Do Smart Dogs Make Better Pets
You might think a smart dog will do what you want it to do. Not necessarily.
“Smart doesn’t mean easy,” Coren says.
“A Doberman is going to get bored and destroy your sofa and vase collection if you’re out of the house for 8 to 10 hours a day, while an English bulldog may take 8 hours to figure out you’re gone,” Coren says. “You’ll come home and he’ll greet you and your pottery is still on the shelf.”
A border collie is bred to work all day, so if it doesn’t have an opportunity to work or exercise, it will be miserable, says Chris Redenbach, an Atlanta-based dog trainer who runs The Balanced Dog training program. “Typically, it’ll come out in other areas, like destructiveness, running away, nipping at kids.”
Having a smart dog “is like having a very smart kid,” Redenbach says. “They’re always into something and will get into trouble if they’re bored.
Coren says his beloved beagle, a breed that scored low in obedience tests, is perfect around Coren’s nine grandchildren because they don’t seem to mind — or remember — them pulling on their ears.
Veterinarian Sophia Yin, an animal behaviorist in Davis, Calif., tells people to seriously evaluate the amount of energy they have compared to the breed they want to get.
Protect Your Property With A Dog
Whenever you need to protect yourself, your family, or your propertyyou can rely on a guard dog. Guard dogs are extremely protective and are frequently used as army protection, police and sentry duty.
When trained properly, these dogs can become your confidenceas an added layer of security that gives you peace of mindboth while you’re at home and away. Plus, there are even more benefits to owning a protection dog.
According to CNN, for people living alone, owning a dog can decrease their risk of death by 33% and their risk of cardiovascular-related death by 36%, when compared to single individuals without a pet, according to the study. Chances of a heart attack were also found to be 11% lower. A personal protection dog will be able to help you feel more secure in your home.
And don’t forget, personal protection dogs usually become life-long companions.
Beautiful Small Breed Dogs
22. Bichon Frise
Quiet and calm, these little dogs do not fit the hyper lapdog stereotype. These sociable, curious fur-babies make great companions.
You will never have to worry about your pet running away, they are clingy and prefer to stay close to their master. Not only are they one of the most beautiful dog breeds, the luxurious coat of the Bichon does not shed.
23. Havanese
A Cuban lapdog, these little pups do the job well. The Havanese is affectionate, inquisitive, and entertaining. The no shed, silky coat means this dog is pretty and hypo-allergenic.
A true lapdog, you dont even have to exercise these pups. Most Havanese are content to just sit and be adored. They make an excellent pet for city dwellers living in small apartments and seniors looking for a small, affectionate friend.
24. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie is brave and confident, and pups in this breed love to explore. These popular dogs have coats of silver and gold. This is your more typically yappy small dog, but they can be trained to pipe down.
Affectionate and friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier does like to play. However, they dont like things too loud and rowdy. It’s best if these dogs aren’t in homes around young or rambunctious children.
25. Miniature Pincher
These dogs have the look of the Doberman but not the size. The Min-Pin sheds very little and has a short, easy-to-groom coat. While friendly with its people, these pups do not like strangers.
26. Maltese
27. Pekingese
28. Papillon
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Does Breed Matter When Picking A Dog
A 2021 study analyzed the link between dog breeds, personality, and human and dog stress levels. The study analyzed three types of dog breeds:
- Solitary hunting or working dogs
- Dogs bred for human companionship
- Ancient dogs related more closely to wolves
Some dog owners personalities may be more compatible with certain groups of dogs, according to the study. For example, dog owners who ranked higher in openness caused greater stress in hunting dogs, suggesting, instead, that these owners would be better suited and naturally seek out ancient dog breeds.
Similarly, a 2015 study found some correlation between dog breeds and behavior. The study reported three key findings, suggesting working dogs:
The function of the breed i.e., working, herding, etc may be a valuable consideration when anticipating potential behaviors, Pankratz says.
But discussing dog breed can also be a tricky business. Pankratz says breed associations are mostly based on purebred dogs. When it comes to dogs with unknown pedigrees Pankratz stresses that people even experienced staff at dog shelters often misidentify their breed compared to the dogs actual genetics.
A dogs looks are only skin deep and not always a predictor of how they will behave, Pankratz says.
Can You Teach A Dumb Dog New Tricks
If your canine seems clueless, it may be that it has been bred to be more independent or not so eager to please its owner, Yin says.
Training will require more patience and the right kind of motivation, whether it’s praise, petting, or treats.
“For breeds, instincts make a difference, but for the basics – ‘sit,’ ‘come,’ ‘down’ – they’ll all learn at the same rate. With good technique, the difference might be a month,” she says.
Her Australian cattle dog, for example, stays at her side when they’re out and loves a pat on the head. Her Jack Russell terrier, a high-energy breed that didn’t make the smart list, has to be rewarded lickety-split with a treat or he’ll lose interest in learning. A pat on the head just won’t do it.
The beagle, a breed trained to work independently, probably needs more training time, Yin says. And the bulldog, which scored well below average on obedience tests, can learn quickly — as long as they don’t feel pushed around or punished.
The beagle and bulldog are among the dog breeds on the bottom of Coren’s list. These dogs had to hear commands 80 to 100 times or more before they obeyed them 25% or less of the time. They include:
1. Shih Tzu
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Rabbitgoo No Pull Harness
As a no-pull dog harness, the Rabbitgoo no-pull harness is specifically designed to discourage pulling, including two leash attachment points and even a top handle to offer more control.
These dual clips mean the harness evenly distributes pressure to keep your dog safe and comfortable, especially with the durable padding and adjustable slide straps to customize it for a proper fit.
However, although the straps make it easy to adjust the size, they also loosen quite easily, meaning you have to tighten and re-adjust regularly for active dogs. But with large and X-large sizes available, it should fit your dog. Sizes can accommodate necks up to 35 and chests up to 38.
Its still a durable dog harness though, made of heavy-duty nylon and straps constructed with advanced polyester webbing. It even includes a reflective trim to give you extra visibility for nighttime walks.
On the inside, the padding is made of breathable mesh fabric, while the vest-shaped design protects your dogs neck. Its worth noting though that this design can cause the whole no-pull dog harness to twist to the side when your dog tugs at the lead.
Pros
Smartest Dog Breeds Ranked
Dogs have been humankinds faithful companion since as far back as the Stone Age, and its not just because theyre so dang cute. Theyre intelligent in a way thats ideal for humans, a state of affairs that was entirely intentional over the millennia, humans bred dogs to be perfect canine companions. At any moment in history, the smartest dog breeds have served as more than mans best friend: Theyve been navigators and field guides, wartime comrades, detectives, garbage collectors, movie stars, and security consultants, as renowned canine researcher and professor Stanley Coren, PhD, points out in his iconic book The Intelligence of Dogs. Dogs are among the few animals that have traveled to space, and theyve saved countless lives, both literally and metaphorically.
There are three types of dog intelligence, says Coren, who defines canine smarts by the way dogs interact with humans. The first is instinctive and focuses on what the dog has been bred by humans to do. The second is adaptive, or how well the dog learns from its environment to solve problems. The third is working and obedience, or how hard the dog is willing to work to please its people and do its jobs. What underpins all three is the desire and ability to communicate effectively with humansboth by understanding its humans signs, actions, and commands, and by expressing itself via barks, body movements, and actions.
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Canines That Make Good Home And Family Guards
The Spruce / Emilie Dunphy
If you are searching for the right dog to protect you, your family, or your property, some dogs are born with instincts to act as guard dogs. The best dog breeds for protection usually have a strong sense of loyalty to you and your family, are highly alert, observant, and act obediently. An ideal guard dog is typically large, fearless, and responsive to training.
Here are 10 dog breeds that generally serve well as protectors and companions if you are considering getting a guard dog.
Questions To Ask When Choosing A Family Dog
In addition to the meet and greet, Dr. Putnam says that you should with the shelter or rescue workers to find out a little bit more about the dog and their likes and dislikes. Here are five sample questions to ask about potential family dogs:
Is the dog safe for all members of the family? Some dogs are perfectly happy to socialize with everyone in the family, while some prefer only adults or one gender.
What energy level does the dog have? You may want a dog that will accompany you and the family on long walks, or one that can be carried in your arms the majority of the time.
What ongoing care will the dog require? Is it a long-haired dog who will need regular grooming, or a senior who may need more frequent veterinary visits?
What age range are you looking for? Would you prefer a puppy who may require lots of training but will likely socialize well with the entire family, or would you prefer an adult dog who is potty trained, but may be more shy or need time to get used to the routine of your home?
Will this dog get along with other pets? If you have other pets at home, you will want to choose a dog that has shown to be social with other pets, and be sure that your animals like the new dog.
Remember that while these dogs may have characteristics that make them great family pets, you will still need to work on daily training and socialization to help them become good canine citizens.
Heres a list of dogs that tend to make the best dogs for kids and families:
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Friendliest Dog Breeds That Love People
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Dogs are generally friendly animals. When dogs were domesticated thousands of years ago, it was in their best interest as they evolved to woo humans for food and shelter. And while every dog has a unique personality, certain breeds tend to be a little more sociable than others.
Here are the 15 friendliest dog breeds that are eager to socialize with and please people.
Beautiful Medium Breed Dogs
10. Australian Shepherd
Aussies are active and outdoorsy. They love to run and play and get wet and do tricks and well, anything. Friendly and cheerful, they are great with kids and other animals.
Their often crystal-clear blue eyes are one of the unique features that lands them on the list of the most beautiful dog breeds. These canines can even have two different colored eyes.
11. Canaan Dog
The territorial Canaan is a great breed for a watchdog. They are affectionate with their owners, but they dont like strangers.
These are calm dogs that do not like being around young kids or other pets. With almost no shedding and no need to brush, these pups are pretty and easy to maintain.
12. Shiba Inu
A mid-size dog, the Shiba Inu originated in Japan. While these beautiful dogs dont just look good, they are also very healthy. These fur-babies are neat and dainty and will clean themselves like a cat.
Known to be aggressive, these pups do not like kids or other animals. They may be one of the most beautiful dog breeds, but they certainly are not one of the friendliest.
13. Beagle
This breed has found its way into the hearts of many. They are lively and affectionate making them entertaining companions.
Bred as hunting dogs, the Beagle loves to bark and howl, and will need training to curb this desire. While maybe not beautiful in the traditional sense, they are definitely easy on the eyes.
14. Azawakh
15. Siberian Husky
16. Belgian Malinois
17. Pharaoh Hound
18. Shetland Sheepdog
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Cute Dog #: French Bulldog
Look at those cute big ears! That smooshed in face is irresistibly cute, but it can cause some breathing issues. The Frenchie is a brachycephalic breed, which means its shorter snouts make breathing a little more laborious, especially in hot weather or if your Frenchie takes a dip in the lake. But the Frenchies natural inclination to be a champion couch potato suits its breathing condition so it wont have issues there. When they do want to cool off and relax they lay with their legs splayed out behind them, earning another nickname, Frog Dog. These are the 11 signs of heat stroke in dogs you need to know.
Cute Dog #: Shiba Inu
These dogs just love to run and run away, always looking for a place to let their bold and spirited personalities shine. Theyre a bit stubborn and not the easiest to train but they sure are playful and funny. Shibas are hands-down one of the cutest dog breeds you will ever encounter. Whats not to love about their soft and furry fox-like face, squinty eyes, and that groovy tail that curls over their back? Speaking of tails, do you know what your dog is trying to tell you with its tail?
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Cute Dog #4: Bloodhound
Those wrinkles, long ears, and loose skin arent just cute to look at they help the pups pick up scents from the ground up to their nose where it stays. Their sniffing abilities are top-notch and evidence found by bloodhounds have been used as testimony in a court of law. And when theyre not sniffing out crime, theyre lazy porch-dwellers who are pleased as punch to lay at their pet parents feet. Just make sure you dont leave them on the porch as they are notorious for baying, especially when left alone. If youre getting a new pup and havent figured out a name yet, check out the most unique dog names.
The 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds
These are the most popular dog breeds around the world according to registrations in over 25 countries! Take a look at these gorgeous animals and see which one is the perfect pet for you and your family.
New Africa/Shutterstock.com
| Perfect Dog Breed for | Active families, especially with other dogs |
Labrador Retrievers are very popular animals because they tend to be large and loving. They make good protectors and companions, and they are intelligent enough to be effectively trained in many ways. They need a fair amount of space and lots of exercise.
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Most Popular Dog Breeds Of 2022
If youre curious to know what the most popular breed of dog is, youre in the right place! The statistics for registrations of purebred puppies with the American Kennel Club for last yeas has just been released. These give us a good indication of what the most popular breeds will be this year. Lets find out which breeds take the top spots and which have started to fall out of favor.
What Dog Breeds Are Considered Aggressive
Though technically not a dog breed, pit bulls are considered to be the most aggressive dogs out there based on their bad rep.
Unfortunately, this is most likely because over 70% of dog bites are attributed to Pit Bulls. However, it is proven that its not due to the breed but rather the way their owners trained them.
Case in point, Chihuahuas, the smallest dogs, are ranked second on the list of most aggressive canines.
Dogs can display aggressive behavior for various reasons, such as abuse, mistreatment, and pain. It isnt always an innate instinct.
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Cute Dog #3: Cane Corso
This Mastiff breed from Italy is headstrong, large, intelligent, and powerful, yet they have a tender, sweet side and become very attached to their family and the children in the home. They have an innate ability to play cautiously around children, recognizing the childs size and helplessness. The Cane Corso is keenly aware of when to be protective and intuit if a stranger can be trusted, but since they are hard-wired to protect, they dont back down easily from a fight, so its essential to socialize them as puppies. Make sure you know the 53 mistakes dog owners tend to make.