Comparison of dog breeds

Since ancient times, the dog has been a permanent companion of man. However, over 26 thousand years, animals have not only been domesticated, but also began to vary greatly in their characteristics. Over time, dog changes began to be regulated by breeders who determined the specific traits of new breeds. Today, each person can choose a faithful four-legged companion who will share the lifestyle and habits of the owner.

It is important for any dog ​​breeder to familiarize himself with the characteristics of a particular breed, since the choice of a home for an animal, especially its nutrition, walking and training depends on this. A harmless puppy can grow into a large and dangerous animal, the obedience of which is not easy to achieve. Therefore, it is better for amateurs and beginners not to take animals with a restive character - only professionals can cope with their domestication. Comparison of dog breeds will be carried out according to a number of criteria: the level of intelligence, the complexity of care and training.

At the end of the last century, professor of psychology Stanley Koren conducted a large-scale survey of dog breeders and show judges. Koren later compiled a canine intelligence rating based on three criteria.

The professor believed that the genes of each animal determine its behavior and skills. Therefore, the difference between herding, guard, service and other breeds is so important. The guards are more suspicious of people, so they will not let a stranger into the territory. Hunting breeds are more freedom-loving and independent, therefore they are less amenable to training.

This includes basic responses to the environment, ability and adaptability to different conditions. Therefore, not all dogs will tolerate overly active children, as well as other pets. Companion dogs adapt less well to new conditions, but, they are the most devoted companions of man.

The most controversial criterion. Not every quick-witted dog will unquestioningly follow the commands of the owner, as some breeds tend to dominate. When buying a dominant dog, be patient. However, such dogs can be smarter and more cunning than more passive, but intelligent pets.

Here is a relative rating of breeds in terms of intelligence.

1. 40-45%: prague krysarik, banhar, continental toy spaniel, azerbaijani gurdbasar, chinese crested, beauceron, dolmatin, basset, pug, affenpinscher, chihuahua, chow-chow, shih-tzu.
2. 50-55%: Bullmastiff, Russian Hound, Bobtail, Pointer, Dingo, Irish Terrier, Blue Picardian Espanyol, Irish Wolfhound, Italian Greyhound, English Setter, Irish Setter, Drever, Hotosho, Estonian Hound, Dogo Argentino, African Boerboel, Central Asian Sheepdog.
3. 60-65%: Russian-European Laika, German Wire-haired Pointing Dog, English Bulldog, Maltese, Chinese Shar Pei, Fox Terrier, Barbet, American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Spitz, Afghan Hound, Bloodhound, Briard, Australian Cattle, Afghan Hound, Giant Schnauzer, German Spitz, German Spitz beagle.
4. 70-75%: Rhodesian Ridgeback, American Bulldog, Pharaoh Hound, American Toy Fox Terrier, Alaskan Malamute, South Russian Shepherd Dog, German Pinscher, Tibetan Spaniel, Whippet, Wetterhun, Dachshund, Pekingese, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, French Bulldog, Belgian Hriffin, Norwegian Gray Elder Mexican hairless dog.
5. 80-85%: American Staffordshire Terrier, Ainu, Shiba Inu, Collie, Keeshond, St. Bernard, Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, Akita, Bergamsk Shepherd Dog, Black Russian Terrier, Shorthaired Pointer, Portuguese Water Dog, Scottish Setter, Lapdog, Czech Shepherd Dog, Siberian Hatiz, Pomeranian bull terrier, shar pei, Spanish mastiff, mittel schnauzer, Caucasian shepherd dog.
6. 90-95%: Sheltie, Rottweiler, Doberman, Labrador, Miniature Schnauzer, Australian Shepherd, Welsh Corgi, East European Shepherd.
7. 100%: Nova Scotia Retriever, Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Alaskan Klee Kai, Australian Silky Terrier, Border Collie.

When comparing dog breeds, it is very important to consider the complexity of grooming. A hunting dog will need regular active walks and should not be kept in an apartment or small enclosure. Small breed short-haired dogs should not be kept in the booth. To understand how to care for a pet, think about the purpose for which its breed was bred. The main groups of breeds:

• hunting;
• service;
• decorative.

If you are not ready to devote a sufficient amount of time to a pet that requires difficult training, do not take it. Small dogs like Pekingese do not need training. Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Shelties, Labradors, Papillons and some other breeds are easily trained. The hardest part will be with Chow-Chow, Bulldog, Afghan and Russian Hound, Bloodhound.

Comparison table of 20 common breeds on a three-point scale

When choosing a pet, you need to not only compare the characteristics of the breeds, but also take a closer look at the puppy itself. It is not easy to meet two identical dogs even in the same litter.

You will learn how to choose the perfect dog for yourself in the following video.