08/31/2026
This. This is why temperament matters. 🤍
When we talk about breeding dogs, structure, health, titles, and pedigrees matter but temperament should never be an afterthought.
A stable temperament starts with genetics, and then it’s our responsibility to nurture that foundation. Raising dogs alongside children can provide so much more than simple desensitization. Positive, appropriate exposure to the noise, movement, unpredictability, and everyday chaos of family life can help build confidence, adaptability, trust, and resilience.
I also want to make something VERY clear: we practice dog safety in our home. I do not intentionally allow my children to get in a dog’s face, climb on them, pull on them, or disrespect their boundaries even with our own dogs. Children should be taught to respect dogs just as much as dogs should be taught how to appropriately live around children.
But life happens, especially with little kids. Sometimes you catch a candid moment before you can intervene, like a little kiss on the head or a toddler hand somewhere you wouldn’t intentionally place it. And there is something incredibly special about knowing the dog beside them has the stable, tolerant temperament to simply think, “Okay, tiny human…” and carry on. 😂🤍
That doesn’t mean we test their tolerance or expect them to put up with anything. A good temperament should be protected, not taken advantage of. But it absolutely matters when choosing dogs for a breeding program.
Genetics set the foundation. Socialization, training, boundaries, and positive life experiences build upon it.
My goal will never be simply to produce a beautiful dog or one that can win in a ring. I want dogs that can do both dogs that are structurally sound and beautiful, but can also come home, settle into real life, confidently experience the world, and thrive as part of a family.
Because for most of them, the greatest and most important title they’ll ever hold is “family dog.” 🤍🐩
