Breeds are important to behaviour as dogs have been bred over hundreds of years to specialise in wanted behaviours for human benefits. For example:
Gun Dogs - Used for hunting or sport (Labradors, Spaniels, Retrievers). Have high prey and scent interests and high physical drive, thriving highly on human team work.
Toy Dogs - Used for human companionship (Pugs, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise). Have high need for company with low physical needs. Don't like to be alone.
Utility Dogs - Used for specific needs (Dalmatians, French Bulldog, Shar Pei, Akita). Have one job specific to their physical appearance or temperament. This can cause high drive to complete their job.
Hound Dogs - Used for scent tracking or visual hunting (Greyhound, Beagle, Basset Hound, Dachshund). High prey and scent interests and high physical/mental activity, while being independent workers. Yet lazy once resting!
Terrier Dogs - Used for pest control (Staffordshire Bull terrier, English Bull terrier, Jack Russell, West Highland Terrier). High drive to chase or dig and high physical activity requirements. Can be persistent and highly focused on tasks, while being independent.
Working Dogs - Used for guarding or search and rescue (Dobermann, Husky, Boxer, Newfoundland, St Bernard). These are large in size dogs, who can be vocal and are alert and active majority of the day. Can be cautious of novel changes or highly social.
Pastoral Dogs - Used for herding or livestock management (Collies, German Shephard, Corgi, Samoyed). Lots of energy and persistence, with protective qualities.
Therefore, some dogs are naturally better at some things that others. So, a greyhound will easy outrun a jack russell terrier, however the jack russell terrier will be faster at finding a mouse at eat!
However, breed isn’t a limiter! Just because your dog isn’t a collie, doesn’t mean it can’t herd. Just because your Dachshund isn’t a Spaniel, doesn’t mean it can’t retrieve. It just means they might not naturally fit the profile. So, it might take longer to learn, but it is still possible with training designed to their strengths!
Lastly, genetics can affect your dog’s behaviour. What genes they have affect the ability to express certain behaviour. These direct important genes can be from not only their mother and father, but also grandparents. Some genes will skip generations and genders.
However, the environment is what decides how or which of these genes are going to be expressed. Think of it as a recipe, the dog’s genes are the ingredients and the environment then chooses the recipe order. Therefore, the environment can help to switch on or off these genes, however your dog needs the genetic potential first.
Therefore, try not to limit your dog due to its breed or genetics! There is so much more in play. Breed and genetics are the building blocks, but so much more can be added and adapted during the build!
