just a thing i suppose that could be got going , to see whether your dogs characteristic`s / temperaments meet the breed standard criteria , this could be fun and informative!

so lets see for me ; mastiff

1]calm
2] affectionate to owners, but capable of guarding.
3] usually indifferent with strangers; timidity is unacceptable

1] yes they are calm , probably too calm , so laid back their heads could roll off
2] yes they are affectionate , think they are lap dogs , will bark when the doors go , that being about it.
3] they don`t much care for strangers can either take them or leave them , will approach them in a friendly manner , probably why my house got broke into they are never timid , nothing phases them at all.

"Intelligent, keen and biddable, with a strong will to please. Kindly nature, with no trace of aggression or undue shyness."

This is possibly going to open up a debate but mine fit the standard except for the biddable bit, but then neither of mine have much working breeding in there, so when I'm comparing with dogs of working breeding, mine are down on the scale as I see it. However, when compared to other pet type Labradors, they would be further up on the scale, other than that, they're pretty bomb proof. I'm looking after 9 other dogs today for people out working their other dogs, and my two have helped out with walking duties, and have been brilliant, as usual!

Dylan & Jake - Greyhounds - Intelligent, gentle, affectionate and even-tempered.
Both very intelligent and affectionate but as clumsy as they come! Very well tempered even when put in situations they're not entirely happy with.

Alfie - Westie - Alert, gay, courageous, self-reliant but friendly.
Always happy and alert, courageous when he wants to be. Friendly - hmm, well he is with his family, but hates strangers.

Harvey - Bernese Mountain Dog - Self-confident, good-natured, friendly and fearless. Aggressiveness not to be tolerated.
That's him to the tee - happy, friendly, loves everyone. Not a bad bone in his body.

Blue is a cross, so won't do him.

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''Dogs are like chocolates, you can never have just one!''

Ok lets give this a try
charateristics of an old english

_loving and affectionate
_quick learners
_playful

I would say that grizz is all of the above, but when it comes to learning new things he can have selective hearing!!

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Dobermann

Characteristics
Intelligent and firm of character, loyal and obedient.

Temperament
Bold and alert. Shyness or viciousness very highly undesirable.

Bang on

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Chinese Cresteds..
Characteristics
Two distinct types of this breed; Deer type, racy and fine boned, and Cobby type, heavier in body and bone.

Temperament
Happy, never vicious.

Both mine are cobby, being heavier in bone. & perfect with tempermant.

Border Collie..
Characteristics
Tenacious, hard-working sheep dog, of great tractability.

Temperament
Keen, alert, responsive and intelligent. Neither nervous nor aggressive.

nearly spot on although Mace has in the past shown signs of being nervous in situations, but we have worked hard on that.

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In terms of character, I suppose all my dogs have been sociable, biddable and steady. I doubt whether any of them would win Crufts, Still, they dont shoot game at the National Exhibition Centre so it doesn't really matter to me.
( Golden Retreivers & Springers.)
Please take this with a pinch of salt, I really dont want to upset the 'Antis'

Beagle:

Energetic, Alert, Even-tempered, Social, Stubborn, Quick Learner.

Yes, most definitely Wesley, even at only 3 months old!
And a bottomless stomach... I thought I could eat but he puts me to shame!

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not sure what the breed standards are for a rottie!