What breed of dog you choose to take as a pet has many implications. You may decide on a breed based on warm or cold climate, how big the breed is, and what breed will be best for your family. One important thing people should consider when choosing a breed of dog is differences in behavior across different breeds. What kind of training will suit your breed? What breed can be left alone for 6 hours with no problem, and which breed may need you to come home at lunch to take them out? Below is a list of common breeds of dogs found in the US and their corresponding behavior traits. However, keep in mind that every dog has different behavior based on training, how they are treated, and the breed of their parents.

Labrador Retriever

These dogs are very friendly with people and other animals. They tend to be easy to train on most basics. Labs do not mind being left alone for 8 or more hours at a time as long as they have regular exercise every day.  

Golden Retriever

These dogs are one of the most popular breeds of dog due to their friendly temperaments and easy training. Their behavior is similar to Labs but they can be slightly more energetic and therefore require more exercise. If you like playing with your dog, this breed will suit your needs very well!

Poodle

Poodles do not shed as much as other breeds of dogs making them great for people with allergies. They are very intelligent and easy to train on most commands. They do not mind being left alone for 6 or more hours at a time as long as they get their exercise each day.

Boxer

Boxers are an extremely energetic, playful, and friendly breed of dog that love to spend time with their families and children. Boxers require a lot of exercise and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can make great jogging companions!

Beagle

Beagles are gentle, curious, and energetic breeds of dog that enjoy spending time with their owners. They love to play games such as hide and seek but will also spend time cuddling on the couch. Beagles do not mind being left alone for 4 or more hours at a time as long as they have regular exercise every day.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are a small breed of dog that enjoy being around their owners and spending time indoors as much as possible. They do not require a lot of exercise but do need their owners to be there most of the time. They are usually good with other animals and children, but care should be taken with infants who can easily stress out this breed.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are a highly intelligent breed of dog that make excellent working dogs. They are loyal to their families, easy to train on most commands, and are very protective. They do not mind being left alone for 4 or more hours at a time as long as they have regular exercise every day.

Pit bull

Pit bulls are a highly energetic breed of dog that love to spend time with their owners doing almost anything! They are very intelligent but hard to train. If you are looking for a cuddly breed of dog, look elsewhere! Pit bulls do not mind being left alone for 4 or more hours at a time as long as they have regular exercise every day.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are a small breed of dog that are known for barking loudly and often! They do not get along well with other animals or children due to their small size. They enjoy being around their owners and spending time indoors as much as possible. Chihuahuas do not mind being left alone for 4 or more hours at a time as long as they have regular exercise every day.

Breed will play a large role in what behavior your dog has. Use this list to help you determine breed specific traits and behaviors of each breed. Keep in mind that every dog requires training, routine care, and regular exercise to make it a well-behaved companion. If you need some help with training your dog, contact a local breed specific trainer. Rocky Mountain K-9 specializes in breed specific training and service dogs for people who have disabilities of all kinds.