I don’t have a dog in this fight, so to speak because I had had a couple rescue pits 20-25 years ago. Good friendly dogs but they could get a little worked up and rough when wrestling with them.
I firmly believe that the breed of the dog brings with it certain characteristics.
I have a very large (110 lb) 6 year old yellow lab. From a long line of non-working labs (I prefer elk and deer to ducks). I never taught him to retrieve. From day one if I tossed it, he would bring it. All he wants to do is retrieve (and dig holes and each trees). He will play fetch until he drops.
I have a St. Bernard. She follows my kids whenever they go outside and sits with them. She does not play, She just watches them. If someone comes up to the house, she gets between my boys and the visitor. She actually leans into my boys and pushes them back. She will beg to go outside just to sit in the snow for an hour or two.
I also have a very old collie/sheperd mix. He’ll play “fetch” for a few minutes but gets bored. What he does do is herd us, the other dogs and goats. I never taught him to herd the goats. He just does it.
We also have weird little terrier mix. He’s small, fearless and kills every shrew or mouse he can sniff out and dig up. It’s what they do.
All four of my dogs have the natural, noted temperment and traits of their respective breeds. Animal temperment is not something that is made up.
Just makes sure you don’t say anything like that about human beings. LOL
Retrievers fetch. Shepherds herd. Mastiffs guard. Toys play. Pit Bulls fight and kill.