There is a common catch phrase circulating in the dog community that goes it’s “all in how you raise them” - referring to behavioural traits. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Dogs are not born a blank slate.
Temperament and behaviour are a combination of genetics and environment. Domestic dogs have been selectively bred for specific traits to fulfill specific jobs over many generations. This is one of the pleasures of a purebred dog - predictability. By researching a breed one is interested in, it is easier to select a breed that best fits your lifestyle. It’s important to note that the innate behaviours present in a select breed - aka “instincts” cannot be trained out, but only managed. In other words, you can’t take any dog and turn it into something it’s not.
Border collies will stalk and herd. Pointers will be high energy and, as the name suggest, point. Retrievers are soft mouthed and retrieve. Huskies love to pull and run. Beagles will bay and follow their nose. Malinois will be very mouthy and bite.
Mudis will be vocal. They will be easily aroused, and easily shut down (offended). They will be “sensibly suspicious” and prone to alert barking. They will be very “velcro” and want to stick to you at all times. They will be a “one person” dog, and not typically want to interact with strangers. They will be needy and higher energy. They want a job, but they will want that job to be fun. They will often get bored with long, repetitive training sessions (preferring high energy, short, frequent sessions). They will be sensitive. They will be intelligent and clever - meaning they will learn quickly - both good and bad.
Mudis will require lots of work - and it is expected that this is why you want one of these dogs. You want a dog that you have to train and develop a strong bond with. You want a ride-or-die. You want to go on daily walks and adventures where you can include your dog. You want a companion. You want to be a team.
Temperament and behaviour are a combination of genetics and environment. Domestic dogs have been selectively bred for specific traits to fulfill specific jobs over many generations. This is one of the pleasures of a purebred dog - predictability. By researching a breed one is interested in, it is easier to select a breed that best fits your lifestyle. It’s important to note that the innate behaviours present in a select breed - aka “instincts” cannot be trained out, but only managed. In other words, you can’t take any dog and turn it into something it’s not.
Border collies will stalk and herd. Pointers will be high energy and, as the name suggest, point. Retrievers are soft mouthed and retrieve. Huskies love to pull and run. Beagles will bay and follow their nose. Malinois will be very mouthy and bite.
Mudis will be vocal. They will be easily aroused, and easily shut down (offended). They will be “sensibly suspicious” and prone to alert barking. They will be very “velcro” and want to stick to you at all times. They will be a “one person” dog, and not typically want to interact with strangers. They will be needy and higher energy. They want a job, but they will want that job to be fun. They will often get bored with long, repetitive training sessions (preferring high energy, short, frequent sessions). They will be sensitive. They will be intelligent and clever - meaning they will learn quickly - both good and bad.
Mudis will require lots of work - and it is expected that this is why you want one of these dogs. You want a dog that you have to train and develop a strong bond with. You want a ride-or-die. You want to go on daily walks and adventures where you can include your dog. You want a companion. You want to be a team.