Hobbies And Interests
Selective Breeding Works
When puppies are first born, there are already breed differences in size, energy and appetite. With each stage of development, puppies progressively manifest the distinct characteristics of their breed. A Labrador pup will begin early to retrieve. Various shepherds will try to guide toddlers around the house. Terrier pups will stalk and hunt a roach or a spider the same way they were bred to go after rats and rabbits. Beagle pups will dig.
Exceptions to Every Rule
This does not mean that there are never exceptions to the rule. Genetics and environment combine in sometimes unpredictable ways; you can get a dull-witted Lab, an Australian Shepherd that doesn̵7;t care where anything runs, a terrier that is timid or a Beagle that doesn̵7;t display tunnel vision. Any time you are looking at a pup to buy or take home, if there are characteristics you want in that puppy, don̵7;t simply choose according to breed. Observe the puppy, preferably with siblings, to see how characteristic its behavior is.
Boys and Girls
Males and females of the same breed can display different behaviors. The complication is that among most breeds, behavior among males is more consistent than that among females. The saying goes, ̶0;For a good dog, select a male; for a great dog, select a female and pray.̶1; Males generally perform better when in competition with other males. Females are thought to be more affectionate. These may not be surprising, and many people say that the expectations of owners may have more to do with gender differences between dogs than anything innate. Again, the best insurance in dog selection is to watch the puppy.
Testing for Temperament
While you can expect certain puppy behaviors based on breed, there is an easy way to check through a litter to determine differences in temperament between the various puppies. The temperament test takes four easy steps: the tummy rub, the paws squeeze, the ear tickle and the tail grab. Roll the puppy on its back and rub its tummy to see whether it fights to get up, which is a sign that the puppy will not be dominated easily. Squeeze the paws gently to see if the puppy snaps at your fingers. Tickle and tug the ears to see if the pup enjoys the companionship. Hold the puppy̵7;s tail gently, to see if the puppy snaps angrily or gets playful.