Breed Biases-Every Dog is Different

Every now and then, recently more so than before, clients tell me that someone they know either personally or from a third party was fearful with the breed they chose for their family. Statements like “Oh, _______ is an ‘aggressive’ breed. They would eat my ________ in a second.” Or “Oh, you should be careful with those _________ dogs. They are extremely unpredictable”. Breed biases are an ongoing problem and it’s important to not give blanket statements about any dog and instead learn more about their development.

First of all, every dog is different and many dogs don’t follow the breed standard. I’ve met plenty of German Shepherds that are as easygoing as a rabbit as well as beagles that just want to lay around all day. There are many factors that go into the personality of each dog and it’s unfair to categorize them so definitively. Genetics play a huge part in the personality of the dog and if/when they display reactivity. 

Dogs don’t hit adolescence until they are 6 or 8 months old which leaves a huge chunk of time (given that most puppies start out with human families at 8 weeks) for socialization and obedience training. This is the age, however, that most reactivity shows up. Even if we do everything we’re supposed to, adolescence is a strange time for dogs and many undesirable behaviors are caused by genetics, hormones, and a second fear period, not their breed. Every time a dog is rehomed, any trust or bond they had with their previous caretakers goes to the wind, and if/when they are placed in a new home, they have to relearn how to behave. How frustrating!

Most undesirable behavior (in my opinion) is caused by genetics, a change in routine, feedback inconsistency or a lack thereof, unrealistic expectations, or a lack of understanding in what their dog is saying. Having said that, canine communication is not taught in schools so most people (unless you’re a professional trainer) expect dogs to be friendly and open to new experiences, which isn’t always the case. So, the next time you come across a dog of any breed, take a second to remember that every dog is different and just because there is a “standard” and/or a history of known aggression in the breed, does not automatically make the dog ‘mean’. Try your best to be open-minded and realize that there are many factors that cause dogs to be the way they are.

If you would like further information on canine behavior and/or how to raise a well-rounded canine, please contact me!