What kind of temperament do you like in a dog?

[misfitz]

Haven't read the whole thread, but my list is, in order of importance more or less -

- Handler oriented. If a dog doesn't want to work with me even just a little, I have no interest in trying to convince him/her to do so. I also don't mind a dog that's aloof with strangers. I like to feel special LOL

- bombproof/not spazzy...not sure exactly how to put it, but a dog I can take out in public without worrying. Sienna spooks at things sometimes and that's ok, but she goes away from them, not towards them barking. I like that.

- somewhat drivey, that's the one thing I would change about Sienna actually, she gives up too easily. Not over the top but I'd like a dog that's a little more driven to keep going in the face of adversity (say when he/she loses a track)

- has a sense of humor; not a dog that thinks they're the 'fun police'

[MericoX]

Ones that are naughty. The naughtier the better!!

[Moth]

I like a dog that can think for itself.

I do not want a dog that is overly soft.

Confident, inquisitive, and clever.

Affectionate with me, accepting of others but does not need to absolutely love people.

I love a dog with a sense of humor.

Originally Posted by MericoX

Ones that are naughty. The naughtier the better!!

Sounds like you need some basenjis

[GoingNowhere]

Sit stay and I have similar preferences, I think.

My ideal dog:

medium or larger sized

dog tolerant everywhere and cat tolerant indoors (ideally outdoors too... I'd rather not have to deal with crazy prey drive)

good off switch, but always happy to get up and go

can be motivated to enjoy training with the appropriate rewards

reliable off leash

enjoys hiking

fairly soft - the kind of dog who listens to your tone and reacts to it

ideally longish coat

reacts appropriately to strangers on and off property - I don't care that the dog loves everyone, but it should either happily accept petting/approaches or politely avoid them. No fear barking/biting or aggressive behavior.

quiet/not a big barker

independent enough that they'll entertain themselves or relax in the house when I'm out, but still handler oriented enough that they're affectionate and trainable

[Michiyo-Fir]

Highly biddable
Dog friendly
People friendly
Likes fetch
Food motivated
Toy motivated
Good off switch
Able to spend alone time
Outgoing
Inquisitive
Playful
Happy happy happy!

[sassafras]

Originally Posted by HayleyMarie

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jerk face dogs. Teagan's a little Bitch and I love it.

I really like sh*thead cats, too.



I do prefer a dog who is sort of happy go lucky/fun. A natural orbiter. Cuddly but not super needy. Logistically medium/small dogs are nice but dang if I don't love me a big old goober.


Who is also kind of a jerk.

[Saeleofu]

I like Logan's temperament a lot. He's outgoing and gets along swimmingly with people, dogs, and other animals. He's got a desire to please, but also a mind of his own. He's a bit (okay, a lot) dorky. Even though he's independent and likes to keep himself busy, he still makes time for cuddles and sleeps in med with me every night. He's pretty much bombproof and very confident. He's smart (when he's not being dorky) and is a breeze to train, though he does have a small stubborn streak. The only thing I might change is that I wish he had just a bit more drive. He does have a good amount of drive, but I'd like just a tiny bit more - the way he was when he was younger would be ideal. I worked so hard on getting him to ignore food and not take me hand of with a treat that it sort of squashed his drive a bit. He's just a very, very balanced dog and I love that about him. His scores on the ATTS test were all very near the middle.

[Torch]

I love the true terrier temperament. Very drivey, very fun, very loving.

My current dog is really gentle and sweet. He's very quirky and silly. It makes him worthless as sports dog, and he has very little toy drive, but he is SO loving. He's surprisingly a good compliment to our terrier friends (my parents also have a terrier mix).

[Oko]

A lot of 'temperament' things I think of are really just training, so. Always ready to gogogo, super smart, and socially attracted to people. One person dog mindset. Not over the top, but does get excited and crazy. Small enough that if it is obnoxiously hyper no one really cares because it's cute. Super feisty with a naughty streak a mile long.

[Laurelin]

I am not sure. There are a couple of temperament types that really appeal to me.

I really like a good reliable dog. The lassie type or Rin Tin Tin. Something laid back, thinking and intelligent. Into their people and devoted. Good common sense and practicality. A good guardian that always has your back.

I also love a little brat dog too. Impish, clever, over the top, tons of fun, and busy. Still biddable and driven. Still very handler oriented. A one person dog. Opinionated. Nikki and Mia fit that mold well. I hope to always have a brat around.

And almost anything in between. My big must haves are some drive- food and toy preferable. And I like biddability and a dog that is very handler oriented. I like a dog that works to have fun over anything.

I mesh best with herders in general. Papillons are another good fit.