really not recommended to breed dogs of different types. What if both the sire (father) and dam (mother) fall on the same dimensions? It may be hard for the mixed-breed puppies on that dimension and it may be a huge challenge for the owner as well with regards to the handling of the dog.