We had both labs and dalmations growing up - both came from good breeders and had wonderful temperaments. They were working dogs on the farm, so a little different than your typical "pet". However, to be honest, I have rarely ran into other labs or dalmations with the same kind of temperament and manners. I can say the same for my cousins Dobermans and my grandmas Rottweiler. I think I have been very blessed to have had the opportunity to be raised around amazing animals.
I think a common issue for many people is "man's best friend" translates to "will naturally be pleased to do your bidding". No one realizes how much work a good dog is, regardless of breed - or that some breeds will be much more work than others.
Teehee...I can comment about potiential differences/similarities between genders in Shikoku now that I have 1 of each.
-sighs- Both are crazy and equally loveable! lol.
Kotomi still needs more time to grow up but as far as I can see she is just like Kei-kun in personality. She might have a bit more "spunk" to her though. Just the same she gets along with people and other animals. Both seem so carefree and really have no clue what is going on in the world. At this point in their lives, they are both non-reactive in the sense that if they were attacked by another dog, they'd think that dog was playing! Not sure if that's a "good thing", I'd like some reactiveness from them like "Hey, back off!" If one day they had to fend for themselves, I would like them to at least have a chance. Yet at the same time, each of them can "hold their own"...it just seems like everything is a game for them. It's kinda funny. They have their own way of dealing with things. They have until they are 3-4 years of age and mentally mature. I do expect some slight changes, but hopefully nothing extreme.
--- Guess this just leaves the Malinois to protect my Shikoku!---
* As for training, Kei is happy to please but does not live for this kind of work. I think teaching behaviors to both my Shikoku is fairly easy, once they know what it is you expect of them. Right now, I think Kotomi may make for a better obedience dog then Kei. I say this because I think she has a better attention span then he does. However, both are trainable...just like everything else, it takes time and patience. They learn quickly though!
Comments
I think a common issue for many people is "man's best friend" translates to "will naturally be pleased to do your bidding". No one realizes how much work a good dog is, regardless of breed - or that some breeds will be much more work than others.
-sighs- Both are crazy and equally loveable! lol.
Kotomi still needs more time to grow up but as far as I can see she is just like Kei-kun in personality. She might have a bit more "spunk" to her though. Just the same she gets along with people and other animals. Both seem so carefree and really have no clue what is going on in the world. At this point in their lives, they are both non-reactive in the sense that if they were attacked by another dog, they'd think that dog was playing! Not sure if that's a "good thing", I'd like some reactiveness from them like "Hey, back off!" If one day they had to fend for themselves, I would like them to at least have a chance. Yet at the same time, each of them can "hold their own"...it just seems like everything is a game for them. It's kinda funny. They have their own way of dealing with things. They have until they are 3-4 years of age and mentally mature. I do expect some slight changes, but hopefully nothing extreme.
--- Guess this just leaves the Malinois to protect my Shikoku!---
* As for training, Kei is happy to please but does not live for this kind of work. I think teaching behaviors to both my Shikoku is fairly easy, once they know what it is you expect of them. Right now, I think Kotomi may make for a better obedience dog then Kei. I say this because I think she has a better attention span then he does. However, both are trainable...just like everything else, it takes time and patience. They learn quickly though!