Unrealistic Breed Expectations: Approaching Breed-Based Conversations with Clients amid Paradigm Shifts

Abstract

The effect a dog’s breed has on their behavior is partially determined by their genes, partially by their early puppyhood environment, and partially by their owner’s expectations of how a dog with that breed label is “supposed” to act. For dog behavior consultants, having some knowledge of all of these is important for working with clients and their dogs. As different breeds become more popular, consultants will need to learn about both a breed’s standard and the reason for its new-found popularity.