Plenty of us determined to welcome new four-legged mates 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 canine to select from, alongside quite a few crossbreeds, so there’s loads of pondering to do earlier than you choose your loved ones’s latest addition.
There’s even educational 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 likely to have particular character traits which, relying in your life-style, might assist you decide.
Here are the 5 important canine character sorts in response to on-line retailer Studio and pet behaviour and dietary professional Anna Webb.
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1. The Bell Boy
Bell Boys are very clever, making them extra acutely aware of ‘threats’ to the home. For instance, they’ll seemingly be the primary to let you understand when a supply driver is shut by. A educated Bell Boy will bark and rush to their proprietor to verify they’ve heard her or him, earlier than retreating to his mattress and letting you reply the door. So, homeowners ought to deal with create a boundary across the entrance door by educating their canine to settle in mattress and rewarding them for doing so. Using quite a lot 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 homeowners. 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 method. These ‘tantrums’ imply you would possibly discover the Jokers shredding cushions or chewing on desk legs. Plush toys are finest averted as they’re simply shredded by the Joker. Instead, go for some non-squeaky or interactive toys to channel their fun-loving character. 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 also help to scale back leaping and barking for consideration. Frenchies (pictured), Bostons, Bull Terriers, and British Bulldogs are nice examples of the Joker character. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
3. The Workaholic
Workaholics love being on the go – they’re excessive power and revel in working exhausting for his or her homeowners via coaching and play. If their workaholic nature isn’t glad, these dogs might change into 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 desperate to please and thrive on being busy, so every day obedience apply with constructive rewards, reminiscent of treats or non-squeaky toys, are a good way to maintain them occupied. Make probably 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 might be present in any breed. They could be a re-homed canine or one which lacked socialisation as a puppy. Often an introvert, the Shrinking Violet could be ‘spooked’ by sudden noises, making it very important that they’ve a secure house to retreat to. These dogs want a lot of endurance and an proprietor that may build their confidence with constructive reinforcement. They might not assume they prefer to play, so mushy 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
