08/02/2026
Recently I have read some posts about specific traits in dogs (specifically herding dogs) and how these traits explain behavior. Yes, herding dogs are bred to control movement (among other traits). But if a dog has not been bred for this for many generations (and years) it is not necessarily an explanation for their behavior. It is distressing to me that so many breeders are not breeding to retain original purpose, instinct and working ability. If these traits are not specifically bred for, they are lost. So, we see lots of dogs that look like their breed but do not necessarily do what the breed was bred to do.
So, a person may own a “herding” dog, but this does not mean that dog retains the instincts to control movement or any other genetic predisposition of a herding dog. I think it is inaccurate to say a dog has certain behaviors due to their instincts when those instincts have been bred out of them. This is true for many groups of dogs that have become show/performance dogs, not working dogs. Although, I do believe working dogs can do performance sports.
It is important to address any training needs of a dog. But, know that these are the behaviors of that particular dog, not the breed. Just like a puppy isn't biting ankles/pant legs or running after children because it is "herding" them. This is puppy behavior of many breeds and mixes.
