'Best Family' Dog Breed: An Old Assumption?

Think Golden Retrievers are the best family dog breed and Bulldogs aren't? Well, think again! New research and voices across media are turning that old idea on its head. It shows that a dog's personality, character and temperament are more influenced by its environment, owner expectations and care than by its breed.

So, here's the deal: We usually think we can pick out a 'family dog' or 'one that doesn’t bark a lot'. Depending on what we need, we might choose a breed known for 'being aggressive' or 'easy to train,' or whatever character trait that would suit our life. But there's this published study which challenges that traditional perspective. Today's dog breeds, say the researchers, show behaviour traits that are influenced by their surroundings, and these traits can be found in all breeds to different degrees, they found.

Old Habits Die Hard

In an article titled "People Can't Give Up a Fundamental Myth About Dog Breeds," The Atlantic, explores how the belief that a dog's breed determines its personality comes up in nearly every chat about dog breeds, and a writer on Psychology Today criticised our tendency to favouring certain dog breeds, noting "old habits die hard." They also mentioned that numerous "top ten family dogs" articles might perpetuate this outdated idea.

The idea that dog breeds are the best way to guess how they'll act, is one that a lot of people continue to believe in. Many vets and dog trainers also stick to this idea when they offer advice on dog behaviour. You could say it's a story we've been telling about dogs for ages.

Best Family Dog: Change in Perspective

Meanwhile new perspectives are emerging about dog breeds and character. Popular Science calls the link between breed and personality a myth, suggesting it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Society may project expectations onto dogs, similar to human gender stereotypes. Animal Medical Net debunks myths like 'Pit Bulls are more dangerous' and that smaller breeds need more care. South China Morning Post  also dismisses breed personality myths, emphasising each dog's unique personality. Renowned dog expert Cesar Millan, in 'Better Human, Better Dog,' highlights that a dog's behaviour is shaped more by its owner than its breed.

Win-win?

Through the study, the researchers have introduced a new perspective on an old belief, suggesting that rather than focussing on a dog's genetics, people looking to get a dog should think about the type of environment or life they can offer their new furry companion to determine the character or behaviour it will exhibit. So, a Golden Retriever can be just as good a family dog as a Bulldog, or not, and that depends on the life we can give it, not on its breed.

The good news is that it means anyone that can offer a dog a loving and suitable home can bring out the best in them, regardless of pedigree. They concluded: "Therefore, dog breed is typically an unreliable indicator of individual behaviour and should not guide decisions regarding the selection of a pet dog."

"Dog breed is an unreliable indicator of individual behaviour and should not guide decisions regarding the selection of a pet dog."