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SUMMARY
Dog breeds aren’t distinctions that arose from nature, but are the result of centuries of selective breeding by human owners to enhance certain traits. Hounds and retrievers were bred for chasing prey, so they’ll keep you on your toes if there are small animals nearby. Terriers were selected for their ability to find and kill rats and will often “reward their owners” with their handiwork. Huskies and malamutes still have a lot of their original wolf characteristics, so be prepared for a lot of exercise and a strong prey drive. Beagles think with their noses. I often hear that Labradors make good family pets (and they do), but only after two to three years, when they outgrow their puppy phase (and if their tails are not at the same height as a child’s face, since they wag a lot!).
From “30 Days to a Well-Mannered Dog: The Loved Dog Method” by Tamar Geller
