Our Most Common Breeds

KEEP IN MIND

Breed-Based Personality

This information is meant to give you a general idea of what to expect with our most common breeds.

Each Dog is Unique

Breed generalizations do not define individual animals; your pet will be unique with their own personality.

Training is Critical

Without exception, all dogs do best when they receive consistent, loving, and patient training. 

Heelers / Cattle Dogs

  • Intelligent, active and energetic
  • Loyal to owners, but can be wary of strangers
  • Courageous and determined
  • Require plenty of physical and mental stimulation
  • Can become destructive without a regular physical outlet
  • Strong herding instincts can translate to nipping or chasing
  • Require consistent training to curb herding instincts

German Shepherds

  • Highly intelligent and quick learners
  • Strong problem-solving abilities
  • Loyal, courageous, and protective
  • May become reactive or anxious without proper socialization and training
  • Protective nature can lead to suspicion of strangers
  • Require consistent training and socialization

Restricted Breed: This breed may be restricted where you live. Check your city, rental agreement, homeowners insurance, etc. 

Huskies

  • Friendly, outgoing, gentle and playful
  • Highly intelligent but can be stubborn 
  • Very energetic, curious and adventurous, strong prey drive
  • Require ample physical and mental stimulation in a secure space
  • Need dedicated training and socialization 

Restricted Breed: This breed may be restricted where you live. Check your city, rental agreement, homeowners insurance, etc. 

Border Collies

  • Highly intelligent and eager to learn
  • Excel in activities such as obedience, agility, and herding
  • Extremely loyal and devoted to their families
  • Require substantial mental and physical stimulation to remain content
  • Can become destructive without proper physical outlets
  • Strong herding instincts may translate into nipping or chasing
  • Require consistent training to curb herding instincts

Great Pyrenees

  • Gentle and calm demeanor, making them great family dogs
  • Highly loyal and protective, displaying strong guardianship
  • Independent, which can make them stubborn
  • Can become territorial or bark at unfamiliar people without training
  • High prey drive, may chase small animals
  • Strong tendency to wander, so should have a secure fence

Boxers

  • Boundless energy and playful nature
  • Intelligent and eager to please
  • Can be stubborn, so consistent training is encouraged
  • Strong prey drive, may exhibit reactivity
  • Require regular exercise and mental stimulation due to their high energy levels

Restricted Breed: This breed may be restricted where you live. Check your city, rental agreement, homeowners insurance, etc. 

Pitbull Terriers

  • Loyal, affectionate, friendly, and sociable
  • Energetic and playful, and enjoy interactive activities and exercise
  • Can be protective of loved ones and/or wary of strangers
  • Obedient and eager to please
  • Muscular and often very strong

Restricted Breed: This breed may be restricted where you live. Check your city, rental agreement, homeowners insurance, etc. 

Labrador Retrievers

  • Friendly, outgoing, and good-natured
  • Highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please
  • Excel in obedience and dog sports
  • High energy levels may become difficult without a proper outlet
  • Strong food drive which can lead to overeating and weight gain
  • Responsible ownership, regular exercise, and consistent training are essential

Chihuahuas

  • Loyal, affectionate, and form strong bonds with their owners
  • Small size makes them ideal for apartment living
  • May feel wary or defensive around unfamiliar people or animals
  • Can be stubborn and strong-willed, requiring consistent training
  • Training and socialization help to prevent behavioral issues such as barking

Jack Russel Terriers

  • Highly energetic, spirited,  fun-loving, and playful
  • Intelligent, quick learners, excel in activities like agility and obedience
  • Bold, opinionated, and can be stubborn
  • Often independent, but affectionate with owners
  • Need regular exercise and stimulation to avoid negative behavior development

Rat Terriers

  • Lively, energetic, and enthusiastic
  • Intelligent and clever, likely to excel in activities like agility, fetch, or obedience
  • Need regular exercise and stimulation to avoid negative behavior development
  • Strong prey drive, may chase small animals or dig
  • Scrappy and independent, but often quite affectionate with owners
  • Impulsive explorer, likely to wander without a secure yard