Can a Dog’s Breed Truly Predict their Personality?

If you have a furry friend at home, you’re well aware of all the quirks and eccentricities of your dog’s personality. While every dog is different, there has been a lot of talk surrounding how a dog’s breed plays significantly into his personality development. 

However, it’s not unheard of to have two puppies in the same litter act completely different. As a potential puppy owner or dog enthusiast, understanding your dog’s predicted temperament is paramount to your success as an owner. After all, finding a dog that’s well suited to your lifestyle ensures that Fido lives a long, happy life. Below, we’ll dive into whether or not you can accurately predict a dog’s personality based on their genetic makeup. 

How Do Breeds Work? 

Before we get into personality predictions, it’s important to understand what exactly a breed is. In general, the word “breed” refers to a specific classification of a group of animals. Animals of the same breed share the same or similar gene pools, so it’s likely that similar traits are expressed generation after generation. 

There is also the process of selective breeding. Breeders use this process to increase the likelihood that desired traits will continue to be expressed in future generations. This has caused the breed standard to shift dramatically over time in appearance and presumably personality. Perhaps the starkest example is the evolution of the Bull Terrier. 

Here is a Bull Terrier in 1915:

And here is what we see today:

The breed has been selectively bred to have flatter, wider snouts with upright, pointed ears. That being said, it’s important to note that breeds are rapidly evolving. While we have a general idea and history of certain breeds, it’s impossible to predict all of a dog’s traits with 100% accuracy based purely on breed, since the breed itself is somewhat dynamic. 

What About Mutts? 

While it’s entirely possible that a mixed breed dog could exhibit 50% of the traits of one parent and 50% of the other, such an even split is unlikely. Therefore, it’s even less likely that you’ll be able to predict breed temperament with a mutt. However, this shouldn’t deter you from exploring mixed breeds; as discussed below, proper training and care play a huge role in your dog’s personality. If you’re committed to your purebred or mixed pooch, they’re bound to become loving, loyal companions. 

Does The Breed Always Predict A Dog’s Personality? 

While you can’t predict a dog’s personality with 100% accuracy, it’s true that your dog is influenced heavily by his genetic makeup. For example, Australian Shepherds were originally bred to herd sheep. While it’s unlikely that you work as a shepherd, you may notice that your Aussie still nips ankles in puppyhood and is prone to excitement barking. 

There’s no doubt that genetic predispositions present themselves in some shape or form. A dog’s breed could predict a dog’s personality or at least a portion of it. However, every dog is different and should be assessed on an individual basis. In addition, if a dog is acting outside of its breed stereotype, it shouldn’t necessarily raise cause for concern. 

As with any pet, it’s on the shoulders on the owner to properly train their dog using positive reinforcement techniques. All dogs are good-natured, loyal companions when given the care and attention that they deserve. Predicted breed temperament can be used as a rough guideline while trying to find a dog that suits your lifestyle, but it’s not the end all be all. 

Owning a dog, regardless of the breed, takes a lot of work and commitment. While your dog might not be characteristic of his breed classification, with proper training and care, he’s a surefire friend that will provide endless love and companionship.