Plenty of us determined to welcome new four-legged buddies into our properties in the previous few years – in response to the Kennel Club figures canine possession soared by practically eight % over lockdown – and post-pandemic demand for puppies stays excessive.
There are a whopping 221 completely different breeds of pedigree dog to select from, alongside quite a few crossbreeds, so there’s loads of considering to do earlier than you choose your loved ones’s latest addition.
There’s even tutorial steerage to hunt out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s ebook ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ rating breeds by instincts, obedience, and the flexibility to adapt.
One factor to think about is that sure breeds of canine are inclined to have particular persona traits which, relying in your life-style, might assist you decide.
Here are the 5 essential canine persona varieties in response to on-line retailer Studio and pet behaviour and dietary skilled Anna Webb.
For all of the latest canine information, chat, recommendation and data, be part of our Scotsdog Facebook group here
1. The Bell Boy
Bell Boys are very clever, making them extra acutely aware of ‘threats’ to the home. For instance, they’ll probably be the primary to let when a supply driver is shut by. A educated Bell Boy will bark and rush to their proprietor to test they’ve heard her or him, earlier than retreating to his mattress and letting you reply the door. So, house owners ought to deal with create a boundary across the entrance door by instructing their canine to settle in mattress and rewarding them for doing so. Using a wide range of toys will assist to maintain the Bell Boy’s curiosity all through the day, making them much less bothered by surrounding stimuli. Basic obedience cues with tasty rewards can even assist to scale back undesirable behaviour. Tibetan Terriers, Poodles (pictured), Westie’s, and Chihuahuas are Bell Boy breeds that like to alert their house owners. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
2. The Joker
Jokers are impartial thinkers and pure comedians. They know precisely what they need, which may result in consideration looking for behaviours to get their approach. These ‘tantrums’ imply you would possibly discover the Jokers shredding cushions or chewing on desk legs. Plush toys are greatest prevented as they’re simply shredded by the Joker. Instead, go for some non-squeaky or interactive toys to channel their fun-loving persona. Training an ideal fetch is nice for decreasing frustration with a fast excessive affect power burn. Practicing basic cues, like sit, down, and keep, day-after-day with the Joker may help to scale back leaping and barking for consideration. Frenchies (pictured), Bostons, Bull Terriers, and British Bulldogs are nice examples of the Joker persona. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
3. The Workaholic
Workaholics love being on the go – they’re excessive power and revel in working arduous for his or her house owners by means of coaching and play. If their workaholic nature isn’t happy, these dogs might turn out to be bored and switch to barking, leaping, and chewing. Long lasting interactive toys or chews are a good way to minimise this undesirable behaviour. Workaholics are desirous to please and thrive on being busy, so each day obedience observe with optimistic rewards, similar to treats or non-squeaky toys, are a good way to maintain them occupied. Make essentially the most of their drive to ‘sniff and find’ with hidden toys within the home or backyard. With their love of sniffing and looking out, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds show basic Workaholic traits. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
4. The Shrinking Violet
Tending to be nervous or not sure, the Shrinking Violet will be present in any breed. They is likely to be a re-homed canine or one which lacked socialisation as a puppy. Often an introvert, the Shrinking Violet is likely to be ‘spooked’ by sudden noises, making it important that they’ve a secure house to retreat to. These dogs want a lot of persistence and an proprietor that may build their confidence with optimistic reinforcement. They might not assume they wish to play, so comfortable plush toys with squeaks are a good way to get them engaged. Using chews additionally helps to maintain the Shrinking Violet calm and current. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
