Best Dogs to Own: Do Dog Breeds Really Matter?

Factors That Affect The Personalities of Different Dog Breeds

Factor #1: Environment

Imagine a Husky in a tiny apartment versus a sprawling ranch. 

The environment a dog lives in significantly impacts their personality. A high-energy breed like a Husky thrives with ample space to run and explore, while a smaller breed like a Pug might be perfectly content lounging on the couch. 

Now, if your active breed dog — like your husky — is in a crammed space with no free area to run and play, they can start showing agitated behavior. If they lack daily exercise because of lack of space, their personality can change. They can get health problems, too! 

Is it purely because of their breed? No, if you consider a Husky's rep of being a gentle giant. The environment they're in has a huge effect on how they behave. 

Factor #2: Experience

One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is getting a puppy or a dog without checking the history. 

They get a Golden Retriever because they're known as loyal dogs; having that in the family is a joy. 

They get a German Shepherd because they're excellent guard dogs! 

And then, when everyone's home, the issues start to show. The Golden Retriever is reactive and shows non-stop barking. The German Shepherd is so anxious they can't do the guarding well. 

In the dog world, early experiences in a puppy's life have a lasting impact.

Positive interactions with people, other dogs, and new situations build confidence and social skills. Conversely, neglect, isolation, or negative experiences can lead to fearfulness or aggression. 

Understanding your dog's past experiences is crucial to knowing them. 

For example, providing herding dogs with opportunities to herd objects or engage in puzzle toys can channel their energy positively.

It's not just about their breed. 

Factor #3: Training (Or Lack Thereof)

Training isn't just about teaching tricks; it's about establishing communication and boundaries. A well-trained dog feels secure knowing what's expected of them. 

Breeds known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, like Border Collies, excel with consistent training that challenges their minds. However, a lack of training can lead to frustration, boredom, and behavioral issues in any breed.

Factor #4: Reactivity and Aggression Caused by a Lack of Leadership:

Dogs are social creatures who crave structure and leadership. Without a clear leader, some breeds, particularly guard dogs and working dogs might become anxious or try to take charge themselves. 

And when dogs — no matter the breed — think they're in charge of you and the property, they will become reactive and aggressive. 

(Learn all about dog reactivity here.) 

Providing firm but fair leadership through consistent rules and expectations builds trust and helps a dog feel secure in their role within the family unit.

Factor #5: Lack of Socialization

Lack of socialization in a puppy's critical development window can trigger a cascade of behavioral problems. Without exposure to other dogs and new situations, they might become fearful or reactive, leading to aggression or anxiety. 

This missed opportunity to learn proper social cues can make them misinterpret situations. This lack of exposure can lead them to be reactive and — over time — aggressive. This problem leads to barking excessively, lunging at strangers, or cowering in unfamiliar environments.

How to Choose The Best Dogs: Choosing Beyond the Popular Breeds

Know More About Their First 8 Weeks

The first eight weeks of a puppy's life are crucial for development. During this period, you can get a glimpse of the dog's personality. Ask if the puppy was playful, dominant, or submissive. Additionally, inquire about their teachability and how well they respond to training methods. 

Early socialization with other dogs and people is also important.

Ask About Their Experience

Understanding the dog's history can shed light on potential behavioral issues. Knowing their background can help you determine if these are manageable concerns you can address through training.

Consider The Size Of Your Property

Match the dog's size to your living space. A big dog like a Great Dane might not be ideal for a studio apartment, while a Chihuahua would likely feel overwhelmed in an ample open space. Choose a breed that will feel comfortable and have room to move around in your home.

Check Their Energy Levels

This is one of the most important factors to consider! 

Dogs come in all energy levels, from the high-octane Border Collie, which needs constant stimulation, to the mellow Bulldog content, which requires short walks and some playtime. Pet parents know this: fun-loving pups are also in a league of their own, energy-wise. 

Be realistic about your lifestyle and how much exercise you can commit to providing. A high-energy dog left alone for long periods or without proper training can become destructive or develop behavioral problems.

Can You Commit to Training?

Training is essential for any dog, especially those of an active breed or one with potential behavioral issues. Consider your time commitment and willingness to train the dog. 

Active families with busy schedules fare better with a naturally easygoing dog that requires less training. At the same time, someone who enjoys spending time teaching tricks might find a more trainable breed rewarding.

By considering these factors in addition to breed popularity, you'll save your dog from having to experience reactivity or aggression issues (which, honestly, will be so hard for your dogs). 

Best Dogs to Own: The Proper Training for Any Dog Breed

There's no single “best” dog breed, as the perfect pup depends on your lifestyle and preferences. However, any dog breed can become a cherished companion with proper training. Here's a guide to unlock your furry friend's full potential:

Establishing a Strong Bond:

• Be The Leader in Their Eyes: Dogs are social creatures who crave leadership. Provide consistent rules, expectations, and gentle corrections to build trust and establish yourself as a reliable guide.
• Be In Charge With Everything: This doesn't mean dominance, but clear communication and setting expectations the gentle way. Control mealtimes, walks, playtime, and access to resources to show your dog you'll provide for their needs.
• Help Them Feel Safe and Protected: Offer a safe space for your dog to relax and retreat. Respond calmly to their anxieties and provide reassurance during stressful situations.

Building a Well-Behaved Canine:

• Use Treats the Right Way: Treats are powerful training tools, but overuse can lead to bad habits. Reward desired behaviors consistently, using treats to motivate and mark good choices.
• Address Behavior Issues Early On: Don't let bad habits solidify. Identify unwanted behaviors like chewing or barking and address them immediately with positive reinforcement techniques.
• Understand Dog Psychology:  Consider their instincts and motivations when dealing with your dog. Training, exercise, and enrichment activities channel their energy into positive outlets.

Bonus Tip: Consider enrolling in a puppy socialization class or get a puppy program from a dog trainer for personalized guidance on raising your beloved dog.

Go Beyond the Breed Books

Most dog breed books discuss each dog being friendly, loving, and good-natured. However, 90% of dogs are categorized in that way, so when choosing a dog, you need to go further than what a breed book may say.

Of course, certain physical attributes can be categorized within each breed, and a dog's energy level can be estimated approximately by breed. But this doesn't focus on the actual characteristics of how a dog will behave, and this is where many people are caught out.

But that doesn't mean you must panic about choosing the ‘wrong' dog. It's merely about realizing you can't accurately predict what type of personality your dog will have, and you need to ‘roll with the punches' when you realize that your dog is not like it said in the breed book! 

As I said at the start, everyone has their own opinion of what a dog from a particular breed will be like, and that is usually due to a personal experience, but just realize that it isn't a fact. I find it hard not to smile when somebody says we got a Yorkshire Terrier because we had one a while ago, and we wanted the same again, but this one is nothing like our last one!

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No matter what your breed is, love your dog!

Cheers,

~Doggy Dan