Breeding for TRUE breed temperament and character.

No bare with me, you all know I dive in head first!!

This subject bothers me. How many folk breed for their chosen breeds true character and temperament? Like you hear so many people with their Dobermanns say "he's a daft as a brush" or the Jack Russell that "wouldnt hurt a fly" This is NOT true breed temperament. Personally if I had a Dobermann that was not bold and protective of me and would back off if a threat approached, I would consider it of unsound temperament, likewise if I had a Border Terrier that was not interested in Terrier work, or shyed away from quarry, I would consider that unsuitable for breeding too. Say Labradors, we see a lot who are nervy, GSD's too, but people breed from them, both these breeds should be bold, NOT nervous.

How do you folks feel? I appreciate that some breeds do not do their original tasks, but their breeds standard as far as character and temperament stands, so how do you view it?

I meant to add, do you feel people are altering breeds temperaments to suit a pet environment?
Dawn.

I think you are right but also believe that breeding for temperament can be an excuse for breeders. IMO dogs temperament more so stems from puppyhood than from parentage. Just my opinion

interesting thread!

actually i agree with zuba.

not that i know anything at all about breeding

The Dobermann
Characteristics Intelligent and firm of character, loyal and obedient.
Temperament Bold and alert. Shyness or viciousness very highly undesirable.

Who wouldn't want a dog with those attributes, but they are also comedians as you no doubt know. Also I strongly believe a lot of their temprement is governed by their training and experiences and who is handling them. just my opinion.

The GSD breed standard states

Steady of nerve, loyal, self-assured, courageous and tractable. Never nervous, over-aggressive or shy.

Says it all really, especially the tractable

(By definition
1 : capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled : DOCILE <a tractable horse>
2 : easily handled, managed, or wrought )

I actually dont think that this is possible, tests have been done on humans to see if two highly intelligent people produce intelligent children and it doesn't work. The children were no more intelligent than an average child of their age.

Mmmm. See I think many breeds are being altered to suit a family pet life, this daft as a brush temperament stuff is wrong, yes most breeds can live as pets given the correct mental and physical stimulation, but a dog that does not display correct breed character, to me has been altered.

I agree with the breed standard quotes, of course I do, but for example, watching Dobermann character assessment tests, many fall short of the Shyness or viciousness very highly undesirable likewise many GSD's are nervy and back off from a lot fo things. However, I know (and I am sure you all do) that regardless of this many will still be bred from and go on to produce a new generation that will likely follow suit. This is what I think is very wrong.
DAwn.

I agree with you Dawn. Too many dogs are bred from who have undesirable traits, or traits not fitting to original purpose and standard for the breed. It is a shame. I think many family pets are "diluted" versions of the original dog and whilst this may help in today's modern homes I don't think it helps breeds as a whole and will certainly not help in the long run. Not very eloquent tonight unfortunately, but I hope you know what I mean!

I agree that temperament stems from puppyhood experiences, but parentage has got to play a role to some degree too.

To an extent I think by breeding, people have increased undesirable traits. There are a heck of a lot of people out there that breed 'just because' or 'its best for the bitch' without stopping to think about the concequences. I guess also like in humans traits and temperaments can 'skip' generations...which is why breeders research pedigrees to get the best match of dogs?!

The breed standard for Sm Munsters would put many people off the breed
FCI: "with passionate, persevering predatory instinct, versatile hunting aptitudes and strong nerves and keenness for game."

Very few go to pet homes. They make fantastic pets and have great temperaments....but only if they are worked in some form.

Can only speak of my own experiences and I think Syd my male would pass any character assessment, Rio at 8 months is still a work in progress and is nowhere near as solid, but still pretty good. However most Dobermanns I have met out and about do not socialise well or are snappy, and a couple were down right nasty, one or two have been ok, and one really outstanding, But then again most of the owners didn't seem very clued up either, so I thought it was the owners transferring their own short-comings to the dogs. However all the ones I met at the breeders I visited were pretty solid. So I am inclined to think, you get out what you put in.