These hunting dogs are the most underestimated - and that's what makes them dangerous! | Episode 18
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Time to read 30 min
Choosing the right breed of dog is much more than a question of taste. Many dog people fall in love with a look, a cute look or a supposed "family breed" - and then face major challenges in everyday life months later. Because whether a dog really suits you is not decided by its colour or size, but by its genetic make-up, its original breeding goal and its individual behaviour.
In the last blog , we talked in detail about different categories of dogs - including herding & driving dogs, guard dogs, molossers, pinschers, terriers, bull & terrier types and dachshunds. Each of these groups has its own deeply rooted behavioural patterns that result from their ethological origins - i.e. their original working purpose.
If you want to understand why dogs react the way they do, you have to understand where they come from.
Our aim is to help you as a dog person to find the right type of dog for you - not the "perfect dog", there is no such thing - but the one that really suits your life, your character and your energy.
We combine cynological knowledge (the science of dogs), behavioural biology (how dogs learn and react) and psychology (how humans and dogs influence each other) - packaged in understandable examples from everyday life.
After all, choosing the right breed means respecting your dog's nature - not ignoring it.
Our category in this blog:
Category 8: Running Dogs, Welding Dogs & Relatives
Original task
Running dogs and sighthounds are among the oldest types of working dogs in the history of hunting. Their task was to track over long distances - either on fresh tracks (running dogs) or on the so-called sweat trail, i.e. the blood of wounded game animals (sighthounds). They were bred to hunt independently, persistently and loudly, often in packs and under the most difficult conditions.
Typical representatives of this group are the Beagle, Basset Hound, German Hound, Alpine Dachsbracke, Hanoverian Hound and Bavarian Mountain Hound. Their highly specialised sense of smell makes them the best "nose workers" among hunting dogs: They have up to 300 million olfactory cells (by comparison, humans have around 5 million), which makes their ability to differentiate between odours unique.
These dogs were never intended as companions in confined spaces, but as independent trackers with great freedom of movement. Their genetic basis is programmed for tracking orientation, endurance and decision-making autonomy - characteristics that still characterise their everyday behaviour today.
Character & special challenges
Running and welding dogs are friendly, socially compatible and resilient dogs that have good social behaviour towards other dogs of the same species due to their pack imprint. At the same time, they are highly independent, which can quickly lead to misunderstandings in modern dog ownership.
They show a pronounced olfactory fixation - odours are stronger for them than any voice, food or toy. This genetically deeply rooted sensory orientation means that they "disappear into their world" when they are at work. From a neurobiological point of view, odour stimuli activate their dopaminergic reward system so strongly that other stimuli fade into the background.
Their independence is not an act of defiance, but an expression of an evolutionarily firmly anchored functional circuit: they had to make decisions without consulting the hunter. This ability to solve problems autonomously can lead to conflicts in the domestic environment, for example when the dog assesses situations before the human intervenes. In addition, there is a tendency to vocalise behaviour - "tracking" is genetically desired and not a training mistake.
Psychologically speaking, these are dogs with a high arousal potential when stimuli are received and a comparatively long return time to the resting phase. Their arousal regulation is less tied to social control than in co-operative breeds such as herding dogs. This makes them sensitive to excessive demands if they are not offered clear structures and rest periods.
Hurdles in education
The training of running and welding dogs requires an understanding of their sensory and cognitive behaviour. Traditional obedience concepts often fail because they ignore the basic need of these dogs - to search. If this drive is suppressed, substitute behaviours such as extreme pulling, howling, whining or obsessive sniffing become apparent.
From a learning theory perspective, they benefit from training approaches based on the Premack principle: Access to the scent serves as a reward for controlled behaviour. This intrinsically reinforces the recall or stop behaviour.
Cynologically correct training works here with impulse control through stimulus management, not force. A Long Leash, structured search tasks and targeted calming exercises are essential.
Another aspect: Their strong urge for self-efficacy requires sensitive but consistent leadership. Anyone who uses pressure or authoritarian behaviour often triggers reactance - the dog does not give way out of fear, but because it feels incapacitated.
In ethology, this is referred to as self-confirmed behaviour: The dog experiences dopaminergic reinforcement every time it successfully picks up a scent, which stabilises the behaviour. Accordingly, humans must learn to direct this motivation instead of fighting it.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
A running or tracking dog is the right choice for people who love exercise, being close to nature and structured work with their dog. Anyone who enjoys training scent discrimination, tracking or mantrailing will find these dogs to be highly intelligent, loyal partners with a strong character.
They are less suitable for people who prefer a comfortable everyday life with short walks or a city environment. Noisy environments and a lack of physical exercise also quickly lead to behavioural problems. Families with small children should bear in mind that these dogs need peace and quiet and clear communication - chaos and constant overstimulation lead to constant stress.
Category 9: Pointing dogs
Original task
Pointing dogs are among the classic hunting dogs and therefore belong to those breeds whose behaviour and working methods are still strongly influenced by their original selection. Their task was to track down game, to indicate it with a characteristic "pointing" behaviour - i.e. to mark the position of the game with a raised paw and tense body posture - and to retrieve the shot animal after the shot.
These dogs work at a distance, but in close co-operation with humans. They had to learn to interpret subtle gestures or whistle signals from a great distance and at the same time act independently. Typical examples are the Weimaraner, Magyar Vizsla, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, English Pointer and Gordon Setter.
Their selection was focussed on versatility: They should not only indicate, but also retrieve, search and sometimes even work in water. This functional breadth makes them the all-rounders among hunting dogs - with a complex neuropsychological profile that is often underestimated in today's pet ownership.
Character & special challenges
Pointing dogs are performance-orientated, sensitive and cognitively highly active. Their behaviour is characterised by a combination of high impulse control and strong motivation to act - an apparent contradiction that makes them particularly fascinating. From an ethological perspective, they represent a balance between independence (for independent searching) and social co-operation (for working with humans).
These dogs have above-average visual perception. Movement stimuli activate their dopaminergic reward system much more strongly than in less hunting dog breeds. This is why they react particularly sensitively to fleeting movements - a rustling leaf, a cat scurrying past, a flying ball. If this reactivity is not channelled in a targeted manner, it can easily lead to impulsive chasing behaviour.
Psychologically, pointing dogs are interactive, intelligent dogs with a high level of social sensitivity. They register the smallest changes in tone of voice, posture or mood. This ability makes them excellent partners in training, but also requires a calm, confident owner. Emotional stress or inconsistency on the part of the owner is immediately transferred to the dog.
Many members of this group tend to hyperfocus when underchallenged or lacking structure - they constantly "scan" their environment for stimuli. In behavioural biology, this pattern is referred to as "conditioned hypervigilance", a state of constant expectation that can lead to stress in both stimulus-poor and stimulus-flooded households.
Hurdles in education
Training a pointing dog is a balancing act between control and trust. In terms of learning theory, they are dogs with high intrinsic motivation - this means that they do not work for food, but for the meaning of the task. Classic sit/down/stay training quickly bores them and leads to frustration or inactivity.
Their cognitive learning processing is strongly context-bound: They store experiences situationally and have difficulty generalising. A behaviour that works perfectly in the field can suddenly be ignored in the park - not out of disobedience, but because the environmental conditions set different cognitive markers.
Therefore, education needs situational diversity and clear signalling consistency.
Pointing dogs react sensitively to pressure. Authoritarian or punishment-based methods do not lead to obedience, but to insecurity - neurobiologically, they then show increased cortisol levels and avoid future co-operation. Instead, they need communicative, emotionally regulated leadership that confirms their self-efficacy.
Another training characteristic relates to recall: due to their sensitivity to visual stimuli and the dopamine reinforcement of hunting stimuli, impulse control during movement is particularly difficult. This is where targeted work with alternative rewards through social interaction or search work, rather than pure food praise, proves its worth.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
Pointing dogs are ideal for people who appreciate active, intelligent and sensitive dogs and are willing to provide regular mental and physical work. They are suitable for people with a structured lifestyle who enjoy nose work, dummy training or mantrailing - activities that respect and constructively channel their genetic disposition.
They are unsuitable for owners who are looking for a "family companion" without high demands in terms of activity. They are also not dogs for emotional or unstable personalities - their sensitivity requires emotional stability and clarity in handling.
Anyone interested in choosing the right breed of dog and thinking about adopting a pointing dog should check whether their everyday life offers enough room for training, exercise and mental stimulation. Handled correctly, pointing dogs are exceptionally loyal partners - kept incorrectly, they develop behavioural patterns that result from excessive demands, not from "disobedience".
Category 10: Greyhounds
Original task
Sighthounds represent the specialisation of hunting by sight and scent. While running and sighthounds search for their prey by scent and pointing dogs indicate game, greyhounds react to movement. They hunt with their eyes, not their nose.
Their origins go back several millennia: greyhounds were already regarded as a symbol of hunting and nobility in Ancient Egypt. They later found their place in European hunting, where they were used to chase hares, deer and antelopes. Typical representatives are the greyhound, Afghan hound, Saluki, whippet, sloughi, borzoi and the Italian greyhound.
Breeding has selected the hunting sequence in sighthounds in such a way that orientation, fixing and chasing are strongly developed, while killing has been largely weakened. They thus embody one of the purest forms of hunting specialisation.
Their anatomy - long legs, deep chest, narrow head - is completely designed for speed, endurance and visual perception. Biomechanically speaking, they can sprint at up to 70 km/h; their cardiovascular system is one of the most efficient in the animal kingdom.
Character & special challenges
Sighthounds are sensitive, independent and often introverted dogs. Their nature is characterised by visual sensitivity to stimuli, fine perception and emotional restraint. They are not "command receivers" in the classic sense - their motivation stems from the need to process stimuli, not the desire to please.
From an ethological point of view, they are highly sensitive to motion stimuli (motion sensitivity). Even the slightest movement in the peripheral field of vision activates the dopaminergic reward system, which immediately triggers the egging behaviour. This behaviour is not "disobedience", but the expression of a deeply rooted neuroethological disposition.
As these dogs have been bred for centuries in sparsely populated regions with wide fields of vision, their stimulus threshold for visual triggers is extremely low - a rustling leaf or a running child can already activate hunting behaviour.
Psychologically, greyhounds are ambivalent between distance and closeness: They seek physical contact, but rarely emotional fusion. They are sensitive, but not submissive. In the home environment, they react to emotional tension - whether it is an argument, noise or chaos - with withdrawal or stress behaviour. Their body perception is highly differentiated: many greyhounds are haptically sensitive, reacting strongly to touch, pressure or pulling.
In social ethology, they are regarded as "low conflict communicators " - dogs that avoid conflicts instead of dealing with them. This explains their restraint, often interpreted as "shy", which is in fact an expression of fine social regulation.
Hurdles in education
Training a greyhound is an exercise in patience and timing. In terms of learning theory, they show a high degree of contextualisation: they learn situationally, but only generalise slowly. A confident recall in the meadow does not mean that the same dog will react in the forest as soon as a deer appears.
This is less due to stubbornness than to overstimulation caused by movement activation in the visual cortex. At such moments, the dopaminergic system is so strongly stimulated that external signals barely penetrate. Anyone who tries to "correct" this through loudness or punishment increases stress and breaks trust.
Training with greyhounds therefore requires preventative stimulus management, i.e. controlling the environment before hunting behaviour is triggered. Long Leash, anti-chase training and coursing (controlled chasing games with artificial prey) are suitable ways of channelling the motivation to move in a functional way.
Greyhounds respond to subtle, consistent communication - calm voice, clear body language, no fuss. Psychologically, they are "mirror dogs": they adopt the emotional frequency of their human. Nervousness creates insecurity, calmness creates a bond.
Their education is not training, but a dialogue at a distance - an interplay of trust, predictability and acceptance of their independence.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
Greyhounds are ideal for people who are calm, sensitive and empathetic. They suit owners who appreciate exercise - long walks, coursing or running together - and at the same time have a flair for quiet communication.
Their even temperament in the house makes them pleasant flatmates as long as their urge to move is respected.
Sighthounds are not suitable for people who expect control or an immediate reaction. Their hunting behaviour can be controlled, but never completely switched off. Hectic, noisy environments or children's households are also often too stimulating.
They need physical exercise, mental calm and social security, not constant entertainment.
When choosing the right breed of dog, anyone considering a greyhound should see their sensitivity as a gift - not a weakness. In the right hands, they are poetic animals: elegant, intelligent and loyal in their own quiet way.
Category 11: Retrieving-, Searching- & Water Dogs
Original task
Retrieving, rummaging and water dogs are among the most versatile hunting dogs of all. Their original task was to find shot game and retrieve it undamaged, track it down in water or dense bushes and bring it to the hunter. This work required a precise nose, a soft mouth and a high level of co-operation.
Typical representatives are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Flat Coated Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Curly Coated Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels. Many of them were developed in England and Scotland for water hunting, which is why a dense, water-repellent coat and a pronounced prey drive are among their characteristic features.
Their breeding was not only based on function, but also on temperament: these dogs had to be friendly, resilient and have strong nerves in order to remain calm and focussed even in the immediate vicinity of other dogs and gunshots. They are therefore classic representatives of the co-operative hunting dog that works in close emotional contact with humans.
Character & special challenges
Retrievers, searchers and water dogs are characterised by a remarkable degree of social intelligence, people orientation and a love of learning. They have a pronounced need for communal activity and harmonious contact. Neurobiologically, an increased release of oxytocin can be demonstrated in retrievers during social interaction - they are therefore biologically programmed for co-operation and relationship contact.
But their friendliness should not be confused with a lack of pretension. Behind the friendly façade lies an enormous willingness to work. Retrievers and spaniels in particular are so-called "activity maintainers " - dogs that can remain active for long periods of time without showing signs of fatigue. If this energy balance is not regulated, self-rewarding substitute behaviour quickly develops, such as continuous panting, excessive sniffing, barking or excessive attention.
In behavioural biology, these dogs are often referred to as having a low stimulus filter: they perceive environmental stimuli more intensely and react more emotionally. Their need to "have to do something" is part of their genetic selection. This high level of responsiveness often leads to overexcitement in modern behaviour - a phenomenon that manifests itself in frustration barking, barking on the lead or hyperactivity if the energy is not channelled sensibly.
From a psychological point of view, they are social reinforcers: they mirror emotions, seek eye contact and relate their behaviour strongly to the human's reaction. This makes them sensitive companions - but also dogs that suffer from inconsistent communication or moody behaviour from their owner.
Hurdles in education
Training a retriever or spaniel requires clear, fine motorised communication. These dogs learn quickly - but they are just as quick to take over structures if the human remains unclear. Due to their high level of empathy, they tend to take the emotional lead when uncertainty is noticeable.
A particular challenge lies in their prey and search motivation. From a learning theory perspective, this is referred to as a strongly conditionable functional circuit behaviour: The sequence "search - find - carry - fetch" is intrinsically rewarding. If this cycle is not channelled in everyday life via controlled tasks (dummy training, nose work, retrieving games), it leads to misguided hunting behaviour or object fixation.
Training should therefore systematically address the prey sequence instead of suppressing it. Punishments or constant suppression lead to frustration, not calm.
In ethological terms, these dogs react strongly to social reinforcers - praise, physical contact and joint exercise have a more lasting effect than food rewards alone. At the same time, they need a clear calm and impulse control structure to regulate their excitement levels.
Many members of this group have a strong need for routine. They benefit from fixed routines and reliable rituals - psychologically speaking, this lowers their cortisol levels and strengthens their emotional stability.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
Retrievers, searchers and water dogs are ideal for people who want to work actively with their dog, be it in dummy training, tracking, mantrailing or hunting. Their eagerness to learn and their need for co-operation make them ideal partners for sensitive, structured dog owners who combine exercise and mental activity.
They are not suitable for people who can only offer occasional walks or are looking for a dog that "just works". Under-activity quickly leads to psychological stress and compensatory behaviour in these breeds. Families with small children should also bear in mind that these dogs need clear rituals, quiet times and consistent boundaries - otherwise they will take on social responsibilities that they are not entitled to.
If you choose the right breed of dog and allow a retriever or spaniel to do the mental work for which it was bred, you will be rewarded with a loyal, sensitive and expressive partner. But without guidance, structure and tasks, there is a risk of emotional overload in a dog that really only wants one thing: to work - with you, not for you.
Category 12: Nordic hunting, guard and herding dogs
Original task
Nordic hunting, guard and herding dogs are among the oldest and most primitive dog types in the world. Their origins lie in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Scandinavia, Russia and Canada, where extreme weather conditions, barren habitats and human dependence on functional labour shaped their selection.
They were bred for three central tasks:
Hunting big game (e.g. elk, bear, reindeer),
Guarding and protection of house, farm and livestock,
Herding and driving reindeer herds over long distances.
Typical representatives include the Norwegian Elkhound, the Finnish Lapphund, the Icelandic Shepherd, the Karelian Bearhound, the Lapland Dog and the Norrbottenspets.
Their breeding was based on functional performance, not appearance. Accordingly, they are robust, weather-resistant dogs with a strong character whose behaviour is closely linked to the survival conditions of the north.
In cynology, these are referred to as archetypes, as many of these breeds are genetically closer to original canid forms than modern working dogs. They were selected over many generations for independence, territorial control and endurance, not for co-operation in the sense of obedience as understood in the West.
Character & special challenges
Nordic dogs are characterised by a high degree of independence, sensory alertness and frustration tolerance. In their region of origin, they had to cover long distances in complete autonomy, make decisions without human guidance and at the same time remain alert to environmental stimuli.
This evolutionary imprint is still evident in their behaviour today: They analyse before they act - and when they act, they do so consistently.
In ethological terms, these are dogs with a high degree of environmental control behaviour. Their motivation is not primarily social, but functional: they want order, an overview and control over their surroundings. This behaviour was essential to protect herds from predators or to locate game.
Neuropsychologically, they react to unpredictable stimuli with increased activation of the locus coeruleus, which is responsible for alertness and stress regulation. This explains why they react to restlessness, hectic or chaotic households with stress or defence. At the same time, they have impressive emotional stability when the environment remains predictable and structured.
Another aspect is their adaptation to the weather: the dense double coat protects them from the icy cold, but makes them sensitive to heat. At temperatures above 20 °C, many Nordic dogs are quickly overtaxed - often resulting in states of exhaustion that are mistakenly interpreted as "sluggishness".
Psychologically, they belong to the autonomous relationship types: They value social closeness, but not permanent interaction. They orientate themselves towards people without completely subordinating themselves to them. Their trust has to be earned - it is based on respect, not subordination.
Hurdles in education
The training of Nordic dogs differs fundamentally from that of classic working dogs. They do not respond to pressure or authoritarian communication, as their genetic make-up is based on independent decision-making. If you try to enforce control through harshness, the behaviour is not corrected but blocked - the dog withdraws or passively resists.
From a learning theory perspective, Nordic dogs show a high degree of selective reinforcement processing: they only repeat behaviours whose benefits they understand. Motivation is created through meaning, not through reward alone.
Training must therefore be based on co-operation rather than confrontation - with a high degree of predictability, clear body language and consistent calm.
A common parenting problem is low frustration tolerance in the face of social restrictions: if the urge to move is permanently suppressed or the need for self-efficacy is disregarded, substitute actions such as digging, barking, chewing or territorial behaviour are displayed.
They also have a pronounced scent differentiation and independent prey orientation - the recall is therefore not a reflex, but a relationship barometer. Only those who combine emotional bonding with cognitive clarity can safely lead these dogs.
In ethological terms, they need social context through guidance, not obedience. This means that they follow when they recognise meaning in leadership. For them, upbringing is less about "teaching" and more about "leading through reliability".
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
Nordic hunting, guard and herding dogs are ideal for people who radiate calm, clarity and natural authority - in other words, a confident presence that inspires trust without exerting pressure. They suit active, nature-loving people who can keep the dog physically and mentally challenged, for example through pulling, trailing, herding or tracking.
They are unsuitable for people looking for an adaptable city dog. Their independence and high level of environmental awareness make them quickly overwhelmed in stimulus-dense environments. Families with inconsistent structure or small children are also often a challenge, as these dogs need calm and predictability.
Anyone considering a Nordic type of dog when choosing the right breed should respect their originality. These dogs are not followers of orders, but partners - loyal if you understand them, aloof if you patronise them. In the right environment, they unfold their full strength: clear, stable, intelligent - a piece of untamed nature in modern life.
Category 13: Sled & draft dogs
Original task
Sled and draught dogs are among the most functional and original dog types of all. Their history is closely linked to the existence of humans in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. For thousands of years, they served as draught and transport dogs, pulled loads over ice, snow and rough terrain, accompanied hunters, helped hunt seals or reindeer and ensured the survival of entire communities.
The classic representatives include the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, Greenland Dog and Canadian Eskimo Dog. Their breeding was never based on beauty or obedience, but exclusively on functionality: endurance, team spirit, resistance to cold and a sense of direction.
In cynological terms, they form a subgroup of Nordic dogs, but their selection was geared towards a unique combination of autonomous decision-making ability and a willingness to cooperate socially. A sled dog had to react independently - for example, in the event of an impending icefall or snowstorm - and at the same time understand the dynamics of a pack.
Anatomically, sled & draught dogs are high-performance athletes: Their deep chest allows for exceptional oxygen uptake, their dense undercoat insulates at -50 °C, and their metabolism is optimised for efficient fat and protein breakdown under constant stress.
Character & special challenges
Sled & draft dogs are highly socially competent, mentally stable and extremely persistent. Their social intelligence results from working in a team: only those who avoid conflict, read signals and co-operate harmoniously can survive in a sled pack. This form of social regulation is referred to in ethology as cohesive pack behaviour - a combination of hierarchical awareness, empathy and coordination of movement.
Psychologically, they are autonomous-cooperative dogs: they recognise leadership when it makes sense, not because they are forced to. They follow out of trust, not obedience. Their behaviour shows what is described in behavioural biology as self-regulated cooperation - independent but socially embedded decision-making.
Their high degree of independence is often confused with stubbornness. In reality, it is an expression of genetic selection for independent risk assessment: In extreme situations, these dogs had to decide when to stop, change direction or contradict the musher in order to save lives.
Their enormous urge to move is challenging. Their organism is designed for kilometres of activity - exercise has a stress-regulating effect on them through the release of serotonin and dopamine. If this need is permanently suppressed, compensatory behaviours such as digging, destroying, continuous barking or stereotypical running movements quickly develop.
Their attachment behaviour is calm but deep. They are rarely overly affectionate, but show a functional form of closeness: Loyalty through co-operation, not emotional fusion.
Hurdles in education
Training sled & draught dogs requires an understanding of their autonomous way of working. They react sensitively to pressure or inconsistency because both disrupt the social stability on which their willingness to co-operate is based. A husky does not allow itself to be "dominated" - it decides whether your leadership makes sense.
In terms of learning theory, they have a high level of intrinsic motivation: running, pulling or exploring is self-rewarding. Classic extrinsic reinforcers - such as food - quickly lose their effect if they have no functional connection to the task. Effective training therefore uses the Premack principle: calm behaviour is rewarded with permission to move.
A common mistake in training is to suppress the urge to move instead of channelling it. Instead of coercion, this dog needs controlled activity - pulling, canicross, bikejoring or skijoring are not recreational ideas, but elementary expressions of its genetic identity.
Psychologically, they react strongly to social stress. Disagreements between owner and dog act like dissonance in the team. Calm, consistent communication, clear body language and fixed routines promote trust and security.
In modern attitudes, they are often sensory underchallenged: too little environmental diversity, too little freedom of choice. To avoid frustration, they should regularly experience environments in which they are allowed to explore - forests, paths, snow, nature.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
Sled & draft dogs are ideal companions for active, structured and nature-loving people who enjoy exercise and teamwork. They suit people who see their dog as a partner, not a recipient of orders.
Anyone who loves endurance training, draught dog sports or long hikes will find them reliable and motivated companions who combine physical performance with social sensitivity.
They are not suitable for owners looking for an easy-care family dog or for life in the city without regular exercise. Their high energy levels and independence are too much for people who prioritise harmony over consistency.
Anyone considering a sled or draft dog when choosing the right breed should be prepared to take the needs of a high performance animal seriously: These dogs need exercise, structure and respect - not pity or control.
In the right hands, they are pure nature in motion: disciplined, powerful, loyal and full of calm - a reflection of true co-operation between man and dog.
Category 14: Lace
Original task
Spitz are one of the oldest types of domestic dog in Europe and are closely related to the Nordic archetypes. Their history goes back to the Bronze Age, when they served as farmyard and guard dogs on farms and in villages. Their main task was to show vigilance, report threats at an early stage and protect property - from the pantry to the livestock.
Typical representatives are the German Spitz, Wolfspitz, Japanese Spitz, Large Spitz, Small Spitz and Miniature Spitz (Pomeranian). They were considered "alarm dogs": small enough to live indoors, but alert and loud enough to report any intruders.
Their high sensitivity to stimuli and fast reaction time made them reliable early warning systems long before there were bells or surveillance cameras.
From a cynological point of view, Spitz dogs are the link between working and companion dogs - robust and instinctive, but at the same time people-orientated and adaptable. Their breeding goal was not obedience, but quick reactions, mistrust of strangers and an emotional bond with familiar people.
Character & special challenges
Spitz are alert, vigilant and spirited dogs with a clear awareness of their surroundings. Their behaviour is based on what is known in ethology as environment monitoring behaviour - a continuous analysis of sounds, movements and smells. They register the slightest changes in their environment and react reflexively.
This genetic vigilance, once functional, can quickly become a burden in modern everyday life. Many top dogs tend to be overreactive: constantly barking when someone walks up the stairs, passes by the window or the neighbour coughs.
In psychological terms, this is not "disobedience", but increased environmental control - a behaviour that is reinforced by frustration or sensory overload.
Their bond with humans is deep but specific. They usually choose their caregiver very consciously and show a pronounced social-selective loyalty: trust has to grow and then remains stable. These dogs are not opportunists, but "character dogs" - sensitive, intelligent and independent.
Neurobiologically, they tend to have a low stimulus threshold in the acoustic cortex - they react particularly quickly to noises, which explains their typical "barking behaviour". If this behaviour is not channelled due to a lack of guidance or overstimulation, a so-called hyperalert syndrome manifests itself, in which the dog remains permanently on high alert.
Hurdles in education
The biggest challenge in raising top dogs lies in their high level of independence and strong emotionality. They cannot be controlled through harshness or loudness, as this increases their insecurity. Instead, they need emotional security and clear, calm structures.
In learning theory, this category is referred to as emotional conditioning: they learn less about consequences and more about moods and expectations. This means that if the owner is irritable, nervous or impatient, the dog's excitement automatically increases with it. Calmness and predictability are therefore the foundation of every training programme.
Barking is a typical training issue. It cannot be "untrained", but only functionally redirected. Instead of punishing the barking, the dog should learn an alternative behaviour - such as coming to the human on signal or going to the blanket. This is the only way to replace the behaviour with conditioned incompatibility.
In addition, spikes have a pronounced protective instinct towards their caregiver. If this is not channelled into social channels, territorial or resource-related behaviour quickly develops. The solution lies not in strictness, but in clear social guidance: the dog must know that the human controls the situation - not the other way round.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
Spitz are ideal companions for people who combine emotional sensitivity with consistency. Anyone who enjoys communication, closeness and everyday structure will find a Spitz to be a watchful, loyal and intelligent partner that bonds closely with its people.
They are ideal for people with a calm but determined nature who want to actively integrate their dog into everyday life - for example when hiking, training or going for structured walks.
Lace is unsuitable for people who cannot tolerate noise sensitivity, are inconsistent in their everyday lives or live in a stimulus-intensive environment (e.g. in the centre of a city). Their genetic alertness cannot be "trained away", but can only be managed.
If you are considering choosing the right breed of dog, you should not confuse their character with "cuteness": These dogs are little strategists with great self-confidence. In the right environment, with calm, clarity and humour, they bring out their best side - alert, loyal and full of personality.
Category 15: Companion & companion dogs
Original task
Social and companion dogs are the product of a breeding development in which the dog was transformed from a functional working animal into a social companion. They did not arise from weakness or decadence, but from conscious selection for emotional attachment, closeness and adaptability.
Many of these breeds originated as working dogs: the Poodle was once a water dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a small hunting spaniel, and even the Chihuahua or Papillon come from lines of small guard and farm dogs. It was only later that the breeding goal shifted from function to social behaviour.
Typical representatives are the Pug, French Bulldog, Havanese, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frisé, Papillon, Chihuahua, Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Their main task was to seek human closeness, mirror emotions and act as social partners.
In ethology, this is referred to as social-symbiotic domestication: these dogs were specifically bred for their ability to interact, their low stimulus threshold towards humans and their high emotional responsiveness.
From a neurobiological point of view, they are the breeds with the strongest oxytocin-coupled bonding system. This means that their well-being depends directly on social closeness and emotional resonance.
Character & special challenges
Companion dogs are people-orientated, sensitive and adaptable. Their emotional intelligence is high: they recognise the slightest changes in mood, read facial expressions and body language before the person themselves are consciously aware of their emotions.
This social perceptiveness is their greatest gift - and at the same time their greatest burden.
From a psychological point of view, they are co-regulative dogs: they regulate their emotions through contact with humans. In stable relationships, this leads to harmony and balance - in unstable households to stress, over-adaptation or clinginess.
Many of these dogs display a behaviour that is referred to in behavioural therapy as "hyperattachment": an exaggerated attachment in which the dog finds it difficult to stay alone because its attachment system remains permanently activated.
Their genetic proximity to early companion dogs led to a weakening of defensive aggression strategies. This explains their peacefulness, but also their tendency to avoid conflict and suppress stress. Physical or noisy forms of training profoundly violate their sense of security and lead to withdrawal or somatic stress (e.g. trembling, digestive problems, skipping behaviour).
Another aspect is the modern breeding problem: some social dog breeds - especially short-headed types such as pugs or French bulldogs - suffer from the consequences of extremely selective breeding (brachycephaly, breathing problems, thermoregulation disorders). In cynological terms, the conscious choice of a functionally healthy breeding standard is therefore part of the responsibility of choosing the right breed.
Hurdles in education
Social & companion dogs are easy to lead - but difficult to understand if you underestimate them. Their need for closeness should not be confused with spoiling. They need clear structures, emotional security and frustration tolerance training in order to avoid becoming dependent.
In learning theory, this is referred to as social reinforcement: these dogs learn through relationships, not through food alone. Eye contact, voice, joint activity - these are all primary reinforcers. Accordingly, the training approach is interactive and relationship-based, not purely conditional.
Frequent training problems are caused by overprotection: the dog is not allowed to do anything on its own, is constantly carried, calmed or "comforted". As a result, they forget how to self-regulate. From a behavioural biology perspective, this leads to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system - the dog remains trapped in parasympathetic activation mode (attachment seeking) and develops anxiety or hypersensitivity.
Stable training of these dogs therefore means providing security without suffocating them.
Clear rituals, calm guidance and measured independence help to build psychological stability. Targeted tasks - small tricks, nose work, retrieving games - also promote self-efficacy and reduce dependency.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
Social & companion dogs are ideal for people who value emotional closeness and fine communication. They suit calm, empathetic owners who offer time, patience and structure.
They are perfect companions for senior citizens, families with clear routines or people who enjoy social interaction - provided that their needs for movement, structure and independence are taken seriously.
They are not suitable for people who bring emotional instability, frequent absences or inconsistency into their everyday lives. Nor for those who are looking for an "easy-care lap dog". These dogs are not accessories, but sensitive social beings who suffer psychologically if they are ignored or overwhelmed.
Anyone considering a companion or social dog when choosing the right breed should ask themselves: Am I prepared to lead an emotional partner - not just own one?
Properly understood, these dogs are mirrors of our inner life: they challenge us to be present, calm and lovingly consistent. Then they become what they were bred for - partners close to the heart, not under our feet, but at our side.
About Vitomalia and the authors Lui & Paulina
The name Vitomalia came from the names of their two beloved dogs: Vito and Amalia. Vito, a sensitive and cheerful dog, accompanied Lui and Paulina through many formative years. After a long, serious illness, they had to let Vito go with a heavy heart on 14 February 2025.
This loss gave rise to the desire not only to process the experience for herself, but also to give other dog owners courage, knowledge and comfort - and so the podcast was born, as a way of coping with grief and at the same time as a platform to talk about dog ownership as it really is: full of love, challenges and growth.
Lui originally comes from a sports background, Paulina from psychology. Their shared passion for dogs brought them together. A hobby became a vocation: Lui trained as a behavioural therapist for dogs, Paulina specialised in dog science. They worked together as dog trainers for many years until they realised how great the need was for sensible and safe dog equipment.
This idea gave rise to the Vitomalia online shop, which is her main focus today. But their passion for the close collaboration between humans and dogs remains unbroken. In their podcast, Lui and Paulina share their experiences, their cynological knowledge and want to convey an honest, realistic view of dog ownership - without filters, without clichés, but with heart and mind.
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