Dog Breed Traits

There are many different TRAITS (physical characteristics, mental characteristics, emotional characteristics, behavioral characteristics) that a dog might have.

• He might be small, medium-sized, or large.
• He might need lots of brushing, or not much brushing.
• He might shed a lot, or hardly at all
• He might need a lot of exercise.
• He might be a peaceful dog, or more on the aggressive side.
• He might be easy to train, or more stubborn.
• And so on.

Which dog breed traits are right for YOU?

Which dog breed traits would be best for YOU depends partly on which ones you find most appealing.

But only partly!

Which traits would be best for you also depends on whether you’re able to DO whatever those traits require you to do.

For example, you might admire the athleticism and high energy of a Border Collie. But athleticism and high energy are ONLY a good match for you if you can DO all the activities and exercise that athleticism and high energy requires!

Don’t have the time? Then athleticism and high energy aren't good matches for you -- and you’re not a good match for an athletic, high-energy dog -- no matter how "appealing" he is.

People often make the mistake of thinking that the only thing that counts when choosing a dog is whether he meets THEIR needs. That’s very wrong.

You also have to consider the DOG’S needs -- ALL of his needs --
and whether you’re able to provide for those needs or not.
Every dog breed has different needs.

Some breeds need extra socialization to keep them from becoming aggressive or shy. Some breeds need a home without children or cats. Some breeds need an extra high fence. Some breeds need an experienced owner who knows how to handle dominant or stubborn dogs.

So for each dog breed trait, don’t just ask yourself if you like that trait. Also ask: "What does this trait require from me, and can I provide that?"

Dog breed traits to consider

1. Size

Tiny and small dogs have very different needs compared to large and giant dogs. Don't acquire a dog at either end of the size spectrum until you learn what those needs are and whether you can really provide them.

2. Brushing

For some dogs, you need only brush dirt and loose hair from their short coat. Other dogs require brushing and combing twice a week to prevent mats and tangles. And dogs with a long coat require a dedicated routine of 10-20 minutes, every other day, else their coat will be an ugly, matted mass.

3. Trimming/clipping

Some coats require that you use scissors or electric clippers to remove longish hairs around the feet, chest, and stomach, and also trim around the anal area and groin so these areas stay clean and sanitary. Some coats require significant trimming or clipping -- the entire coat must be scissored or clipped several times a year.

4. Shedding/allergies

Many people want a non-shedding dog, but the only breeds that don't shed at all are hairless breeds. Next, there are a small handful of breeds that shed very lightly. Then there are about two dozen breeds that shed lightly.The majority of breeds are average shedders, which means that in our temperature-controlled houses, they shed very small amounts of hair all through the year PLUS a heavier 3-week shedding period each spring and fall. Finally, some breeds are heavy shedders. They shed small amounts of hair throughout the year, and so much hair during their spring and fall shedding seasons that the chunks need to be raked out with a special shedding brush.

5. Attitude toward children

When you’re trying to choose a dog, the issue of children can be a real problem. The reality is that from a dog’s perspective, children are NOT like adult human beings at all.

I've written a book called How To Buy a Good Dog that talks very frankly about choosing a safe breed for children. For many reasons (all of which are covered in the book), the majority of purebred dog breeds are not suitable for children under age 10. I'll tell you which breeds I DO recommend for young children, which breeds I don't recommend, and which breeds are the very worst choices.

More dog breed traits...

6. Amount of physical exercise
7. Amount of mental exercise/activities
8. Recommended fence height
9. Risk of aggression toward people
10. Risk of aggression toward other dogs
11. Attitude toward cats and other small pets
12. Obedience/trainability
13. Lifespan
14. Cost