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Some dog parents and professional trainers believe every dog of the same breed shares key characteristics. Others go so far as to say that breed doesn't matter at all. (You might have seen some popular headlines after the recent Darwin Project study making these claims.)
What's the truth?
As per usual: The answer is that it depends. There's so much nuance when it comes to understanding who your pup is and why! Focusing on our dogs' breeds can provide valuable insights into potential traits, behaviors, and breed-specific needs—but we need to balance these generalizations with recognizing our family members as the individuals they are.
Here are some pros and cons of making decisions based on your dog's breed. Consider them to take the perspective most helpful for you.
Pros of paying attention to your pup's breed
Dogs of the same breed can have some predictable traits
Established dog breeds often have some specific characteristics, temperaments, and energy levels. Understanding these traits can help you anticipate your dog's needs (especially before you bring a new dog home) and tailor your training and fulfillment approach accordingly!
Huskies need more exercise than pugs, for example. Working breeds require more engaging mental stimulation than those bred purely for human companionship.
Some breeds have specific health considerations
Some breeds are prone to certain health issues like cancer, DCM, and eye problems. Be aware of potential breed-related health concerns to up your preventative care and early detection game.
Your dog's breed can help you understand their sociability
Knowing the typical tendencies of your dog's breed can help you provide appropriate socialization experiences. Some breeds may be more naturally outgoing. (Looking at you, retrievers of the world!) We bred others to be reserved. (I know this firsthand with my Australian cattle dog.) This can be especially important information to have during puppyhood.
Nutritional needs can vary between dog breeds
Different breeds may have varying nutritional requirements, especially depending on size during puppy and adolescent years. Understanding these needs can help you prioritize your dog's long-term health.
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Cons of placing too much emphasis on your dog's breed
Individual dogs vary even within the same breed!
While breeds provide general guidelines—and we use rules of thumb for good reason—individual dogs can still vary widely within a breed. Your dog may not exhibit all the typical characteristics associated with their lineage. And that's okay! It's normal.
Many dogs are a mix of multiple breeds anyway
If your dog is a mix or a rescue with unknown ancestors, relying solely on breed characteristics may be less relevant. This is particularly true when shelters try to "guess" a pup's breed mix based purely on appearance, which turns out to be inaccurate the majority of the time. In these cases, focusing on your individual dog's behavior and displayed preferences is more important than ever.
Fixating on breed can create unproductive preconceived notions
Latching too much onto breed stereotypes may lead to preconceived notions... that might not apply to your specific dog. This can hinder your ability to accurately understand—and ultimately connect with!—your pup.
It's important to be flexible in your training approaches
Overemphasis on breed-specific training may limit your ability to adapt to your dog's unique personality and preferences. A more flexible approach allows for better communication. Learning theory is the same across all animals—it's great to understand what tendencies might make certain training goals harder or easier for certain breeds but not to box yourself in based on an arbitrary standard.
So... how much does breed really matter?
While a dog's breed can offer important insights—specially if you're looking for a new companion and want to increase your odds of some specific traits—try not to generalize too much. Individual variation plays a significant role the same way it does in us humans, even if we come from the same background or share some genetics! And factors such as socialization, training, and the surrounding environment can greatly influence your pup's behavior throughout your life together.
Look to your dog's breed first for help understanding confusing behaviors. If they're telling you something different from the accepted "norm," though (like if your Golden Retriever is actually quite shy with new people or your herding dog would rather play tug than chase a herding ball around the yard), listen to what they're saying.
At its simplest: Take the breed-focused information that serves you. Leave the rest!