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Temperament And Conformation
by Neil Ewart FBIPDT
There has been a lot of lively discussion about the conformation and health of dogs but little has been said about the need to breed and nurture good temperament in any dog, whether pedigree or not.
There has been a lot of lively discussion about the conformation and health of dogs but little has been said about the need to breed and nurture good temperament in any dog, whether pedigree or not.
I am one of the first to harp on about dogs needing to have good temperaments and, of course, this is particularly true with an Assistant Dog that invariably works in very busy urban areas with loud noises, unusual smells and even unusual people!!
But I would argue that there is no logical reason why this should not apply to all dogs that live with us in the twenty first century. We live in times when litigation is rife plus a happy, confident dog enjoys a much enhanced lifestyle.
All dog owners will have in their mind what they regard as a temperament they like and this, quite rightly, will invariably be ‘’good’’
I have often been asked to actually attempt a definition of ‘’Good Temperament’’ but I find putting my thoughts into words quite difficult as I plunge the depths of my mind (and they do not go too deep!!) I find it is quite difficult to actually come up with a definition which can be understood, and most important, is accepted by the majority.
Certainly, in my opinion one of the worst mistakes any breeder can make is to consistently produce ‘’nervy’’ puppies: that is the types which remain frightened of their own shadows even if socialised thoroughly.
However, I do not believe the perfect dog has ever been bred. Look hard enough and you will always find something wrong.
If a dog is bred genetically sound for temperament and then taken out and about during its formative months then you will every chance of owning a dog that will be friendly and sound in virtually all conditions. Certainly, there is always something that will ‘spook’ a dog but they should recover quickly and not go to pieces. I am always wary when I see dogs that are continuously worried and their handler attributes this to some possible unfortunate experience during its earlier life. Perhaps, this is the case but I have seen many rescue dogs that have endured the most horrendous experiences be placed in new, caring homes and bounce back to acting as dogs should. Is it because they are actually genetically sound for temperament and others simply are not?
So, the question remains.
What is good temperament?
I have asked lots of respected dog people and one reply did give me food for thought and could prompt a few debates… ‘’Your dog has good temperament if it does what you want it to do’’
Basically, this suggests that if you have a thoroughly aggressive dog and that is what you want then, as far as you are concerned, he has good temperament. A simple example but this can not be right?
You might be happy with the dog and believe his temperament is good but in the eyes of virtually everyone around you it has not!
However – and this is where it gets tricky- if his aggression is not based on nervousness and has been acquired through encouragement and training and he does not bat an eyelid at loud noises, etc, then
is he any better, or worse than a shrinking violet living next door?
is he any better, or worse than a shrinking violet living next door?
I know hasten to add that I am not advocating breeding or either extremes but simply raising the question.
In reality both types are a pain to live with, probably a danger to themselves and society and generally do not enjoy an acceptable lifestyle.
We have all known dogs used extensively at stud that are not averse to a punch up with other males when a suitable situation arises. However, virtually all of these are very friendly with people and most other dogs when no challenge is made. Sound in all environments: should this type of dog be marked down as having poor temperament when the problem was probably acquired through learning and, invariably, poor control by their owner?
A few years ago, the late Derek Freeman MBE (Breeding and Puppy Walking Manager for Guide Dogs 1957-1988) and I decided to list the desirable attributes required in the ideal dog required to become a potential Guide Dog both physical and mental.
On reflection I see no reason why these criteria should not apply to all dogs which live in our society today and in the future.
To be stable
To be of happy pleasing disposition
Not to be neurotic, shy or frightened.
Not to be too hyperactive
Not to be aggressive in its many forms: Pure, protective (where there is no just cause) or apprehensive.
To be very confident and tolerant of children
To be confident and tolerant of other animals.
Not to be sound shy.
Not to be too dominant
To have the ability to change environment and handler without undue stress.
For a Guide Dog we would not want to see any inclination to protect as this could lead to some very awkward situations. However, in a situation with a pet dog I do feel that if a handler is being genuinely threatened by an attacker then it is totally acceptable for the average dog to ‘sort the situation out’. But, the threat has to very real.
Everyone can debate these issues forever and will, naturally, consider the traits of individual breeds.
A definition is not simple but the fact remains that our dogs are living in an increasingly busy and often hostile environment so we all, including Guide Dogs, must continue to aim to breed and rear dogs that we honestly believe to have good, sound temperaments. Also, to try and improve the lot of those which may have naturally weak temperaments or simply require more exposure to the outside world.
Guide Dogs’ in the UK breed in excess of one thousand pups a year and anticipate that the vast majority will qualify with their blind owners. A vital part of this process is to place them with Puppy Walkers for the first twelve months of their lives and the principle is adopted by other Assistant Dog groups..
Guide Dogs’ in the UK breed in excess of one thousand pups a year and anticipate that the vast majority will qualify with their blind owners. A vital part of this process is to place them with Puppy Walkers for the first twelve months of their lives and the principle is adopted by other Assistant Dog groups..
These do a fantastic job rearing their charges to become confident and well behaved adults. The most vital part of this rearing is to get the pup out and about as fast as possible and let it see life!!!
I think that all breeds should consider introducing some formal assessments for temperament as many seem more vulnerable to the attentions of the media when things go wrong.
For many years I have been privileged to be asked to assess the temperaments of several breeds including GSDs, Leonbergers, Rottweilers and even Canaan Dogs.
Some early assessments have occurred at their shows but often I have felt the environment to be a little artificial. So, wherever possible I have asked participants to come to the Midlands where we have our own premises. An advantage of having the tests based here is being able to use a natural environment by utilising the urban conditions.
I do not vary the assessment depending on any particular breed of dog and I work on the assumption that I am looking at a potential assistant dog and that the dog should be able to accept everyday situations and fit in, as our have to, with the demands of modern society.
All handlers are instructed to keep their dogs on a slack lead throughout and to give as little vocal or physical praise and encouragement as possible.
Obviously, a skilled handler can easily cover up dogs’ weaknesses with well timed and accurate incentives. However, should a dog show any real worry then the handler is strongly advised to step in rather than allow any damage to occur.
The speed of recovery from any concerned state is noted.
The event starts with me briefing everyone on the day then approaching each dog in a friendly manner as I could at this stage be regarded as a stranger.
Any curiosity to other dogs is perfectly acceptable but genuine aggression or nervousness should be penalised. Individuals are introduced to a confined space and then stopped at the base of some steps and a black plastic sack containing some empty tins is made to tumble down towards them. Naturally, a lot of dogs will back away; I then expect their curiosity to take over and should then be willing to move in and investigate the now inanimate object.
One new idea I have tried is for me to now hold the dogs lead while the handler vanishes for a short period of time. The idea is to assess whether the dog is relaxed being handled by a stranger in what could an emergency situation, for example a road accident.
We then drive into the town and I explain that I am going to follow each dog, handled by its owner, around a route which will take in many urban conditions.
I emphasise that this would be similar to one I would use if presented with a dog as a potential Guide Dog.
This is not done as a group, but individually and the dog remains on a slack lead.
Setting off, the route follows a footpath into a long, dark subway underneath the bust railway station. As the dog walks through ahead of me I drop a large, full tin behind it which is designed to roll past the dog.
We then go into the station where each will observe a train puling in very close to them. I the short interval before departure I get dog and handler to get on and off. Use is made of some steps and a fairly claustrophobic lift..
The fact that one may never use a train is irrelevant as it is merely an environment which is noisy, smelly and unusual.
The route from the station introduces the dog gradually to very heavy traffic, crowds, a fire escape and, usually, loads of youngsters!
To summarise, the following reactions are assessed..
Reaction to friendly approach
Reaction to other dogs
Confinement in small spaces
Reaction to unusual and noisy objects
Subways
Uneven and slippery surfaces
Unusual obstacles
Crowds
Heights
Traffic
In conclusion, I believe strongly that this is an assessment of Temperament rather than Character. It is not a test of their working ability but to try to see how well they fit into our demanding society.
It should also be an opportunity to offer advice as to how to improve any problems as so often it is simply a case that the dog needs to be got out and about more.
This is simply an assessment of the dogs acceptance, or otherwise of everyday life.
Get the genetics for temperament right then socialise the puppy effectively and the chances of problems can be minimised.
Is temperament as important as ‘’looks’’ and conformation. On balance the answer has to be ‘’Yes’’. I believe this principle to apply to all dogs-irrespective of the breed.
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