I thought I would post my observations about the differences in temperament of my two miniature poodles. Before Jazz, I was a novice to dogs so this has all been very interesting to me. I never even thought about temperament when I selected Jazz.
Jazz- he is very prey motivated. He loves chasing squirrels and what not and he runs around the yard to "check out" his territory daily and whenever we are back from a walk. He is extremely treat motivated. He will stop anything he is doing for a treat. He can be lured anywhere, away from the door when I am leaving, etc., with a treat. As a puppy he would not like it if I stroked him when he was lying down on the couch next to me, he would get up and move away. Now, he allows me to do this (19 mths old) and does not budge but he does not move into me and he does not look me in the face. He has
"kissed" me about three times since I have had had. Even when I put my nose to his he does not lick. On the other hand, in bed, he at times, (not daily) covers my husband with kisses. I am not sure whether to take that as he loves him more, or he is submissive to him. What do you think? He loves, loves, loves to play and chase a bull and he would kill for his frisbee. He is very trainable except he does not like to go down. He heels great. He has calmed down significantly since 1 year old. He used to be a crazy nut. He follows and loves to go out and in the car. He is a fun dog.
Zoe- I specifically got her for a "different" temperament. She kisses, kisses, kisses. She even kisses strangers, so we don't think her kisses mean too much. However, every more when she gets out of her crate she has to cuddle first before she goes out, Jazz goes immediately out. She is calm, lukewarm to the ball. Could care less for the frisbee but loves sticks. She is so so treat motivated. After a few treats she is done with them. She is more difficult to train but more placid then Jazz so it evens out. She is very sweet, always coming over at some point just to say HI, and other times for food. She looks me directly in the face and LOVES it when I tickle her under her chin or behind her ears. She plays with Jazz, but as he goes for the ball, she goes for him. The "annoying" little sister. She lies on the bed near me and does not get up if I pet her. She is definitely more touchy feely then Jazz.
I feel lucky to have both dogs because they complement each other and together are a lot of fun. I see and appreciate the positives in both kinds of temperment. I'm sure some will say their dog has both sides of the temperament continuum but I feel blessed to have both my dogs. It has been such an interesting journey to observe the emerging characteristics of each dog and how they differ.
Jazz- he is very prey motivated. He loves chasing squirrels and what not and he runs around the yard to "check out" his territory daily and whenever we are back from a walk. He is extremely treat motivated. He will stop anything he is doing for a treat. He can be lured anywhere, away from the door when I am leaving, etc., with a treat. As a puppy he would not like it if I stroked him when he was lying down on the couch next to me, he would get up and move away. Now, he allows me to do this (19 mths old) and does not budge but he does not move into me and he does not look me in the face. He has
"kissed" me about three times since I have had had. Even when I put my nose to his he does not lick. On the other hand, in bed, he at times, (not daily) covers my husband with kisses. I am not sure whether to take that as he loves him more, or he is submissive to him. What do you think? He loves, loves, loves to play and chase a bull and he would kill for his frisbee. He is very trainable except he does not like to go down. He heels great. He has calmed down significantly since 1 year old. He used to be a crazy nut. He follows and loves to go out and in the car. He is a fun dog.
Zoe- I specifically got her for a "different" temperament. She kisses, kisses, kisses. She even kisses strangers, so we don't think her kisses mean too much. However, every more when she gets out of her crate she has to cuddle first before she goes out, Jazz goes immediately out. She is calm, lukewarm to the ball. Could care less for the frisbee but loves sticks. She is so so treat motivated. After a few treats she is done with them. She is more difficult to train but more placid then Jazz so it evens out. She is very sweet, always coming over at some point just to say HI, and other times for food. She looks me directly in the face and LOVES it when I tickle her under her chin or behind her ears. She plays with Jazz, but as he goes for the ball, she goes for him. The "annoying" little sister. She lies on the bed near me and does not get up if I pet her. She is definitely more touchy feely then Jazz.
I feel lucky to have both dogs because they complement each other and together are a lot of fun. I see and appreciate the positives in both kinds of temperment. I'm sure some will say their dog has both sides of the temperament continuum but I feel blessed to have both my dogs. It has been such an interesting journey to observe the emerging characteristics of each dog and how they differ.