The popular idea is that we can choose a dog breed with a certain character or temperament. That it behaves in a certain way. For example, a family dog. Or a more obedient dog. But a study is now challenging such stereotypes. It shows that our dog’s character has more to do with the quality of life we ​​give him than with his breed. Are we projecting our type-cast ideas about dog breeds onto our dogs?

Does one dog really behave differently to another because of its breed? As dog owners, we pretty much all say it does and we’ve been doing so for a long time. That we can get a dog with a specific temperament for our specific needs. But one group of researchers is showing us a different perspective. That rather than relying on genes, potential dog owners will need to consider other factors. Mainly the type of environment these prospective dog owners have to offer. Because their findings show that a dog’s breed has hardly anything to do with its personal behaviour. 

“Rather than relying on genes, potential dog owners will need to consider other factors. Mainly the type of environment they have to offer their dog.”

Pit Bulls and German Shepherds are dangerous

Most of us would get out of the way of a Pit Bull or German Shepherd. Whether we know the animal or not. Right? Our fear of certain dogs is common. There are other perspectives out there though, points of view that make us aware of this manner of thinking. Take an article in The Atlantic called ‘People Can’t Give Up a Fundamental Myth About Dog Breeds.’ It points out that our perspective on breed and character is there, in almost every interaction we have about dogs.

Psychology Today is another publication that puts the spotlight on this perspective we have as dog owners. The author calls it nothing but an old habit. And that our breed stereotyping is actually a prejudice against one living being over another. That we can recognise it as a form of racism. Authors like these also point to the popular and high number of “ten-best-dogs-for-families” type articles. There are many and they perpetuate this way of thinking.

Other publications also devote editorial space to how the link between dog breed and character has no scientific basis. Take an article on The Humane Society. It states that “dangerous” Pit Bulls are among the most misunderstood dogs in the world. Plus, that environmental factors cause aggression. Not a particular breed or type of dog. It also reminds us that Pit Bulls types of dogs can be just a easily trained, loving and sweet as any other breeds. And that all dogs, including these types of dogs, are individuals.

Over in China, similar thoughts are put out into the open by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). It too writes that every puppy is an individual, and that our popular stereotypes are not supported by science.

“While dog breed is a poor predictor of behaviour, its rather mythical connection is widespread.”

Are we projecting?

Some say that research like this also has the power to make us ask questions. For example, do certain dogs have certain owners that create them this way? Or, are we projecting? We already know our dogs are sensitive to how their human owners feel, and that they often mimic it. Is the same happening when we expect our dogs to be a certain way? This is something that Popular Science writes for instance.

The conclusion by the researchers that the way our dog turns out to be has more to do with us and the life we give it, than it has to do with them, is something the popular Mexican American Cesar Millan also reflects on in his Better Human Better Dog TV show.

But while breeds are a poor predictor of behaviour, it remains a popular narrative. One that many vets and dog trainers continue to base their behavioural advice on. It seems our connection between dog breed and character is widespread. Can this ever change?

Every dog breed has its own, different character. By telling ourselves this story over and over again, generation after generation, have we been projecting it on our dogs?

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