Understanding quality a dog - Page 3

I agree with the statement HiredDog made above: "Because it serves our needs as humans, we judge it against that."

And I also judge a dog by what s/he produces. A dog that's perfect for what his owner/breeder needs -- say a pointing lab for water and upland work -- that doesn't breed true can be a lucky fluke. I love using pointing labs, but not every lab that points will pass that ability on to his/her progeny. It's one of those traits that is evident very early in the young dogs' lives. If I have even one pointing lab in the litter, I know there's a genetic possibilty there. Or, as it's said: "show me a dog's pedigree, I'll tell you what he's come from. Show me your dog, I'll tell you what he appears to be. Show me his progeny, and I'll tell you what he IS."

There are plenty of dogs that will hunt and kill other animals and dogs but wont bite humans.  There are plenty that will fight a man but not be any good against other dogs.

Dog agression is common in some lines of Mal / GSD.  It manifests as puppies and depending on the handler can escelate or de escelate over time.

My current female does not like other dogs from an 8 week old pup. It manifested as fear she will still bark/growl a bit if allowed but now wants to meet those same dogs head on.  She sniffs and its all good.  I can and have taken her to the dog park.

 

Same dog from a pup has been on the decoy with never an issue with pressure from the decoy.  Always forward, always biting nicely, will probably be a great protection dog.  If I was looking for a coyote dog or a pit fighter I might be out of luck..lol.  She can do obedience around other dogs and otherwise function so its not a huge issue.