I had three female Yorkies within a year of each other. Two I got when they were young puppies, and my little one was given to me by my first breeder when she was 6.5 months old and was too little to breed. All three had the same sire, but they had different mothers. Each of my three babies had a distinct personality, but they all had desirable Yorkie traits. All three were well socialized and loved people, particularly children. When the neighborhood children saw the three of them walking, several children came running to give them kisses and to play with them. My little one, Gracie, was friendly, but she was more shy than the other two. I believe it probably was because of two reasons: 1) she was tiny, so she got the most attention, which she didn't always love and 2) she was raised in an environment different than her sisters were for over four months longer than Ashley and Kiwi. All three were held, sang to, and given lots of love from the breeder from the time they were born. My first breeder adored Gracie, and she kept her to breed, even though she was unlikely to get big enough. It's why she gave her to me rather than selling her when she stayed tiny. She often came to my home to see my other two girls, and she wanted Gracie with us. Like children who are raised in the same environment who have different personalities, my babies were very different from each other, yet they shared some very distinct traits.
I am a strong believer in how nurturing dogs or people have a profound impact on them. In my teaching career, I was known for the way I nurtured children. I refused to believe that even the toughest child could not be reached by love. I definitely think how and with whom dogs and children are raised makes a huge difference, and that's why a puppy appears to have one temperament at the breeder's home and they can mature with much more confidence because of the way they are raised with the new family.
A while ago Gemy posted a link to an article that I loved reading. I have always been interested in the nature vs. nature debate, but this new spin was fascinating for me. I shared it with some teachers when my students were learning genetics but also with other Special Education professionals. The article it also linked is really interesting, and although none of my students were psychopaths, it gave me something to think about when I worked for three years with a very special group of high need students who I completely adore.
I've strayed a bit from the original question because of the discussion about how temperaments changed in a puppy's new home. The last thing anyone needs is a science lesson, but I posted the links for those people who want something stimulating to consider. I do, however, believe that Gemy's post about evaluating a puppy is an excellent first start when picking a puppy. I also believe in picking a puppy that pulls at your heartstrings unless there are obvious health issues or you are prepared to deal with them.
https://www.puppyculture.com/tablet/...ing-genes.html Life as a Nonviolent Psychopath - The Atlantic