Puppy Temperament: How It Develops and EVOLVES

One of the most common questions we receive from future puppy families is about puppy temperament. As of course, a puppies temperament is pivotal in ensuring a great match with their future family. When our puppies are 6.5 to 7 weeks of age, we complete temperament assessments on our puppies, and use this information to assist in matching to the most suitable family for them. This is a vital step, but it is only one small piece of a much bigger picture.

Here we take a moment to explain how temperament actually develops, and why a puppy’s personality is not fixed at eight weeks of age.

Nature vs Nurture

Temperament is shaped by both nature and nurture.

Nature refers to genetics. A puppy inherits certain traits from their parents, things like confidence, sensitivity, resilience, and drive. This genetic foundation matters, and it’s why thoughtful breeding and pairing choices are so important.

Nurture refers to everything that happens after birth. Early experiences, environment, boundaries, expectations, leadership, and lifestyle all influence how those genetic traits are expressed over time. Two puppies with very similar genetics can grow into very different adults depending on how and where they are raised.

Temperament Development From 0 to 8 Weeks

In the first few weeks of life, puppies are focused on survival and growth. During this period, we see very little individual personality. They eat, sleep, and develop basic neurological and physical skills.

As puppies approach six to seven weeks of age, differences begin to emerge. We notice who is quicker to investigate something new, who prefers to observe first, or who enjoys human interaction a little more than their littermates. Even at this stage, these traits are subtle and still changing daily.

We conduct our temperament assessments at 7 weeks of age. but even then, it is not a finished picture. Puppies are still developing rapidly, and their responses are heavily influenced by novelty, fatigue, and growth stages.

Why Temperament Is Not Fixed

Finnish Lapphunds are an exceptionally intuitive breed. They are deeply influenced by their environment, their people, and the expectations placed on them. This means that how a puppy’s temperament is expressed can change significantly once they move into their new home.

For example, a lively, energetic puppy may thrive in a home where the owners are committed to training, obedience, tricks, or dog sports. In that environment, their enthusiasm and drive are channelled into learning and purpose.

That same puppy placed into a very busy household with lots of noise, children, and constant stimulation may struggle to self regulate. Without enough structure and calm guidance, that energy can tip into overwhelm rather than confidence.

On the other hand, a calmer, quieter puppy may excel in a lively family home. Their natural ability to regulate their emotions can help them find moments of calm even in an exciting environment. However, that same puppy may not be the best fit for a home looking to pursue high energy sports or competitive training.

Neither puppy is better or worse. They are simply suited to different environments.

Matching Puppies and Families

This is why we focus so strongly on matching puppies with families. Our goal is always to set both the puppy and the owner up for long term success.

A lively puppy can absolutely settle into a calm, well adjusted adult with the right leadership and guidance. Likewise, a quieter puppy can open up, gain confidence, and flourish when supported in the right way and encouraged at their own pace.

Temperament exists on a wide spectrum, and most puppies sit somewhere in the middle, with a blend of curiosity, sensitivity, playfulness, and calm.

The Role of Boundaries and Structure

One of the most important influences on a puppy’s development is early structure. Puppies thrive when expectations are clear and consistent. Boundaries help them understand the world around them and build confidence within it.

Clear communication between you and your dog creates trust. When a puppy understands what is expected of them, they feel safe, secure, and more capable of self regulation.

This is especially true for intuitive breeds like the Finnish Lapphund, who are highly responsive to human emotion and leadership.

Why We Recommend Obedience Classes

We always recommend obedience classes, not just for the puppy, but for the owner as well. Training classes provide a strong foundation for communication, relationship building, and mutual understanding.

They help owners learn how to guide their puppy through different situations, reinforce calm behaviour, and channel energy in a positive way. Obedience training is not about creating a perfectly behaved dog, but about building a partnership that supports healthy temperament development over a lifetime.

A Final Thought

Puppy temperament assessments give us a helpful snapshot in time, but they are not firm and fixed for the puppies life. A puppy’s temperament is shaped every day by their experiences, environment, boundaries, and relationship with their people.

When puppies and families are thoughtfully matched, and supported with structure, patience, and education, that is when we see truly wonderful dogs grow into confident, adaptable companions.