Dogs of all breeds have the same personality and lifestyle requirements

FACT – Since dogs’ personalities are shaped and dictated by their genes, it stands to reason that dogs of different breeds have different temperaments, personalities, and requirements. When the dog genome was sequenced in 2005, scientists thought they would quickly be able to pin down the genes that give every breed its hallmark personality, which is why studies have for long focused on the profiling of dogs based on their breeds. They have proven over time facts such as the Border Collie is a workaholic; the German Shepherd will put its life on the line for loved ones. However, they found tremendous variation even within a breed, in aspects of the dog’s personality such as trainability, aggression, endurance and attachment.

Large group of various breeds of dogs together on a white background

Now, in the most comprehensive study of its kind to date, scientists have shown that though such distinct breed traits are actually rooted in its DNA, a dog’s personality and temperament are equally shaped by the influence of its environment, specifically, its primary caregiver or owner. Pit Bulls, generally considered dangerous and difficult to control, have also been occasionally revealed to be complete teddy bears when reared by an affectionate owner. On the other hand, Labrador Retrievers, considered affectionate family dogs, when faced with long periods of loneliness, abandonment or boredom, tend to become frustrated, anti-social, aggressive and destructive. Thus, it was found that the Nature Vs Nurture rule is as applicable to dogs as to humans.

Dogs who go through emotional trauma are as susceptible to depression and anxiety and related behavioural changes as humans, and any major changes in lifestyle results in a behaviour shift in dogs as well. Researchers have found, in fact, that dogs very closely reflect the temperament and adopt the lifestyle of their owners. It is, therefore, critical for prospective pet parents to thoroughly research which breed is best suited to the lifestyle they can provide to their pet, in order to avoid the development of behavioural or health issues later on.

Besides heredity and environment, other equally critical factors that distinguish one dog’s temperament from another are age, sterilization status and physical health. As dogs age or their health deteriorates, their lifestyle requirements evolve. Consequently, the food, exercise and healthcare requirements of dogs also get modified. Therefore, the assumption that dogs of all breeds have the same personality and lifestyle requirements is erroneous.

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