Puppy's Life
Puppy Personalities
Funny, sweet, sensitive, shy... just like us, puppies have qualities that make them unique
Just like humans, every puppy has his own unique personality. Anyone who has ever raised puppies from different breeds knows a Great Dane puppy and a Bichon Frise pup are worlds apart in terms of likes and dislikes, favorite activities, and the care it needs to grow into a healthy, well-adjusted adult.
We’ve surveyed animal experts to find out what sort of general personality traits you can expect to find among several popular large and small dog breeds. Here’s a list of what we found.
Labrador — Bred to be retrievers, Labradors are prone to more chewing behaviors than other breeds, says Lisa Peterson, director of club communications at the American Kennel Club. So stock up on chew toys and be prepared for a puppy that loves to explore by putting things in his mouth.
(For a list of great puppy toys, click here.)
Labrador pups also like to splash around in water. The important thing here, says Peterson, is to make sure your puppy knows how to swim and only dog-paddles under your watchful eyes. Labradors need mental and physical stimulation. Lavish your Labrador with attention and you’ll be rewarded with a gentle, intelligent, loyal, and adaptable pup that makes an ideal family companion, according to Janet McCulley, co-owner of five Muttropolis pet boutiques.
Irish Wolfhound — Talk about growth spurts! The Irish Wolfhound weighs 24 pounds at eight weeks, but the world’s tallest breed can weigh 90 pounds to 100 pounds at the tender age of six months.
It’s hard to keep track of where your paws are when you’re growing that fast. So Wolfhound pups can be a bit clumsy, says Peterson. Exercise patience because these pups are doing the best job they can! In fact, you might want to keep small children out of the way to prevent any accidents by puppies trying to play.
And hang onto that leash—Wolfhounds love to follow things based on sight. Although their high prey drive means they might not make the best companion for Fluffy the cat, Irish Wolfhounds tend to be sweet-tempered, patient, generous, thoughtful, and intelligent. Just don’t count on your pup growing into a guard dog, McCulley says, because Wolfhounds tend to greet everyone as a friend.
St. Bernard — Anyone who saw the Beethoven movies knows that St. Bernard pups are unbelievably cute. What’s more, they have wonderful personalities to match. “They make great family dogs because of their instinct to protect and guard,” says William Berloni, director of animal behavior at the Humane Society of New York.
Because St. Bernard pups need a lot of grooming and cleaning, Berloni says it’s important to get puppies accustomed to a regimen at an early age. Similarly, because this breed grows so big, it’s vital to teach your puppy leash training and life lessons early--while you still have a weight advantage! (For grooming tips and help on caring for your puppy, click here to read “Puppy Love.”)
You’d better stock up on chew toys and towels. St. Bernards are notorious droolers and McCulley says that St. Bernard pups have even been known to chew through the drywall of a house.
Still, what’s a little drool when you’re rewarded with a gentle, easy-going dog that’s good with children? McCulley says St. Bernards are even known for having a great scent!
Chihuahua — Spoil your Chihuahua puppy and you might end up with a dog that’s a bit saucy (and sometimes grumpy!). On the other hand, if you can channel the breed’s innate boldness, intelligence, and playfulness in the right direction, Chihuahuas can make excellent companions, Berloni says.
Chihuahuas are known to shiver and tremble, but don’t worry—it’s not a health condition, McCulley says, just a sign that the dog is excited or perhaps feeling stressed. (In these cases, be sure to speak to your puppy in calming tones and give him lots of affection to help him relax.)
Chihuahuas love to have all of your attention and don’t much enjoy the antics of boisterous children, but they will happily reward you with loyalty, affection, and boundless curiosity.
(For tips on helping your puppy feel safe, check out "Safe and Cozy.")
Yorkshire Terrier — Start training your Yorkshire on the very first day, suggests Berloni. Yorkies are courageous and intelligent, and will look to you to lead by example. McCulley agrees that early socialization is important for Yorkie pups.
Why do so many people love Yorkies? Perhaps it’s their bright, perky, fun nature. What’s more, McCulley says, they don’t need much outdoor exercise and will protect you by being alert watchdogs.
Better brush up on your grooming skills. Peterson says that Yorkshire Terrier coats need to be brushed daily, particularly during the transition from puppy fur to an adult coat. Groom your puppy regularly and the task will become a form of bonding that both owner and Yorkie can enjoy.
(For helpful tips, check out “Lead by Example.”)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — Who wouldn’t want to live with the world’s friendliest dog? That’s the way that McCulley describes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Peterson piles on the praise, noting that the Cavalier has a reputation for being very gentle and affectionate. This means owners have to exercise an especially light touch when teaching their Cavalier pups.
Of course, no dog (or human) is perfect. Berloni says that a Cavalier King Charles pup may attach itself to one person, so it’s best to introduce him to other people if you want a sociable best friend. They can also need lots of coat and eye care, so you’ll want to get your puppy used to grooming at an early age.
(For helpful grooming tips, check out “Puppy Love.”)
Remember, breed is only one determination of puppy personality. It’s the uniqueness of each puppy that makes your relationship special.
