> Sure. But most of those traits are shallow. Let the breed go stray and many characteristics go away.
A lot of characteristics seem to be bred in and instinctive - breed specific behaviour occurs without training. Strays do not breed pure so of course breed specific characteristics are lost.
> The neoteny—large eyes and heads, for example—is precisely cuteness
To an extent yes. The specific trait mentioned in the comment I was replying to was not neotenous. Not all neotonous traits are physically cute.
Sure. But most of those traits are shallow. Let the breed go stray and many characteristics go away. The neoteny does not.
> Not necessarily exactly cuteness
The neoteny—large eyes and heads, for example—is precisely cuteness. Not all breeds are equally neotenic. But they’re very much not wolves.