Some of them are specific as to breed traits or sex, and sometimes to age. However there are other factors that come into play as was briefly mentioned above. Most animals, like children, will blossom with stimulation. Where a dog is housed, how they are treated, diet, litter structure, and age when removed from the litter, play a big part in how the dog will react later in life. Social stimulation, environment, toys, games, early training, and incorporation into the family will develop a well rounded and responsive animal.
Most people believe in some of the old wives tales still circulating today.
Most training and care of dog has not evolved because of that. My current animal has incredible ability to pay attention and listens to several directives at once. Certain key words are important but he is spoken to in sentences and responds to several chained directives. He is also an expert on human behavior, as are most dogs, and being the opportunist that he is, often manipulates things to his advantage with strangers. Remember, just as with the different social styles of owners each style will have shades of others, and each breed will have different shades of other social styles.