Never breed any animal that exhibits temperament problems, as this can lead to the degeneration of the breed’s general temperament. This has been observed in several breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and others. If your animal displays untrustworthiness, excessive aggression towards people, excitability, or fear-biting tendencies, it should not be bred. Similarly, if your animal is shy or submissive, it should not be bred. Instead, focus on happy, confident, and obedient animals, and carefully consider the specific temperament requirements for your dog’s breed.

There are various tests available to assess a dog’s temperament. Many working breeds have temperament tests specific to their breed, such as the Doberman’s WAC test. The AKC offers the Canine Good Citizen test, which is open to all dogs and provides an indication of the dog’s temperament and training. Therapy Dogs International and other therapy dog clubs conduct temperament testing to distinguish actual temperament from training. While obedience titles can be an indication of good temperament, it is not a guarantee.