Dog owners know that dogs’ variances are numerous. There are hundreds of different breeds and types of dogs, each breed with its own distinct personality traits and behaviors. These distinctive behaviors can be broken down into six separate categories based on the dog’s breed and instinctive qualities. These six categories are aggressive, confident, outgoing, adaptable, insecure and independent. These categories can be broken down individually, listing main characteristics for each division that will separate and individualize each category and can lend valuable information to potential dog owners when choosing a pet.
The first division is the aggressive dog. This dog has an extremely dominant personality. He or she can be easily provoked to bite. The dominant nature of this dog can make him or her extremely resistant to human leadership or dominance. This type of dog will need persistent and rigorous training. This dog type will need a human to provide precise guidance and instruction. This type of dog does best with a one owner household or dominant alpha figure. They make excellent guard dogs or police dogs. Such examples of this being the German Shepard, Chow Chow and Doberman Pincher to name a few of the top nine most aggressive dog breeds.
The next division would be the confident dog. This dog can be dominant and self-assured. This category can also be provoked to bite, but perhaps not as easily as the aggressive division. He can readily accept human leadership. This leadership must be firm and consistent. He will respond best to an owner that is determined and decisive. In the right hands, under the correct leadership, the confident dog has great potential to be a fine working or show dog. He can easily fit into a household provided his owners know what they are doing. Prime examples of this division would include the Labrador Retriever, the Bullmastiff, and the Jack Russell Terrier, all of whom can be trained as working dogs (defined as trained to perform useful tasks, retrieving, herding, etc.) or are frequently valued as prize show animals for their pure breeding heritage and classic form.
A third division or type of dog would be the outgoing breed. A dog with this type of personality is friendly and sociable with people and other animals. . He will be well adjusted, but he must receive regular training. This type of dog may also require lots of exercise. Outgoing dogs will often have a flexible temperament that that helps him adapt well and quickly to different types of environments, but he must be handled correctly by their human counterparts. He can be an excellent family pet if placed in the right type of household, and with proper training. Examples of this specific type of dog may include the Beagle, the Bichon Frise and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These breeds are noted for their particular love of people and attention seeking antics.
A fourth division or type of dog to discuss would be the Adaptable dog. He will adjust himself uniquely to his surroundings, assuring himself of fitting in and keeping himself a home. He will be easy to handle and wants to cooperate and please his human leader. He has a submissive nature and he will look continually to his master for guidance and encouragement. He will be easy to train, and he can trusted explicitly with children and other animals, as he is non aggressive. What he lacks in self-confidence he makes up for by being a quality and loyal family pet. He is less extroverted, but his demeanor is gentle and affectionate. Such types might include Collies, Bulldogs, and the ever popular Mutt, a gentle mixing of all these adaptable breeds.
The fifth division or class is the Insecure dog type. The insecure dog is extremely submissive. He is lacking in self-confidence and may need constant positive reinforcement from his human counterpart. . He will bond very closely with his owner due to this characteristic trait. He requires regular companionship, encouragement and attention to bring him out of himself. If he is handled incorrectly, the insecure dog will grow up to be very shy and fearful. These characteristics may often be mistaken for aggressive behavior, when actually it may be a defense mechanism, triggered by their insecurity or fear. For these reasons, he will do best in a predictable structured lifestyle. He will need owners who are patient and not overly demanding. Examples of this type of dog may include Great Danes, Keeshonds and the Cocker Spaniel.
The sixth and final division or type of dog can be classified as an Independent dog. A dog with an independent personality is uninterested in people and may exhibit little or no interest in receiving human contact. They are typically non aggressive, just happier on their own. He will mature into a dog who is not demonstrably affectionate. He has a low need for human companionship, mainly requiring human contact to meet his basic needs, food, shelter, water, etc. This type of dog may be best for someone who is not home on a regular basis or gone long hours during the day. To perform or behave as intended, these dogs require a singularity of purpose that is not compromised by strong attachments to their owner. Breed examples of this type of dog may include the Shiba Inu, the Petit Basset Griffon Indeen, and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
So, we can conclude that there are indeed many breeds and categories leading to divisions of dogs being classified today, with that number increasing as cross-breeding continues. Division categories, definitions and information obtained on these specific divisions were obtained from the “Dog Temperament” website, also offering a wealth of information on dog breeds, categories, divisions, training for each division and much more pertinent information on specific dog type and care. Thus, this information supporting the breaking down of individual breeds into smaller categories and a further break down of categories to divisions may make it easier for potential dog owners to identify traits and behaviors they are looking for in either a companion, family dog or guard dog.
