Comment to 'Are neos rank driven?'
  • The English historically do not like a rank dogs and select against it. Many still are not fond of bull breeds doing bite work. Many believe that a dog should never see itself on the same "playing field" as a human. Germans classically like a dog that feels it is equal to man. This does not necessarily mean that they are overtly aggressive, just less naturally submissive. Some often describe it as you have to earn their respect. When you have it, you have a remarkable dog. Old school GSDs are the same way. I have run into Boxers and other "German" breeds that are classically this way as well. Many admired breeds in Eastern Europe tend to have this type of disposition. It is very useful and potentially problematic as well. You can use more "traditional" methods (with some examples it is more suited), but I feel with dogs like this, it just "teaches" the dog that force should be met with force. This is where redirection can become a problem. When mentally matched, and offered leadership these dogs are remarkable. The undying respect they show is like no other. To expound on this even more, I often refer to an "Asian" temperament as well. Most CHow/Sptiz/TM/ type dogs from the far East have similar temperaments. I lovingly refer to them as "grouchy" lol. A Neo is not naturally this rank, but it is possible in some individuals. They do tend to be more opportunistically dominant with humans. In the wrong home or in a misunderstood home, they will easily take control. Most of this is from their use, but also the amount of EM and other "English" dog in modern examples and the active selection for "softer" dogs has left its mark on the breed.