[LauraleeBraswell]

Why are some dog breeds inclined to herd sheep? Why do the police use certain dogs to sniff out drugs. If all dog breeds are the same, then why don't poodles serve as guide dogs for the blind?


Anyone who says that all dog breeds are the same is in denial. There are traits and characterists that certain breeds were selectively bred for.


Dogs of course are individuals, and just because they were bred for something doesn't promise that that particular dog will be good at it or the best at it. Not every lab serves as a good guide dog, that's why many taken in that program never end up graduating. But more labs than say, pomerians.

[jazusamo]

I'll agree with everything you said. Read my post 20.

[the OlLine Rebel]

"Why are some dog breeds inclined to herd sheep? Why do the police use certain dogs to sniff out drugs. If all dog breeds are the same, then why don't poodles serve as guide dogs for the blind?


"Anyone who says that all dog breeds are the same is in denial. There are traits and characterists that certain breeds were selectively bred for."



Thank you.

I'll never understand why people (of ALL stripes) deny that genetics - breeding - breed CHARACTERISTICS - has anything to do w/the nature (ha - that word!) of the dog.

[Al Gator]

Dear Laualee,

I never said all dog BREEDS are same. I said that all DOGs have certain traits and instincts (like the pack mentallity) that are constant.

You can trust a poodle more than a pitt, but both dogs will bite under similar circumstances.

You ignore that truth at your own peril.

[ZULU]

Each breed has its traits.

Pit bulls were bred for fighting other dogs, not attacking people. That is a new thing with them due to the kinds of morons who misuse them and people who don't take adequate precautions with them.

Teddy Roosevelt had a "pit bull", so did "Buster Brown" and other people. Unless a dog is crazy, it can be socialized with people - with a few rare breeds excepted like the Fila.