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The Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds...
Scientists set out to find which breeds of dogs are the smartest out there and you may be curious too. If your dog's breed is not on the list, don't worry, this is a generalized list made about general breeds and their abilities to learn new commands, not their abilities to be a good pet or to love you and your family.
10) Australian Cattle Dog - The Australian Cattle Dog is an Australian herding dog bred to control groups of cattle. They are very energetic and have minds as active as their muscular bodies. They are naturally curious and left to their own devices without proper exercise can be quite destructive.
9) Rottweiler - The Rottweiler is a very large herding dog originally from Germany. Rottweilers are strong, smart and self-assured. Though they have recently gotten a negative association in the media, an aggressive or misbehaving Rottweiler is almost always due to irresponsible owners, lack of socialization, abuse or neglect. Rotties are affectionate, loving and eager to please.
8) Papillon - The Papillon is a friendly, graceful toy breed. Known for their butterfly-like ears (Papillon is French for butterfly), Papillons are hardy and smart and it is not often known that they have great athletic ability. Great dogs for living in the city, they are quick to learn, making them easy to train.
7) Labrador Retriever - The Labrador Retriever is one of a few kinds of retriever, a kind of gun dog. The Lab is the most popular breed of dog in the US and in the world. It is also the most popular breed for service dogs. Affectionate, gentle, energetic and intelligent, Labradors are one of the most obedient and reliable breeds in the world.
6) Shetland Sheepdog - The Shetland Sheepdog (or a sheltie) is a small breed from the Shetland Islands of Scotland. Very loyal to their owners and willing to please, Shelties have thick double coats that come in many different colors and marking patterns. Shelties are vocal herding dogs and for this reason can be trained to be excellent guard dogs!
5) Doberman Pinscher - The Doberman Pinscher is energetic and intelligent and often trained to be guard or watch dogs. Though they have gotten a bad rap about their temperament, with a good owner they make excellent family dogs and will even get along with cats.
4) Golden Retriever - The Golden Retriever is a type of gun dog bred to help in hunting. One of the most popular breeds for families, the Goldie is an affable and obedient pet. They are often found as working dogs used for search and rescue, police or as a guide dog. Trusting and energetic, Goldies can get along with just about everyone.
3) German Shepherd - The German Shepherd is a large herding dog from Germany. You have often seen German Shepherds used as police dogs as these dogs are smart and obedient. They were specifically bred for their intelligences and can learn commands very easily.
2) Poodle - The Poodle is a gun dog that may have originated from France, though the exact origin is unclear. Poodles come in a variety of sizes from toy to miniature to standard. Poodles are recognizable for their thick curly hair that is often cut into distinctive clips for aesthetics or show. Very athletic dogs, poodles are energetic and good family dogs.
1) Border Collie - The Border Collie is considered the most intelligent breed of dog. Herding dogs originally from England or Scotland, the Border Collie is energetic and eager to work. Border Collies prefer to have a job to do and are best suited for living on farms with livestock or with someone devoted to working them. Loving and devoted, Border Collies are not necessarily suited to households with small children and work best with one handler.
Choosing The Right Dog.
If you've made the decision to get a puppy you're probably very excited. After all, this will be a new member of the family. But, how you do you decide where to buy your puppy? It's important to find a great breeder to make sure you get your money's worth.
Keep in mind that all breeders are not created equal. There are some who are dog lovers and know how to properly care for the dogs. There are unfortunately others who are just in the dog breeding business to make some money. These people don't care for or love the dogs. You need to find yourself a great and honest breeder and steer clear of those people.
The best thing you can do is research each breeder. Each breed should have a kennel club and they will have a list of breeders they work with. If you can't locate a kennel club it is also possible to find information online. Another thing you can do is ask friends where they purchased their dogs to see if they are happy with that particular breeder.
If you want to see the dogs beforehand from afar you can also attend dog shows. This will give you a chance to see how the owners treat them and their appearance both in the show and in the kennels where they are kept. This is not the best place to have an in-depth chat with the breeder, as they will be busy with the activities of the show.
You can also go to their home or wherever they breed the dogs. Again, you can see for yourself how the dogs are treated in their current home environment. In turn, the breeder will get to evaluate your potential as an owner. If they do not ask you any questions that should be a warning signal to you. A good breeder will want to make sure their dogs are going to a good home.
Some of the things you should look for are:
- Clean facilities - Healthy dogs that are free of parasites - Friendly and helpful manner - Outgoing dogs (timid dogs can signal a problem that may be there for the puppies as well)
You should also ask the breeder the following questions:
- How long have you been breeding dogs? - What is the dogs' pedigree? - Are the parents from this facility? - Do you have the veterinary certificates for parents and puppies? - Have they been screened for the health issues inherent to this breed? - Do you offer any sort of guarantee?
You should expect to receive questions from the breeder as well. Some common ones are:
- Is your house and yard large enough? - Do you have enough time to care for a dog? - Have you researched how to care for this breed? - Will children be around the dog? Have you instructed them how to care for it?
They can refuse to sell you the dog if you don't meet their answer requirements. You can refuse to buy the dog if they don't meet your standards as well. If everything looks OK you will sign a sales agreement and purchase the pup.
If you're still nervous about knowing exactly what to do with this breed you can feel free to ask the breeder any questions you have. They can give you tips and tricks on how to feed, groom, and generally take care of this specific breed.
You might not be able to take your puppy home right away, so be prepared for that. The breeder will usually require that the dog be socialized with its siblings for eight weeks. That way they will be used to other dogs.
When you're finally able to take your dog home the breeder will usually encourage you to keep in touch. That way they can help you out with any questions that pop up along the way. Chances are that they love the dog nearly as much as you do and want to make sure it's being taken care of properly.
- Tristan Andrews is a freelance author who writes about dog breeds - at http://www.i-love-dogs.com/dog-training.html - and dog supplies.
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