Breed Characteristics

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Every dog has its own personality and quirks, but did you know that many breeds have common traits and behaviors? Understanding breed-specific characteristics can make a big difference when choosing the right dog for your lifestyle. Some breeds thrive on constant activity and adventure, while others prefer a calm, relaxed environment.

Please note: Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement does not perform DNA testing on shelter dogs, which is why they are listed as mixes. Primary breed identification is based on visual appearance, coat type, and body structure.

Bred to herd livestock, these smart and energetic dogs love to work and stay busy. They’re highly trainable and excel at activities like agility or obedience. Without enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may bark excessively or attempt to herd people by chasing or nipping. Keep them active, and they’ll be a loyal, lively companion. 

Breeds include but are not limited to:

  • Australian Shepherd 
  • Belgian Shepherd (Three varieties) 
  • Border Collie 
  • Bouvier 
  • Collie 
  • Corgi 
  • German Shepherd 
  • Great Pyrenees 
  • Heeler or Cattle Dog 
  • Kelpie 
  • Newfoundland 
  • Shetland Sheepdog

Characteristics and common tendencies:

  • Affectionate and loyal 
  • Alert and protective 
  • Anxiety at times 
  • Confident and sometimes dominant
  • Sensitive 
  • Smart and trainable 
  • Independent but can work well with humans

Key factors to be aware of with herding breeds include fear-based aggression, separation anxiety, destructive, noise, needing a job to do or continuous training to stay mentally and physically engaged.

Hounds were originally bred for hunting, and that instinct remains strong in them today. Although they may not hunt as frequently now, their strong prey drive often leads them to chase after small animals.

Scent hounds were bred to track prey and love following scents with their powerful noses and floppy ears. Their curiosity can lead them to wander, so close supervision is key. 

Breeds include but are not limited to:

  • Beagles 
  • Basset 
  • Basenji 
  • Bloodhound 
  • Blue and Redtick 
  • Foxhound 
  • Greyhound 
  • Otter 

Characteristics and common tendencies:

  • Affectionate 
  • Independent 
  • Intelligence 
  • Sweet tempered and tolerant 
  • Great for families

Key factors to be aware of with scent hound breeds are restlessness, occasional dominance, aggression, and indifference to training.

Sighthounds are built for speed and sharp vision, excelling at sprinting. Their independent nature can make training a challenge, but their grace and loyalty make them great companions. 

Breeds include but are not limited to:

  • Afghan 
  • Greyhound 
  • Saluki 
  • Whippet 

Characteristics and common tendencies:

  • Aloof 
  • Gentle 
  • Quiet when they’re not hunting
  • Reserved 
  • Sometimes shy

Key factors to be aware of with sighthound breeds include a strong prey drive and a lack of interest in obedience training, often mistaken for stubbornness or low intelligence.

The non-sporting group is fast-growing and highly diverse, with dogs of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Though many no longer perform their original jobs, they make wonderful companion animals.

Breeds include but are not limited to:

  • American Eskimo 
  • Bichon Frise 
  • Boston Terrier 
  • Bulldogs 
  • Chow Chow 
  • Dalmatian 
  • French Bulldog 
  • Keeshond 
  • Lhasa Apso 
  • Poodle 
  • Shar-Pei 
  • Shiba-Inu 
  • Schipperke 
  • Spitz

Characteristics and common tendencies:

  • Playful and curious 
  • Smart and eager to learn 
  • Friendly and loyal

Key factors to be aware of with non-sporting group breeds include understanding individual breed characteristics and needs because the group is made up of a diverse group of breeds with varying sizes, coats, personality, and overall appearance.

Originally bred to assist hunters, these dogs need plenty of exercise to be happy.

Breeds include but are not limited to:

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever 
  • Cocker Spaniel  
  • English Springer  
  • German Shorthaired Pointer 
  • Japanese Chin 
  • Labrador Retrievers (Golden, English) 
  • Setters (Irish, Red English)  
  • Vizsla

Characteristics and common tendencies:

  • Bright and eager 
  • Cheerful and energetic 
  • Confident and trainable 
  • Happy 
  • Friendly and fun-loving 
  • Lovable 
  • Loves to fetch

Key factors to be aware of with sporting group breeds include possessiveness, unruliness, destructiveness, mouthiness, and running away.

Terriers were bred to chase and catch vermin like rats and foxes. With tenacity and energy, they dig underground to track prey, showing strong instincts and plenty of spirit.

Breeds include but are not limited to:

  • Airedale 
  • Border 
  • Boston 
  • Bull 
  • Cairn 
  • Irish 
  • Silky 
  • Skye 
  • Soft-Coated Wheaten 
  • Tibetan 
  • Toy Fox 
  • West Highland White  
  • Wire Fox 
  • Yorkshire  
  • Jack Russell  
  • Schnauzers 

Characteristics and common tendencies:

  • Scrappy
  • Energetic
  • Independent
  • Predatory
  • Hardy
  • Smart
  • Playful
  • Dominant

Key factors to be aware of with terrier group breeds include snappiness, independence, dog- and dominance-aggression, difficulty with house training (especially in smaller breeds), and a tendency to bite or nip forcefully, even during play.

These small dogs are mini versions of larger terriers and spaniels, often sharing their bold, spirited personalities. Without proper training, they may become snappy or try to take charge, so consistent guidance is key.

Breeds include but are not limited to:

  • Cavalier King Charles
  • Chihuahua
  • Havanese
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Maltese
  • Pomeranian
  • Pekinese
  • Toy Poodle
  • Papillon
  • Pug
  • Shih Tzu

Characteristics and common tendencies:

  • Sensitive
  • Sassy
  • Intelligence
  • Alert
  • Affectionate
  • Fearless

Key factors to be aware of with toy group breeds include snappy, vocal, shy, separation anxiety, and dominance aggression.

Working group dogs, known for their strength, intelligence, and work ethic, require specific considerations. Different families within the working group include the northern breeds, protection breeds, flock guards, and mountain dogs.

Breeds include but are not limited to:

  • Akita 
  • Alaskan Malamute 
  • Siberian Husky 
  • Samoyed 
  • Finnish Spitz 
  • American Husky 
  • Rottweiler 
  • Doberman Pinscher 
  • Bullmastiff 
  • Mastiff 
  • Great Dane 
  • Boxer 
  • Giant Schnauzer 
  • German Shepherd 
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback 
  • Great Pyrenees 
  • St. Bernard 
  • Newfoundland 
  • Bernese Mountain Dog

Characteristics and common tendencies:

  • Strong
  • Courageous
  • Loyal
  • Affectionate
  • Calm
  • Protective
  • Smart
  • Confident

Key factors to be aware of with working group breeds include their size, which requires ample space and exercise; protectiveness, careful socialization and training; and high energy levels, needing significant amounts of physical and mental stimulation.