Dog Breed Personality Guide
Dog Breed Personality Guide
A dog's breed has a big impact on its personality. This article will explain some of the major differences in dog personalities by their breeds so you can pick which one best suits your lifestyle, or choose to mix and match between two different breeds with similar qualities.
A lot of people always show a natural preference for dogs that look cute and fluffy, but it's important to remember that these dogs can sometimes have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercise. One breed that does not actually fall into this category is the Pug, which has a particularly lazy personality despite its cute appearance. We go into depth below on everything you need to know about different types of dog breeds.
High Energy Breeds
A dog with a lively personality will also need daily walks in order to get rid of excess energy, otherwise it will be almost impossible to keep it under control and you will quickly find that your house is trashed. A dog with a high energy level can also make for an excellent jogging companion if this is something you enjoy doing. Dog breeds with higher energy levels are:
- Siberian Husky
- Labrador Retriever
- Poodle
- Golden Retriever
Gentle Personality Breeds
A dog with a gentle personality is very suitable as a family pet, especially when kids are involved. This kind of breed will be very affectionate and patient with children, but will quickly let you know when it has had enough excitement. It's important to nip bad behavior in the bud early on by making sure your dog understands that you are in charge; this kind of breed will respect leadership. Dog breeds with a gentler personality are:
- Golden Retriever
- Belgian Shepherd Dog
- English Springer Spaniel
Lower Energy Breeds
A dog with a low energy level does not need much exercise at all and will be content with a quiet walk around the block or some play time in the yard. It will not be as easily excitable as some other breeds, and won't require much training because it typically has a relaxed nature. Dog breeds with lower energy levels are:
- Bulldog
- Greyhound
- French Bulldog
- Boston Terrier
Stubborn Breeds
A dog that is particularly stubborn will often need more assertive owners who know how to show the dog who's in charge. This generally means that it needs more training and that you need to be more aware of its behavior than with other breeds, although this becomes easier over time as the dog learns who is boss. Dog breeds that can be more stubborn are:
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Beagle
- Bulldog
- Chow Chow
- Dachshund
- German Shepherd Dog
- Giant Schnauzer
Intelligent Breeds
An intelligent breed will require a lot of attention and mental stimulation on a daily basis if you want it to get along well in your household. If you have a busy schedule and cannot give this kind of breed enough attention, it is recommended that you don't get one. Dog breeds that are pretty intelligent are:
- Border Collie
- Poodle
- German Shepherd Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
Independent / Self-Entertained Breeds:
A dog with a resourceful personality will naturally be more inclined to find ways to entertain itself rather than just waiting patiently for your next command. If the dog has already been trained from a young age, it canΒ be taught to play alone with toys when you're not around; otherwise, you'll need to invest in plenty of chew-friendly dog products. Dog breeds that are more resourceful are:
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Vizsla
- Irish Setter
- Papillon
Toy Breeds with Energy to Spare
A toy breed is typically small and therefore has a lot of energy that can be hard to contain. If you have kids, this kind of breed is not recommended because it may become frightened or start nipping in order to get them to stop bothering it. These breeds are generally better suited for households without children. The most commonly known toy breeds are:
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Toy Poodle
- Maltese
- Pomeranian
Affectionate Personality Breeds
A dog with a very affectionate personality is great if you are looking for a cuddle buddy or if you're simply after an easy-to-train breed. It's important to note that this kind of breed is not as independent as others and will require plenty of love and attention. Dog breeds with an affectionate personality are:
- Papillon
- Toy Poodle
- Pomeranian
- Boston Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
Minimal Grooming Breeds
While some dogs only need minimal grooming, others may require more or even extensive grooming on a regular basis. If you are unsure of these details, or simply do not have the time to dedicate to grooming your pet every day, it's important to find out about this before you make any decisions. Dog breeds with low grooming requirements are:
- Basset Hound
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- English Bulldog
Low Shedding Dog Breeds
A low shedding dog breed should be the perfect choice if you're looking for a dog that doesn't drop hair all over your house. This type of breed will require regular grooming and brushing, but won't shed very much at all. Dog breeds with a minimal shedding level are:
- Bichon Frise
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Poodle (toy)
- Schnauzer (miniature)
Excellent Temperament Breeds
A temperament test can be helpful when you're new to the world of owning a dog. In order for this test to be effective, it's important that you get your puppy from a reputable breeder who will have given it plenty of socialization and training from an early age so that it can easily adapt to all types of new environments in the future. The kind of environment in which you raise your puppy will also have a major impact on its character. Dog breeds with an excellent temperament are:
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Collie
- Poodle (miniature)
Dogs are bred for a variety of different personality traits, and it's important to select the right breed for your individual lifestyle. If you're not sure which breed is best suited for you, consider taking a temperament test or reading up on the history and origins of various dog breeds. By selecting the right dog breed, you'll be able to create a lasting bond and enjoy years of companionship.