I know Dan and Phil have their own head cannons about what dogs they are but… as a certified dog trainer, I have to say they are categorically incorrect (soz, guys)
Dan thinks that he’s a Shiba Inu but he frankly does not have the disposition or constant fucking gremlin energy. Simply put, he is, at his core, the Goodest Boy. Even when he’s snappy or bitchy or being the biggest chaos gremlin, he is still the sweetest thing on planet earth. Yes, I am biased.
And, for further proof: dinof and adolescent German sheppers:
German Shepards are FIERCELY loyal and protective, they are not “friendly” dogs towards strangers or people they see as a threat. They’re reserved and slightly standoffish towards new people, often remaining very quiet and still while observing. They’re insanely smart and learn very quickly (but only things that they want to learn or are heavily incentivized to learn). They’re brave and loyal when it comes to ONE (or a selective few) person and they’re basically velcroed to their favorite person.
They’re naturally fairly anxious (which aids them in doing their jobs properly) but that often causes separation anxiety and fear-based reactivity. They snap quickly and briefly, especially when young, under-socialized, and untrained. They’re incredibly observant and constantly have an eye out, watching what’s going on around them. It’s very easy to create reactivity in them when they’re not raised kindly, they adapt to their situations very well (sometimes in ways that are not conducive to their emotional development and growth, depending on the situation and the people they’re around). Their default is suspicion and light judgment. They’ve got big personalities and even bigger mouths. They’re big AF, I’ve trained German Shepards that were almost to my hip and they are solid beans, even when young and lanky.
They’re VERY high energy and it’s hard to contain that energy properly if they’re not given an outlet. They’re super mouthy and LOUD AF. Seriously, they do not ever shut up. If they’re not barking, they’re whining or vocalizing. They love attention from their person but get very shy or even slightly bitchy if given attention from someone they don’t like or trust. If given the opportunity (and opposable thumbs), they would definitely blow bubbles on an airplane, much to the chagrin of their handler.
They’re also insanely dramatic and they will put on the equivalent of a Shakespearean drama when they don’t like something you’re doing or if they don’t want to do what you’re asking them to do. They’re not compliant, they’re not particularly obedient unless they actually like and respect you.
They’re not easy dogs by any means nor would I recommend the breed to ANYONE because they are expert level dogs. You have to have a certain disposition to set a German Shepard up for success. You have to be patient, kind, and gentle while also being incredibly firm and not allowing them to push boundaries you’ve set. Because they WILL constantly test the limits of the boundaries. You cannot get frustrated with them, yell at them, or be violent with them (unless you’re clearly being playful) because it causes severe behavioral issues. Despite what many people think, given their reputation and their look, they’re actually some of the kindest, softest dogs you’ll ever meet… if you’re their person. If you’re not, they probably do not give a single fuck about you.
