What kind of temperament do you like in a dog?

[HayleyMarie]

Like what the title says, what temperament do you like in dogs, what characteristics draw you to certain dogs that you meet on the street or even puppies that you pick out of a litter? Or the list of characteristics you want in a puppy that you give to the breeder

-When meeting a new dog, I really like a dog that really does not care about me. Aloof, but not scared. Assesses me before they decided I am someone to like.

- I really like lots of toy drive, and play drive.

- Prey drive (for a terrier)

-adventurousness and curious. Up for anything.

-Handler orientated, but still independent.

-Able to settle in the house.

-sense of humor.

-athletic



I will add more to my list when I think of more.

[Maxy24]

I'm going to look at this as traits I'd like in my own dog, not necessarily in other people's dogs


Extremely lovey with people, he at least has to be extremely affectionate with his people (and I mean likes petting and touching, not just being near). I do not want the dog to be aloof with strangers but he doesn't need to be a complete attention hog (though that would be fine too), but should at least want to say hi and be happy if people want to pet him.

Shadow/velcro type dog who follows me around.

Loves to play tug. I don't really care about fetch, but a dog who likes tug is a must.

A dog who is not super calm, I like a dog who I can get to play fairly easily by wiggling a toy and acting goofy. I know a lot of dogs who need to be in the mood to play, I want a dog who can easily go from doing nothing to playing.

Moderate activity. A dog who likes going for walks, hikes, park trips, etc. but doesn't bounce off the walls if I skimp a little or if he's not being entertained. I can't stand pacing. I want a dog who can lie down and chew a toy when he's bored.

Very responsive to me, he doesn't need to necessarily be super easy to train/obedient but I like a dog who perks up and looks at you when you speak to him or say his name (Tucker is like this, if you mention his name in a conversation to someone, even if you are in a different room and he is resting, his head immediately pops up and he makes eye contact. If you look at him and have a conversation with him he keeps his eyes on your face the whole time and continuously cocks his head from one side to the other, I love it).

Fairly quiet.

Confident and outgoing in all situations.

[Dizzy]

Funny, snuggly, playful, loyal, goofy, keen to learn and bright, energetic but with an off switch indoors, fit and athletic if that can be a trait!

I like dogs that make me smile and laugh.

[AdrianneIsabel]

Drive

Cuddle ability

Off switch

Agreeable with strange dogs

Playful with housemates

Fetch & Tug, play and toy drive.

Honesty, I enjoy a dog that is innovative but I would prefer a dog who's rule abiding.

Smart, interested in learning.

Safe obsession.

Ever forgiving.

Quiet unless asked otherwise.

Natural guard, civil dog.

Tentative with strangers but not unsafe.

Food drive.

I think that's it...

[Hillside]

Originally Posted by AdrianneIsabel

Drive

Cuddle ability

Off switch

Agreeable with strange dogs

Playful with housemates

Fetch & Tug, play and toy drive.

Honesty, I enjoy a dog that is innovative but I would prefer a dog who's rule abiding.

Smart, interested in learning.

Safe obsession.

Ever forgiving.

Quiet unless asked otherwise.

Natural guard, civil dog.

Tentative with strangers but not unsafe.

Food drive.

I think that's it...

My list is virtually identical, except minus the civil part. (Civil means exactly the opposite of what some of you are thinking. )

I do prefer a dog that is more aloof with strangers, but ALL of my breeds are breeds have that trait in their description and ALL of MY dogs have loved everyone they met. All three of my family Dalmatians, Django the Aussie, Saga the Doberman and last, but not least Nico the Malinois who has yet to meet a stranger...

[AdrianneIsabel]

Originally Posted by Hillside

My list is virtually identical, except minus the civil part. (Civil means exactly the opposite of what some of you are thinking. )

I do prefer a dog that is more aloof with strangers, but ALL of my breeds are breeds have that trait in their description and ALL of MY dogs have loved everyone they met. All three of my family Dalmatians, Django the Aussie, Saga the Doberman and last, but not least Nico the Malinois who has yet to meet a stranger...

lol Yup, I like a dog with some edge, lack of trust, strong propensity for civil work (personal protection). That said I still expect a dog to be stable, trustworthy, and safe to interact with strangers.

Even Arnold, my pit bull, who's never disliked anyone is a quiet and calm hello-er. I'm not sure if this was natural or I created it through my behaviors. I've had some love everyone dogs but for the most part I gravitate to dogs that can take or leave (safely unless provoked) strangers.

[Julee]

I love really insane, off-the-wall dogs.

[AdrianneIsabel]

Originally Posted by Julee

I love really insane, off-the-wall dogs.

ahhhh but they're so much more complicated. lol

Tons of drive is never enough. What else do you seek!?

[Julee]

Originally Posted by AdrianneIsabel

ahhhh but they're so much more complicated. lol

Tons of drive is never enough. What else do you seek!?

They are, but it's more fun!

Hrm. I love lots of energy, as well as tons of drive. I want a dog that's going to throw balls or toys at me incessantly throughout the day. I want a dog who is a thinker, and difficult to convince that you're worth listening to. I love dogs who constantly want to go somewhere and do something new. Dogs with an attitude make me ridiculously happy.

Basically, I want more Embyrs.

[Kilter]

They have to be pretty conformation wise - not best in show but not totally icky where you wonder when they'll fall apart.

Nice head

Drive but not over the top crazy. Have one of those already.

Good with people but not so social that they leave the ring to go visit (though I did love that dog for that, she was such a goober - she insisted on making eye contact with a pole setter even if it meant getting into his lap and putting her feet on his shoulders to do so - he had the nerve to sit in a lawn chair and look at the sky instead of talking to a golden!).

A dog that has the brains to figure out a problem themselves without asking for help, but at the same time will listen and respond as needed vs. running to Mexico because she can't find the bird (that was removed because she broke early).

Couch snuggler as needed

Kid's amusement as needed