There are as many dog temperaments as there are dog breeds, and this applies equally to the mongrel and to the purebred dogs, though in the case of the mongrel temperament is less predictable because of the ancestral jigsaw. Only generalizations are possible because of the multiplicity of dog breeds, but the characteristics broadly follow the divisions established by the English Kennel Club. Even so there is considerable variation even between members of the same dog breed.
Hound dogs are first and foremost hunters of prey of one sort or another, independent, generally complacent in their relationship with humans, but not a great guard dog breed.
Gundogs comprise pointers, flushers and retrievers and are with only rare exceptions friendly and good house pets. However, it is debatable whether the popular Labrador and Golden Retrievers should be confined to suburban houses; they need plenty of exercise as they have a tendency to becoming fat.
Terriers are quick-moving, volatile, and tend to nip. They range from medium to small, and the smaller they are the more they yap. They make good house protectors and ideal family pets, especially with children.
The Utility dog breeds group, though composed of such different types as the Bulldog, Chow Chow, Poodle and Tibetan Terrier, shares the temperament found in characteristic companion dogs. With the possible exception of the Dalmatian they will bark loud and long in protection of their homes; they may bite an intruder, but usually accept strangers once they have been properly introduced.
The Working dog breed group contains the largest number of breeds, which can roughly be divided into the three categories of guarding, herding, and sledging, although some combine more than one of the characteristics. The natural skills and instincts of several breeds have been channeled into their employment as police dogs, military dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Guard and herd dogs have an inbuilt, highly developed sense of protection, and although they make good house dogs they should never be presumed upon -any animal which has to depend on its ability to dominate cattle and sheep by speed of movement and the occasional quick nip must be expected to act before it is hurt itself. Any dog with a special working ability needs to exercise that ability, and if this is not possible a substitute occupation, such as obedience, agility and working competitions, must be found to stretch the dog's intelligence. Failure to occupy the mind may lead to boredom and destructiveness.
The massive St Bernard and the only slightly smaller Newfoundland do not fit into the three main categories, both being rescue dogs, the former in snow, the latter in water, and with gentler temperaments than others in the group.
The Toy dogs are somewhat misleadingly named, though the common characteristic is smallness of size, the largest being the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Temperamentally they are courageous and faithful to their owners, on occasion quite belligerent as in the tiny Chihuahua. Too often Toy dogs are treated as soft and allowed to become pampered and overfed.
Hound dogs are first and foremost hunters of prey of one sort or another, independent, generally complacent in their relationship with humans, but not a great guard dog breed.
Gundogs comprise pointers, flushers and retrievers and are with only rare exceptions friendly and good house pets. However, it is debatable whether the popular Labrador and Golden Retrievers should be confined to suburban houses; they need plenty of exercise as they have a tendency to becoming fat.
Terriers are quick-moving, volatile, and tend to nip. They range from medium to small, and the smaller they are the more they yap. They make good house protectors and ideal family pets, especially with children.
The Utility dog breeds group, though composed of such different types as the Bulldog, Chow Chow, Poodle and Tibetan Terrier, shares the temperament found in characteristic companion dogs. With the possible exception of the Dalmatian they will bark loud and long in protection of their homes; they may bite an intruder, but usually accept strangers once they have been properly introduced.
The Working dog breed group contains the largest number of breeds, which can roughly be divided into the three categories of guarding, herding, and sledging, although some combine more than one of the characteristics. The natural skills and instincts of several breeds have been channeled into their employment as police dogs, military dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Guard and herd dogs have an inbuilt, highly developed sense of protection, and although they make good house dogs they should never be presumed upon -any animal which has to depend on its ability to dominate cattle and sheep by speed of movement and the occasional quick nip must be expected to act before it is hurt itself. Any dog with a special working ability needs to exercise that ability, and if this is not possible a substitute occupation, such as obedience, agility and working competitions, must be found to stretch the dog's intelligence. Failure to occupy the mind may lead to boredom and destructiveness.
The massive St Bernard and the only slightly smaller Newfoundland do not fit into the three main categories, both being rescue dogs, the former in snow, the latter in water, and with gentler temperaments than others in the group.
The Toy dogs are somewhat misleadingly named, though the common characteristic is smallness of size, the largest being the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Temperamentally they are courageous and faithful to their owners, on occasion quite belligerent as in the tiny Chihuahua. Too often Toy dogs are treated as soft and allowed to become pampered and overfed.
