Temperament Tapestry

 

The temperament description from the AKC PWD breed standard: 

"An animal of spirited disposition, self-willed, brave, and very resistant to fatigue. A dog of exceptional intelligence and a loyal companion, it obeys its master with facility and apparent pleasure. It is obedient with those who look after it or with those for whom it works."

A breed standard is, at its core, a word picture of what a dog of a particular breed should look and act like. The words create an image of the breed's ideal structure and movement. A good breed standard describes all the important physical characteristics, traits and characteristics that define the breed. Because it relies on words, each reader may interpret the descriptions in a breed standard a little differently. 

I saw a post relating to temperament the other day and found it very thought provoking.  Here are the key descriptors from the PWD breed standard, as well as definitions and synonyms of those words (from Merriam Webster).

Spirited:

Definition: full of energy, animation, or courage

Synonym: fiery, spunky

 

Self-Willed:

Definition: governed by one's own will : not yielding to the wishes of others, obstinate

Synonym: stubborn, adamant 

 

Brave:

Definition: having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty : having or showing courage

Synonym: courageous, fearless, bold

Intelligent:
Definitions: having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity
revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought
Synonym: smart, clever, quick, sharp, bright

Loyal:
Definition: : unswerving in allegiance: such as faithful to a person to whom faithfulness is due
Synonym: steadfast, faithful, devoted

Obedient:
Definition: submissive to the restraint or command of authority : willing to obey
Synonym: docile, biddable, meek, gentle, compliant

These descriptors of our breed's temperament characteristics paint a complex and nuanced portrait.  Each Portuguese Water dog puppy has these traits in a different balance.  Within reason, as their companions and trainers, we can encourage and strengthen those traits that we like, while discouraging the attributes we do not.  As breeders, we can work toward selecting individuals for our breeding programs that we feel have the best possible combination of attributes.