Are dogs of same breed in different colours different natured because of tone?

Question

People always have have a theory maybe its that black labradors are most dominant, yet easy to train, yellows were a bit dippy and hyper, and maybe browns are more calm, and white german shepherds were more prone to genetic weakness, blacks were timid... poodles of brown would be hyper etc etc the list goes on....

I wonder what you all think, is it true, colour-ways makes a certain trait 'fixed' into a breed?

or is it not a valid argument ,upon choosing a coloured pedigreed breed?

Answer 1

I have heard this said with some breeds. I know that some colors and color patterns are linked to genetic defects. I guess the color might also influence the personality traits.

I know in cats that the calico and to a lesser degree the tortoiseshell color pattern seems to result in a sassy cat with attitude regardless of the breed.

Answer 2

I just read a short article in dog fancy regarding color and temperment..  let me go find the magazine.. it was very well written and answered a question like this well.

Ok found it.. the article does discuss "proper breed color" as well as temperment linked colors.  Its a short article.

The short answer is "depends on the breed"  With most breeds, color is only a personal preference.  In some breeds there may be certain quirks and traits that are more common with certain colors.  That doesnt mean that a brown lab wont be a hyper dog, or that a yellow lab wont be calm and easy to train.

From the October 2008 Dog Fancy

"Color No-Nos"

All purebred dogs registered with the American Kennel Club must conform to the breed standard -- a written description of the ideal dog.  Breed colors are ussually spelled out.

  Take, for instance, the Golden Retriever.  The AKC standard for this breed allows for Goldens to be "rich, lustrious golden of various shades."

  Having a standard maintains the original look of the breed, and helps deter people from breeding off-colors into the lines.

  But would a cream-colored Golden be incorrect?  Ainslie Mills, judge's educational chair of the Golden Retriever Club of America, says "The standard states: 'Predominant body color which is either extremely pale or extremely dark is undesirable.'  This does not mean that cream is not accepted, but that it is less desirable than a more middle-range color."

For some breeds, different colors can mean slightly different personalities.  Breed expert and DOG FANCY Editor-at-Large Allan Reznik shares this story:  "A couple I know wnated to get a mellow pet for their grandmother.  What could be more perfect than a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?  A pretty ruby girl caught their eye.

  "But what a surprise for Grandma when the dog turned out to be a canine athlete, leaping baby gates in a single bound and treating the sofa as her own trampoline!  As with many breeds, Cavaliers have personality quirks associated with their color.  The popular blenhiems tend to be the most mellow.  Tricolors are a little more high energy.  Most active of all are the solid-colored Cavaliers."

  So, once you've picked a breed that's right for your lifestyle, talk to your breeder about potential color-based personality differences, too.

ADDED:

Also certain colors may tend to display particular traits because of poor breeding practices.  White GSDs are not accepted in AKC, someone purposly breeding white AKC GSDs may be focusing more on color, rather than health and temperment, which is why many tend to be skittish.

Answer 3

I think the color of the dog has nothing to do with how easy it is to train or its personality. However albinos are more prone to genetic weakness and health problems. For example the albino doberman pincher. It has many health problems.

But as for the lab coloring I'd say there is no difference. It just depends on the dog itself.

Answer 4

the color of a dog has nothing to do with temperament.