mrv
Posted : 4/6/2006 10:46:07 PM
Chewing puppies are normal, barking puppies are normal, destructive puppies are normal, obnoxious puppies are normal, active puppies are normal. The original function of the breed may give you insight into levels of activity etc. Sporting dogs were bred to be working companions for hunting, so expect instinct driven behaviors related to sniffing out critters and possibly natural retrieving (which often seems like keep away if you arent careful). Working dogs were typically bred for protection based activity. Some were partners, some were on their own. They can tend to take over and need CONSIDERABLE ongoing socialization with other dogs and people from the time you bring them home (get shots taken care of first). Herding dogs are intelligent and reactive. They are attracted by movement and can be control freaks. One option would be to take some of the breed selectors available on the web. Then go to the web sites for those particular breeds. From there, go to websites of folks who breed or show those dogs.