[quote=sbates]To sort of return to the original topic of CO character: [/quote] Good point, the thread was about character essentials. Intelligence. Alertness. Courage. Territoriality. Loyalty to owner. Devotion to family. Gentleness and playfulness with friends. Protective nature. Distrustful attitude towards all strangers. Aggressive response to threatening strangers. Elevated defense reactions. Reasonable adaptability. Tolerance of non-threatening dogs. Aggressive response to aggressive-acting dogs. Engagement in levels of physical conflict appropriate to the severity of threat. Ability to learn and be trained. I've tried to list the qualities a CO should be born with and you could say that some of the examples listed are walking the line between character traits and the overall package, but those are the essential characteristics of a proper CO. P.S. In my opinion, of course. Wouldn't want to be accused of promoting anything. :lol: :wink: