what is meant by single purpose dog?

[eddie1976E]

Emoore- I wasn't going to purchase a single purpose dog, just wanted to understand what it was and weather they would be good pets in the home for those who are somewhat active. From what I'm hearing, the answer might be no, they have alot of drive and most non working homes would not be a good fit for these dogs. Also, you mentioned the $$ aspect. yes, they probably cost alot more than a non working home would be willing to pay for a family pet.

Thanks to all for your value added comments. I learned alot here today.

[GSDElsa]

Originally Posted by eddie1976E

Emoore- I wasn't going to purchase a single purpose dog, just wanted to understand what it was and weather they would be good pets in the home for those who are somewhat active. From what I'm hearing, the answer might be no, they have alot of drive and most non working homes would not be a good fit for these dogs. Also, you mentioned the $$ aspect. yes, they probably cost alot more than a non working home would be willing to pay for a family pet.

Thanks to all for your value added comments. I learned alot here today.

No, I think the answer is "it depends."

[ladylaw203]

DFrost explained it. Single purpose vs dual purpose. Dual being patrol/narcotic detection, patrol/explosive detection.

[ladylaw203]

Originally Posted by carmspack

could you explain why you are using single purpose in relation to pet?


Some categories are so demanding and requiring so much accuracy and precision (bomb/explosive) that these are single purpose , no confusion .

A golden retriever would not have this requirement as this is not part of the breed profile , nor an expectation.

Some dogs are very very effective as search and apprehend , or SWAT , others have talent enough to train and certify them as competent in detection and apprehension , so they are "dual" .

plenty golden retrievers out there doing scent work.I have one. Choosing an explosive detection dog is pretty much like any other scent detection dog. The dogs are trained passive alert of course. lots of them are labradors. We are looking for the drive and solid temperament. The accuracy is related to the training and of course the drive. many patrol/bomb dogs out there. I prefer single purpose personally

[carmspack]

HI Renee , my comment about Golden Retrievers not having this requirement , or more accurately designation as single purpose was because that is what they are generally understood to do as a performance. It is a given . There is no expectation of them being dual or doing active , aggressive apprehensions because being a dual , requiring fight and bite is not within their breed profile. Of course things and breeds change .
There are golden retrievers, labradors, beagles, springer spaniels even poodles performing as single purpose scent dogs
Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[ladylaw203]

your post was confusing.

single purpose means single purpose and can be indicative of a patrol dog only,no scent work.


being single purpose does not mean they washed out of bitework. many more retrievers as scent detector dogs than they are the working breeds. many departments choose them purposely. When a vendor advertises single purpose, he means for scent work.

dont see poodles here. no drive and lacking in scenting ability.