Posted by Dinah on September 10, 2011, at 20:15:09
In reply to Re: Thanks, posted by Solstice on September 10, 2011, at 17:47:10
I wouldn't say more stable temperaments, just because a well bred purebred dog will have a very predictable temperament. There are some breeds that do tend to be neurotic, but even then you know it going in. If you can tell the heritage of a mixed breed, you can have some idea of what you're getting. But a mix between a terrier and a spaniel could have a wide range of characteristics. My very first, sainted dog, had this mix but was all cocker in looks and temperament.
But mind you, I say well bred. I generally always look for breeders who do obedience with their dogs. Obedience dogs aren't likely to be too flaky, although depending on the breed they might have other undesirable qualities if not kept engaged and challenged.
But then, since I've always had a small pack of dogs, and since I prefer a rather limited range of desirable personality characteristics, predictability is very important to me. More important than it might be for others. I know when I buy a Maltese from a good breeder, that dog is going to act and think like a toy spaniel, not a toy terrier.
There's a wider gene pool among mixed breeds so there might be fewer genetic issues. Fewer but not none. Definitely it helps to look into genetic issues with any particular breed, or obvious breeds with a mixed breed.
For me, my ideal profile would be low dominance with people and animals, high agreeableness and responsiveness, and a certain liveliness of mind. If you combine that with size and coat characteristics I prefer, it leaves me with a few breeds or groups of breeds. The toy spaniels, particularly the agreeable and lively ones like Maltese or Papillons or Havanese or possibly Cavaliers or Chin. For bigger dogs, I started out with a dog from the sheepdog family and when I adopted another after years of not having one, I realized this was my group of dogs. Collies, Shelties, or a relatively calm Aussie. Border collies would be wonderful, but I think they are a bit too much dog for me.
And oddly enough, or perhaps not so oddly if you know them, I adore sighthounds. I was planning on an Italian Greyhound being my next dog, but have been a bit put off by the high numbers of bone breaks. I think I may have to give up on that idea.
I'd love to have a Newfie, but my husband hates drool, and I worry that I'm not dominant enough for even the gentlest giants.
poster:Dinah
thread:995638
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20110910/msgs/996399.html