Breed Knowledge

"Lucky", a Standard Poodle.  Poodles were originally bred for water fowl retrieval.

     Many of us have enthusiastically researched a specific breed, just for fun.  Now-a-days, it is easy to find oodles of information about pretty much anything!  With so much information, it can be helpful to keep a spoonful of salt to balance out all the sugary mess streaming towards you.  I have found, when it comes to dogs, many things can end up so "sugar-coated" that the facts are sometimes obscured.  Most texts are written to appease a human, with pleasing a wide audience in mind. Some sites allow anyone to post an answer or definition.



     Language can at times be ambiguous, or unintentionally misleading, even when it is accurate!
When a particular dog breed is described as having certain tendencies, it is not a guarantee!!! People do not publish information about their breed to trick you, but to inform you. Unfortunately, I see nice people all the time reading a page or two and only hearing what they want to.



"Grace" is a German Shepherd Dog

      Take the AKC (American Kennel Club) for example.  They are a trusted and reputable source for massive amounts of information on all breeds.  It says... "the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder and show competitor" on their website describing the Breed Standards.  Of course this can be absolutely true, but that does not mean all German Shepherd Dogs will be those things.  Properly bred GSDs should have the genetic potential to do all these things.  Without guidance and education very few dogs reach their breed standard potential. It is also worth mentioning, that people writing about breed standards and hallmarks are highlighting the best things possible from the traits that breed has.


     To further clarify the quote from the AKC on German Shepherds: 

     "...a loving family companion..." implies the breed craves human companionship.  In a balanced dog, it is what it says.  It can also bring the potential  for separation anxiety.

     "...herder..." states what the dog was bred for originally.  Not all GSDs have as much of an instinct for moving animals, unless they are bred from generations of other dogs that are working daily herding.  Herding dogs have an abundance of energy, and can get nippy with small people (read "Children") if not supervised.  Herding dogs have the desire to control the movement of whatever they are allowed to.

     "...show competitor...." this applies only if the owner takes the time to condition, train and go to the shows with the dog.  This also does not imply the dog will always win....





"Luca" is an American Eskimo dog. Eskies were once used as Circus entertainers!

       This is only a small tidbit to highlight the ambiguous language used to describe dog breeds, and how the information can impact your daily life with your fur-companion.  All breeds have admirable traits!  The trick is also being able to see the potential pit-falls with inherent behavioral patterns.  Not all personality traits are only sunshine and butterflies, remember to read between the lines!


* "Lucky" and "Grace" photos courtesy of Thomas Brown *