Dog Breed Traits

Different dog breeds were created by selectively breeding for specific traits in order to develop dogs who can do different tasks in order to help humans. Some traits are physical (such as long legs, muscular bodies, or shorter skulls) and some are to do with temperament or behaviour (such as a determined nature or a love of water).

Dogs traditionally bred to do a task such as pulling carts or herding livestock are commonly called ‘working breeds’. Other breeds were chosen for specific aesthetic features or bred for companionship (yes, being a lapdog is a specific purpose!). Your dog’s breed can’t explain everything your dog does because every dog is an individual shaped both by their genes and their experiences, but it can give great insight into his/her personality and behavioural traits.

Think of something your dog loves to do. For example, I know a Labrador, Buddy, who loves to play in the water. In summer you will always find him in the paddling pool and pushing the pool toys around. Not surprising, given the Labrador Retriever was bred for retrieving (picking up and bringing back) game birds in water to assist hunters. Even though the only retrieving Buddy does for his humans is when he’s playing fetch with a tennis ball, it is likely his genetics influence him to be fond of water.

My friend’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Ava and Darcy, are absolutely obsessed with hunting lizards in the yard and on walks. There is nothing that can distract them from the chase if a lizard darts across their path. The origin of this trait is a tad more complex than Buddy’s, as Cavaliers were in fact bred to be foot warmers and lapdogs in Tudor England, not hunters. However, the breed was developed from toy spaniels who were used for hunting. So while my two furry friends are certainly keen on sitting in my lap, there’s also a reason for their lizard hunting addiction!

Of course, their genetic inheritance also predisposes dogs to behaviour that is not welcome in modern life, now that most of us don’t live on working farms or need to ride carts.

Some breed-specific behaviours:

🐕 Huskies and other sledding dogs tend to pull strongly on lead

🐕 Herding breeds such as collies and kelpies often chase cars, bicycles and joggers

🐕 Many Labradors enjoy paddling all the water out of their water bowls

🐕 Smaller terriers often enjoy digging holes and burrowing in the garden

🐕 Breeds of terriers and mastiffs developed for bull-baiting or dog fighting tend to be less tolerant of unfamiliar dogs

Knowing this certainly goes some way to explain why our dogs act the way they do – we selected their ancestors specifically to be good at these things!

Luckily, you can use this knowledge to your advantage.

Identifying breed-specific traits in your dog can help you satisfy your dog’s needs in ways they find fulfilling, and thus prevent unwanted behaviours at home. If you own a Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute, a dog originally bred to pull sleds – well, you may enjoy taking your dog sledding! If you don’t live near snow, there are other sports that involve your dog pulling – including canicross (your dog pulls you as you run or jog) or bikejoring (your dog pulls you on a bike).

Dogs whose original purpose was to herd livestock, such as border collies, shepherds, corgis and Australian kelpies often enjoy chase games with other dogs due to their natural instincts to herd. (Just make sure their playmates also enjoy these kinds of games!) Games like Frisbee, fetch and flyball are another safe way to fulfil their desire to control movement.

words by: Ellen Mok