Different Temperaments/characteristics

[DogNerd]

Sorry if this has been done before. I thought about this a while ago and now after reading the thread about getting a Saluki, it reminded me. What are the similar characteristics of each group? (not necessarily the show groups)

I know Spitz can be stubborn, head-strong etc and it also comes down to different breeds and different personalities but how would YOU describe your group in general? One I'm really curious about is the Gundogs...

[Dame Aussie]

I've never had a gundog so can't really help there sorry.

But in my house I have a Working breed: Aussie Shepherd and a Utility (LGD mix): Anatolian x Maremma.

I would say from my experience working dogs like Aussies etc are loyal, eager to please, highly trainable, very clever, very energetic, reserved with strangers and absolute clowns at times.

My LGD is head strong, stubborn, can NEVER be let off lead, dominant and obviously very protective. He is also the biggest sook on the planet and is very, very sensitive to my emotions/actions.

[Atanquin]

Well my experience with gun dogs is that they can be very very intelligent but at the same time big idiots that do the stupidest things like run head first into a glass door or just the wall they have lots of energy and could running all day ) I suppose that is what they where bred for) and very people orientated so not the best guard dogs they try to lick the intruder to death. That is what zorro is like ( English cocker spaniel) but my sisters short haired German pointer " badger" was the same also my great aunties English cockers and springers and setters all that the goofy personality. Oh and I should mention all totally bird obsessed

[redial]

LGDs are very aloof with strangers but bonded to their family. They can be clowns and rarely come when they have something better to do. A very independent breed, big barkers!

[Dame Aussie]

LGDs are very aloof with strangers but bonded to their family. They can be clowns and rarely come when they have something better to do. A very independent breed, big barkers!

This :rolleyes: Does my head in!

[redial]

LGDs are very aloof with strangers but bonded to their family. They can be clowns and rarely come when they have something better to do. A very independent breed, big barkers!

This :rolleyes: Does my head in!

I know! Yesterday afternoon we had a visitor, he opened the gate a bit too wide and Ammo took his chance and darted out and up the street, I've given up calling him, he's off seeking new territory. Luckily our neighbour saw us coming opened his gate where he had just deposited fertiliser and Ammo followed his nose LOL. It drives me insane! We even put a sign on the gate saying please close the gate quickly as dog likes to get out...no one cares

[FHRP]

I would describe Gundogs in general as energetic, atheltic, biddable dogs. They were/are bred to work with and for people in the field, often with other dogs. As a result you get the characteristics described above. There are of course exceptions where breed purpose was slightly different.

You can break it down further to find similar physical and temperament traits within the Gundog breeds. For example Spaniels are busy dogs, shorter on leg with longer coat. They are bred to flush game and work close to their human in the field (well within gun range), often going into dense cover. If you watch them work, it is a very 'busy' action, always on the go. Where as the Pointer (English) and Setters are bred for the specific purpose of locating and pointing game. They work a lot further from their human, holding location of the game until the gun is close. They are longer on leg and finer built and often a little more difficult to train than many of the other gundog breeds because what they do doesn't require the close control of some of the other breeds. Utility Gundog breeds are a jack of all trades, they hunt, point and retrieve. They are used in the paddock to hunt, point and retrieve feather and fur game, as well as on the duck pond to retrieve from water. They are highly trainable and also can be highly strung with lots of energy. They are generally longer on leg than the Spaniels and Retrievers and have a variation of coat type.

Of course I've made generalisations and there will be exceptions in any breed

Edited December 12, 2011 by FHRP

[DogNerd]

Thanks guys, it's very interesting. It's funny how you describe the spaniels and pointers, I've come across a few that are definitely like that!

[wuffles]

FHRP, what would you say the main differences between Gundogs and Working Dogs are in terms of temperament? I don't have that much to do with gundogs so really have no clue!

[dancinbcs]

FHRP, what would you say the main differences between Gundogs and Working Dogs are in terms of temperament? I don't have that much to do with gundogs so really have no clue!

As a very general rule Gundogs don't chase live prey much but retrieve it once it has been killed. Some are used to flush out prey but not catch it live. This means they are more inclined to follow orders closely. Gundogs are also supposed to have soft mouths to avoid damaging the game they retrieve so they have strong bite inhibition.

Working dogs have to herd live animals so have more of a chase instinct but again should not kill anything. They will defintiely nip if needed to move a stubborn animal or defend themselves so have less bite inhibition than Gundogs but a lot more than Terriers or Hounds that kill their prey. Their need to deal with live animals that move fast means they are more inclined to think for themselves. They are biddable and easy to train but if they think something would be better done a different way they will try it.

The two breeds used most for obedience are BCs and Goldies. The Borders are faster to train but like to add their own "variations" to the exercises to spice things up when they get bored. You need a sense of humour to trial a BC. The Goldies tend to be more steady and reliable trial after trial.

[RubyBlue]

I would describe Gundogs in general as energetic, atheltic, biddable dogs. They were/are bred to work with and for people in the field, often with other dogs. As a result you get the characteristics described above. There are of course exceptions where breed purpose was slightly different.

You can break it down further to find similar physical and temperament traits within the Gundog breeds. For example Spaniels are busy dogs, shorter on leg with longer coat. They are bred to flush game and work close to their human in the field (well within gun range), often going into dense cover. If you watch them work, it is a very 'busy' action, always on the go. Where as the Pointer (English) and Setters are bred for the specific purpose of locating and pointing game. They work a lot further from their human, holding location of the game until the gun is close. They are longer on leg and finer built and often a little more difficult to train than many of the other gundog breeds because what they do doesn't require the close control of some of the other breeds. Utility Gundog breeds are a jack of all trades, they hunt, point and retrieve. They are used in the paddock to hunt, point and retrieve feather and fur game, as well as on the duck pond to retrieve from water. They are highly trainable and also can be highly strung with lots of energy. They are generally longer on leg than the Spaniels and Retrievers and have a variation of coat type.

Of course I've made generalisations and there will be exceptions in any breed

This is very well said. I will add that my personal experience with retrievers is that they are very people oriented, very keen to please and emotionally robust (by that I'm trying to say that they wouldn't be described as sensitive, aloof or standoffish.) Life is fun if you're a gundog - the tail is nearly always wagging with enough force that their whole body wags.

My experience with the herding breeds is limited but all the ones Ive met seem to get offended very easily and quite a few of those have rather intense personalities.

Personally (from my limited exposure - and am happy to be corrected if Ive got it wrong) the way I see the general personality types it is that herding dogs are quite serious, they like their work and are always 'on', they work for the boss but don't need or want to be micro-managed by the boss. Gundogs are like professional athletes, they play hard, train hard and party hard. You are more like the coach and team mate, they'd rather work with you than just do it all for you.

Edited December 13, 2011 by RubyBlue

[wuffles]

FHRP, what would you say the main differences between Gundogs and Working Dogs are in terms of temperament? I don't have that much to do with gundogs so really have no clue!

As a very general rule Gundogs don't chase live prey much but retrieve it once it has been killed. Some are used to flush out prey but not catch it live. This means they are more inclined to follow orders closely. Gundogs are also supposed to have soft mouths to avoid damaging the game they retrieve so they have strong bite inhibition.

Working dogs have to herd live animals so have more of a chase instinct but again should not kill anything. They will defintiely nip if needed to move a stubborn animal or defend themselves so have less bite inhibition than Gundogs but a lot more than Terriers or Hounds that kill their prey. Their need to deal with live animals that move fast means they are more inclined to think for themselves. They are biddable and easy to train but if they think something would be better done a different way they will try it.

The two breeds used most for obedience are BCs and Goldies. The Borders are faster to train but like to add their own "variations" to the exercises to spice things up when they get bored. You need a sense of humour to trial a BC. The Goldies tend to be more steady and reliable trial after trial.

Thanks My Aussie tends to be quite "different" to the BCs I know but what you have said definitely makes sense.

[jacqui835]

Well I've only had experience with toy breeds, terriers and working dogs.

I had a fox terrier cross who was loyal, loving but without fear and driven to prove himself. If another dog wanted to fight, my dog was desperate to take them on, even if it was more than double his size. Ball obsessed - would chase and retrieve all day and all night. Very high stamina - never saw him as a small dog even though he was only 10-15kg. Clever, exceptional watch dog. Excellent hunter, caught birds, rabbits, mice and rats. Exceptional escape artist - escaped many times from our house by climbing trees or digging under fences and would take himself for walks - good natural road sense - we once saw him waiting at the side of the road until the cars stopped, then crossing. Intelligent. Great grip, he could grab towels on the clothes line and swing around suspended...

Doberman cross: very loyal, will come to me even if someone else is waving a ball/food etc if I so much as look like I want him with me. Partner dog, always looking to me to see what "we're" going to do. Protective but not a great watch dog, loves to chase all animals, fast but doesn't have the reflexes of the terrier. Ok with other dogs, but will stand his ground if he has to, doesn't go looking for fights. Very important to him to be close to me, doesn't work for others, doesn't go walking off by himself so an easy dog to have off-lead. If you give him to someone who is not assertive, he takes advantage of the situation and steps up into lead position (or just pulls them on the lead back to me). Not fearless, concerned with self-preservation (unlike the terrier), but won't be separated from you or let you get attacked without doing what he can. That said, the stupid thing managed to flush a kangaroo bigger than me the other day and was chasing it through the bush... Difference is I can call him off, never could have done that with the terrier. Least independent of the dogs I've had anything to do with - the party is where you're at. Sammy learns new tricks faster than any other dog I've ever worked with because he is soo sensitive and intune with me. But unless you know exactly what you want and you're committed, you won't get it from him - only get what you put in. Limited road sense.

Papillons: loving, very loyal, don't seem to take themselves too seriously, one is ball obsessed, intelligent, easy to walk on the lead (2 corrections and they were walking perfectly and they've never gone back to pulling even now back with my sister, who does no training whatsoever). Excellent watch dogs (the best set-up we ever had was when I was living with my sister and the papillons would first hear the threat and then call the doberman - when alone they just bark and hid behind their owners, but when they had Sammy they raced out leading him to the threat, was very funny to watch). Cunning little things, they knew where the weak spots in the fence were but they weren't strong enough to destroy it themselves. So as soon as Sammy comes over, they grab him and race to the weak spots and show him what to do. He quickly starts copying (because that's what he does best) and soon has the fence in pieces. They escape and then sit in the drive way- the papillons I think just wanted to prove they could, and Sammy just wants to be part of the action. I imagine with the papillons I could win obedience tournaments, when you're working with them they're so desperate to please and nothing is too low for them. They do more than what you ask for. No road sense.

[huga]

Bulldogs like to eat stuff, edible or not :D

[tiff-689]

I own an english pointer and grew up with two GSP's. Gundogs are my absolute favourite and all three have been quite similar personality wise. They are one of a kind. Endless energy, very goofy and silly, hard to train at times as they like to make up their own rules, big sooks and absolutely crazy about human affection (i find they are more taken to humans then other dogs). I live on a 5 acre property so i definitely see the pointer in her. Once she spots a bird or rabbit, she is 100% focused and it's practically impossible to get her attention. She isn't quite quick enough to catch them yet but my old GSP loved catching and killing rabbits and then bringing them to the back door to show off.

Edited December 13, 2011 by tiff-689

[SparkyTansy]

FHRP describes the Gundogs well - it's always best to look at their history and what they were bred to do.

Setters I feel are all rather misunderstood... They are not "dumb" but rather independant thinkers due to the far ranging nature of the work they were originally bred to do. They often made decisions themselves in the field and this reflects in their... stubborness today! They are quite happy to make their own decisions, including whether it is a reasonable request to return to their master when called

Agree with what is said about the utility gundogs, and to break it down further, Weims were bred not just for field but to work and live very closely with humans... as a result they hunt close, slow and steady. They are aloof with strangers and need socialisation in order to tolerate other dogs.

[Nevafollo]

Well my experience with gun dogs is that they can be very very intelligent but at the same time big idiots that do the stupidest things like run head first into a glass door or just the wall they have lots of energy and could running all day ) I suppose that is what they where bred for) and very people orientated so not the best guard dogs they try to lick the intruder to death. That is what zorro is like ( English cocker spaniel) but my sisters short haired German pointer " badger" was the same also my great aunties English cockers and springers and setters all that the goofy personality. Oh and I should mention all totally bird obsessed

Tell that to mine ... Seriously, please tell them!

I would describe Gundogs in general as energetic, atheltic, biddable dogs. They were/are bred to work with and for people in the field, often with other dogs. As a result you get the characteristics described above. There are of course exceptions where breed purpose was slightly different.

You can break it down further to find similar physical and temperament traits within the Gundog breeds. For example Spaniels are busy dogs, shorter on leg with longer coat. They are bred to flush game and work close to their human in the field (well within gun range), often going into dense cover. If you watch them work, it is a very 'busy' action, always on the go. Where as the Pointer (English) and Setters are bred for the specific purpose of locating and pointing game. They work a lot further from their human, holding location of the game until the gun is close. They are longer on leg and finer built and often a little more difficult to train than many of the other gundog breeds because what they do doesn't require the close control of some of the other breeds. Utility Gundog breeds are a jack of all trades, they hunt, point and retrieve. They are used in the paddock to hunt, point and retrieve feather and fur game, as well as on the duck pond to retrieve from water. They are highly trainable and also can be highly strung with lots of energy. They are generally longer on leg than the Spaniels and Retrievers and have a variation of coat type.

Of course I've made generalisations and there will be exceptions in any breed

This is very well written and spot on I think!

!

[jacqui835]

Bulldogs like to eat stuff, edible or not :D

lol

[indigirl]

I have a golden who is high maintenance. She likes to please me to a certain extent but shes also a princess and very demanding. She is totally totally into affection, exercise, playing etc. She has a bomb proof temp with pups, smalls, cats and kids. She has just turned 6years old and is not the easiest dog to live with. Having said that she loves water, loves other dogs, has a reliable recall, and loves being with me. She loves all ppl and has the softest mouth. She is intelligent but bores easily. So obedience bored her to tears altho she knew all the commands. She knows a lot of commands/phrases, and learned commands easily but that doenst mean she is always obedient. Just because she knows what shes menat to do doenst mean she will do it. As i said she is a princess lol. She still digs like she is possessed and will destroy things in the house on a semi regular basis. Its just her. I think she enjoys tormenting me.

My old golden was a male and much easier to manage. He was very eager to please and lived for affection and exercise. HE did well at obedience and was very easy to train. He was also very well behaved.

[Blackdogs]

Alternatively, if you would like to be utterly confused, I can tell you about the Schipperke!

They have the focus, drive, trainability, loyalty, hyperactivity and agility of a herding breed, the clownishness of a gun dog, the territoriality and protective instincts of a mastiff, the prey drive of a sighthound, the stubborness of a spitz breed, the nose of a scent hound and the scappiness and determination of a terrier!