The Disservice of Dishonest Breeding: Why Temperament Transparency Matters
Breeding should be about improving a breed, not just producing more dogs. Yet, many breeders fail their dogs and their owners by downplaying or outright ignoring temperament issues in their breeding programs. This leads to dogs being placed in homes where they struggle to function, and owners feeling isolated and overwhelmed when the reality of their dog’s challenges doesn’t match what they were led to believe.
A Dog Shouldn’t Have to Be Entertained 24/7 to Function
One of the biggest misconceptions in the dog world is that extreme arousal and an inability to settle are signs of high drive. This is simply not true. Drive is a trait that allows a dog to focus and work in a structured way. A dog that cannot self-regulate, rest, or exist without constant external stimulation is not demonstrating drive—it’s demonstrating a serious nervous system imbalance. These dogs often struggle with extreme anxiety, reactivity, and an inability to cope with everyday life.
Despite this, many in the dog world continue to excuse these behaviors as "just the breed" or justify them with statements like, "They’re working dogs." But a dog that cannot exist in a stable state of mind cannot—and should not—be expected to work or perform in sports in good conscience. A dog that needs to be micromanaged every waking second just to function is not a well-adjusted dog; it's a dog struggling against poor genetics and improper breeding practices.
The Emotional Toll on Owners
Many owners, including myself, have poured their hearts into trying to help their dogs. We follow training protocols, provide structure, and even explore medical interventions when necessary. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, a dog’s issues go beyond what any amount of training or management can fix.
For two years, I worked tirelessly with my dog, Echo, trying to manage his severe anxiety, reactivity, and inability to settle. Even with medication, his stress levels remained unmanageable. Taking him anywhere was overwhelming—not because I didn’t “understand the breed” or “couldn’t handle a working dog,” but because his needs went beyond what any responsible owner could reasonably accommodate. My life revolved around avoiding triggers, carefully managing his environment, and dealing with the constant emotional exhaustion of seeing him struggle.
When breeders refuse to acknowledge the genetic components of temperament, they set both their dogs and their owners up for failure. No one should have to live in fear of setting their dog off by simply existing in their own home. No one should be gaslit into believing that their dog’s extreme anxiety is normal.
The Importance of Ethical Breeding
Ethical breeders take responsibility for the dogs they produce. This means:
Being honest about temperament issues in their lines and not dismissing concerns as “handler error” or “lack of training.”
Screening potential homes properly to ensure that their dogs are placed in environments that match their needs.
Offering support to owners who struggle with behavioral challenges, rather than shaming them for speaking up.
Prioritizing health and temperament in breeding decisions, rather than just aesthetics or working ability.
Breaking the Silence
Far too often, when an owner speaks up about serious behavioral issues, they are met with backlash instead of support. People dismiss their experiences, accuse them of mishandling the dog, or worse, try to silence them to protect a breeder’s reputation. This culture of secrecy helps no one—least of all, the dogs.
When I spoke up about Echo’s struggles, I was met with everything from unsolicited (and unrealistic) advice to outright hostility. Discussions that should have been about supporting the dog and learning from his case turned into blame and speculation. This is why so many people stay silent about the challenges they face. They don’t want to be judged, ostracized, or told they are simply not “strong enough” to handle the breed.
But silence helps no one. If we want to see change, we need to start holding breeders accountable for the dogs they produce. We need to stop excusing extreme behaviors as “normal” and start demanding transparency and ethical decision-making.
Final Thoughts
Not every dog will be an easy dog, but every dog deserves the best chance at a balanced life. If we continue to ignore temperament issues and shame owners into silence, we are failing both the dogs and the people who love them.
To those who are struggling: You are not alone. To breeders: Do better. And to the dog world as a whole: It’s time to stop excusing dysfunction as drive.
If you’ve had a similar experience, I encourage you to speak up. Change only happens when we stop accepting silence as the norm.