Calm Dog Breeds
Understanding Dog Breeds and Temperaments
A dog’s appearance is not the only thing that defines its breed. Each dog breed also has an ideal temperament associated with it. The American Kennel Club offers a beneficial “Breed Temperament Guide” based on various “Parent Clubs.” “AKC” has seven: sporting dogs, hunting dogs, terriers, utility dogs, play dogs, sheepdogs, and non-sporting dogs.
Because of their origin and the tasks for which these dogs were known, the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever both fall into the “sporting” category. The history of the Labrador Retriever, read our blog post here.
Long ago, Labradors were known to jump into the icy water and help fishermen reel in their nets full of fish (…or flush out those early fish that had painfully wandered away!) Labradors are known to be friendly, intelligent, and adaptable, and you can get along with them. Labradors should not be aggressive or shy either. Even today, they are one of the most popular dogs worldwide.
Golden Retrievers are also known for their gentle and docile characteristics, which make them a loving and happy addition to your family. Goldens are generally known to be friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. As dogs, Goldens should not be fearful, nervous, or belligerent towards humans or other dogs.
Why is it so easy to fall in love with a Labrador?
It is so easy to love a Labrador! Labradors are lovely family pets. (We are living proof of that! Look at what our customers say in their reviews). Because of their size, strength, intelligence, and simple nature, Labradors are also wonderful companion dogs.
Did you know that most guide dogs for the blind are Labradors or Golden Retrievers? Their gentle temperament and trainability make them ideal partners for people who need a helping hand. In his book “Have Dog, Will Travel,” poet and writer Stephen Kuusisto describes how Corky, his first yellow lab guide dog, changed his life.
Labs and retrievers also help people with hearing loss. They can alert them when the doorbell rings, a call comes in, a siren wails, or a baby cries.
Even the military and police use Labs and Retrievers for tracking. Have you ever encountered a trained dog stationed near the security checkpoint at an airport? These dogs undergo extensive training to sniff out and locate suspicious items in carry-on luggage.
Medical sniffer dogs, labs, or retrievers, are trained to react to certain illnesses, such as epilepsy or low blood sugar in people with diabetes. How do dogs know this? Different diseases trigger different chemical reactions in a person’s body. These reactions produce certain odors in a person’s sweat or breath. Thanks to their incredible olfactory glands, dogs can react to these.
Labels and retrievers are also excellent therapy dogs. They are particularly well-suited as emotional assistance dogs. We can also provide specific training to meet these needs. Both breeds are prevalent for brightening people’s day in nursing homes and hospitals, children in daycare centers, students, and even inmates.
Calm dogs and family life
Despite their balanced temperament, it is essential to remember that these dogs will not always be “pushovers.” Calm dogs still have plenty of energy. No puppy is gentle, relaxed, and balanced 24 hours a day.
All dogs (and humans, too!) need plenty of fresh air and exercise. Walking around the block or playing in the yard will help keep you and your dog healthy and happy.
