Breed has little to do with dog personality and should not be used to inform decisions relating to the selection of a pet dog, new research has found.
According to a study published in the journal Science, breed is a "poor predictor" of individual behaviours, accounting for just 9% of variation in behaviour among pups. Whether you're wanting to adopt a Labrador Retrievers or miniature Dachshunds, dog personality is down to their environment rather than breed.
In order to conduct the research, scientists analysed the DNA of more than 2,000 mixed and purebred dogs, mapping genes associated with physical and behavioural traits. While breed does have a slight effect on behaviour (Border Collies, for example, are more energetic than others), it is a weak predictor of how any dog will behave.
Some of the behaviours that are not specific to the breed of a dog include:
- Sociability towards humans
- How often a dog howls
- Retrieving objects
- Playfulness around other dogs
- Whether dogs circle before going to the toilet
Each dog is individual, something which the researchers want owners to remember when considering a new pup.
"Even if the average is different, you've still got a really good chance of getting a dog that doesn't match what people say that breed is supposed to be," Dr Elinor Karlsson of the University of Massachusetts Umass Chan medical school, told The Guardian. "For the most part, we didn't see strong differences in breeds, but there are some [behaviours] that are connected to breed more than others."
Elsewhere in the study, researchers found that Pit Bulls were not more aggressive than other dogs, despite their bad reputation. Meanwhile, the team discovered that breeding for appearance is much easier than breeding for behaviour.
"Match what the dog world has told us—that the behaviour of these animals is shaped by their environment, not their breed. You shouldn't shop out of a catalog. Each dog is an individual," adds Elinor Karlsson, director of vertebrate genomics at the Broad Institute, who oversaw the study.
13 dog shampoos to tackle dry skin, shedding, odour and more
No, you can't use regular shampoo on your dog. But you can use Fur Bébé by luxe Parisian haircare for humans brand Ouai. After all, why shouldn't your dog enjoy the same sleek, shiny tresses you do? And on that note, with its notes of lemon, rose, jasmine sambac, iris, lily and white musk, you might actually be tempted to use this doggy shampoo yourself!
Black dogs need a shampoo which is going to give their dark, richly-toned hair some proper shine. This is a pricey one, but it's full of natural ingredients, including chia seed extract and hemp oil, that wash away dirt and impurities, add strength and keep fur shiny and well-kempt.
Here's a lovely natural option from Swedish dog care brand WAP. If your dog has sensitive skin, it's likely a good option – it's been designed to offer anti-inflammatory properties while minimising irritation and dryness. The formulation includes tea tree, which has antibacterial properties, and lemon to help boost circulation and give that fresh, zesty scent.
There's really not much worse than having your dog roll in animal faeces! This duo pack of deodorising shampoos will swiftly remove the evidence – and any lingering smell.
Dirty Dawg is a mild no-rinse dog shampoo spray that helps to effectively remove dirt and odour from your dog's coat. Ideal for use as a 'spot cleaner', the spray is great for use on the go or for a quick clean between washes. Simply spray it on your dog's coat and groom it through.
Curly Coat is a shampoo specifically designed for curly-coated dogs. Enriched with conditioners, oatmeal and shea butter, it helps to remove knots from your dog's coat and improve overall appearance. It's 100% vegan.
Are you looking to treat your dog for fleas without damaging his coat or skin? This dog shampoo has a gentle pH balanced formula, based on pro-vitamin B5 and tea tree oil, to ensure it is compatible with all skin types. This tick remover shampoo also helps eliminate ticks and fleas from the thickest coats, while providing a soothing, calming effect on the irritated, bitten skin.
This product works as a shampoo and a conditioner to give you the best of both worlds without compromising on quality. The ultra-gentle, pH-balanced buttermilk and linseed oil formula will clean your dog and leave their coat feeling soft.
Does the sound of running water in the bathroom give your dog anxiety? This shampoo uses commonly used aromatherapy scents to help pets relax. It can be used on any breed for a soothing experience, and is enriched with relaxing lavender and mint for a clean, happy, fresh-smelling pet. It's also a great product for older pets, to help soothe away those aches and pains.
FURminator shampoo and conditioner offer ingredients that help reduce and control excessive shedding. Using this omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, calendula extract and papaya leaf-infused shampoo once a month will leave your dogs coat looking and feeling as good as new.
Is your dog prone to jumping in puddles and rolling in the mud? Maybe it's about time you invest in an industrial size bottle of shampoo. This vegan-friendly product comes in a 5L bottle so you will be ready for bath-time at the drop of a hat. Plus, it's PH balance makes it suitable for all breeds and coat types from Poodles and Cockapoos to Bulldogs and Labs. You can also use this shampoo on puppies over eight weeks.
The specially formulated shampoo is ideal for combatting issues that go deeper than just a bad hair day. This product will help relieve skin scaling caused by seborrhea and relieve mange and parasitic infections. This medicated dog shampoo works fast to relieve symptoms including inflamed scalp, greasy or waxy skin, red skin rashes, bald spots, itch, and flaky skin associated with seborrhea, mange, and parasitic issues.
Give your dog’s coat a quick refresh with this no-rinse dog grooming spray. Formulated with chamomile flower extract and glycerin, this freshly-scented formula helps spot clean and deodorize pups on the go.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
