Typical behaviour and characteristics of the different Breed Groups
By Inge Pauwels
Animal behaviour
In just about any book about dogs you can find a list with descriptions of the different breeds and their origins. There is plenty of information on this subject. However I would like to talk about the behaviour and characteristics of the different breed groups, and what you need to take into account if you choose a particular breed group. I will explain the link between the current behaviour of these dogs and that of their ancestors.
Before you purchase a dog you should take account of the genetic predispositions of the breed and think carefully about whether this type of dog is suitable for you and your family.
1 Sheep and Cattle dogs, such as: German shepherd, Border collie, Bouvier, Saarloos wolf dog , Briard, Schipperke, Komondor, Schapendoes, White Shepherd …
These dogs were originally bred (and still today in some cases) to drive and herd groups of animals. They were very tough and worked all day and in all weathers. Nowadays their descendents need exercise and challenge every day and not just on the weekends when we have time and energy. If you play games that involve throwing sticks and balls make sure that these games are played on your terms. If they have too little exercise or are not given enough challenges these dogs can be quite destructive. When out on a walk they will often run before or after the group. They are often quite independent, but can not function or be happy on their own. Never put them alone in a kennel in the back of the garden. If they are not given proper leadership they will try to take on this task, attempting to take control, becoming increasingly nervous and even resorting to nipping to try to correct and control their owners
2 Pinchers, Schnauzers, Molossoid, such as: . Argentine dog, Bull Mastiff, English Bulldog, Rottweiler, Sharpei , Saint Bernard, Mountain Dog, …
In this group we find dogs that were trained to guard and defend, both on the battlefield and at home.. They are also scavengers and will hunt and kill vermin such as rats and mice. They are courageous, capable of feats of endurance and are prepared to defend everything they consider as ‘theirs:’ (family, territories, objects.) These dogs needed to be able to work independently and take the initiative when required but had to be obedient when given orders by the owner.. This independent attitude can gives rise to conflict, especially if these dogs are only occasionally allowed to spend time with their family and are otherwise left on their own in the backyard..
3 Terriers, such as: Jack Russell, American Staffordshire terrier, Cairn terrier, Bull terrier, Yorkshire terrier, Scottish terrier, Fox terrier, Airedale terrier, Kerry blue terrier …
These tough, tenacious and courageous dogs were originally used for hunting prey, frequently being sent underground (sent to earth) to flush out or kill game and vermin. The very name terrier is derived from the word terra or earth. They have a high pain threshold. The smaller terriers are often wrongly treated as a lap dog, which they are very definitely not! They have the same tenacious characters as the larger terrier breeds and will without hesitation attack things that are bigger than themselves. This breed group are generally very independent and will naturally follow prey underground. Because of their independent nature they are less dependent on their owner or other pack members. They require clear leadership, patience, understanding and at least some basic obedience training. They must be well socialized with other dogs and animals, such as cats . They love to dig (possibly at the expense of your flowerbed) and enjoy playing games that involve hunting and searching for things..
4 Dachshunds: miniature dachshund, rough or smooth -haired dachshund, kaninchen…
Dachshunds come in three sizes and three coat types. They were used for hunting and have similar characteristics (perseverance and stubbornness) as the terrier, but are less aggressive. Clear leadership and a lot of exercise (including swimming) is a must.
. 5 Spitz and primitive types, such as: Akita Inu, Chow – Chow, Pharao hound, Siberian husky , Alaskan Malamute, Basenji , Laika , Samoyed , Podenco, …
This breed group is a collection of different types which originally had a variety of tasks ranging from hunting, guard and defence, sled pulling, some even being used as a food source for humans .What they all have in common is the ability to work in harsh weather conditions and generally they have a soft, gentle nature . They have a tendency to want to control their environment and to get their own way. They will often pull on the lead, even to the point of breaking the lead. They need a lot of exercise.
6 The Scent hound group and related breeds, such as: Basset hound, Beagle, Bloodhound, Beagle, Foxhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Otter hound, …
These are dogs that follow scent (blood) trails, often in packs and are often noisy. They are so focused that almost nothing can put them off from following a trail. If you decide you want one of these breeds then be aware that you will have to do some real training to control their drive and to be able to recall them if they have got the scent of something.. These are dogs that need a lot of exercise.
7 Pointing Dogs, such as: Setters, Bracco Italiano, Drenthe Patrijshond, German Shorthaired Pointer, Vizsla , …
This breed group owes its name to the way the dogs remain motionless, designating their prey by looking or ‘pointing’ at it. It is important that you do not allow these breeds to stray too far from you or the natural hunting instinct will surface and behaviour that is self rewarding, such as tracking and hunting, will be repeated and be hard to control. They need lots of exercise such as cycling and running.
8 Retrievers and water dogs, including: Water spaniel , American cocker spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Flat Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Kooikerhond, Barbet , …
The Spaniels locate and retrieve game from the undergrowth. Retrievers will also retrieve game from water. Boredom can be a problem with these gentle breeds; it can create behavioural problems such as: stealing, destructive behaviour, disobedience, straying…. They can be quite stubborn and tenacious when it comes to retrieving objects. They do need training and education in order to channel their natural talents, thus allowing them to lead happy and fulfilled lives.
9 Companion and Toy Dogs, including: French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Pug, Maltese, Papillon, Pekingese, Shih- Tzu , Bichon Frize, Havaneser, Lion Dog, Chihuahua, …
Because they have been bred for size and appearance and as companion dogs, they have little or no inbred characteristics, such as a strong hunting instinct. They are often wrongly treated as little people so do not know how to react when they encounter another dog, especially if it is a big dog. They can become dominant if they have not been taught how to behave. Sadly many are spoiled rotten and end up terrorizing their own family.
10 Sight hounds, such as : . African Greyhound, Borzoi, Deerhound, Grey hound, Irish wolfhound, Saluki, Whippet, Italian Greyhound , …
This group of dogs hunts by sight rather than by scent.. They see wildlife from afar and can run at high speed to catch their prey. They are also used in racing. We rarely have sufficient space to allow these dogs to roam, especially in places where dogs are not allowed off lead. If they do go after game they can disappear for hours at a time before trying to find their way home again.. You should give them adequate but controlled exercise.
Along with the recognised breeds there are the mixed breeds or mongrels. It is important to try and determine which breed is dominant in the make up of these dogs in order to determine the dominant characteristics
Do you recognize your dog in any of the groups described here or is your dog a ‘one off’? Does your dog demonstrate any of the typical behaviours of the groups? If so, how do you cope?
Let us know in the comment box below.