Neil Lemons

There’s a general perception that certain dog breeds are smarter than others. For example, Labrador Retrievers are smarter than Cocker Spaniels or Border Collies are smarter than German Shepherds. But how do we really know that one dog is smarter than another? What exactly does it mean to be an intelligent dog?

Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia asked himself these same questions and set-out to find the answers. He compiled his research and theories in a book titled The Intelligence of Dogs, published in 1994.

Following is a list of top 10 smartest dogs as defined in The Intelligence of Dogs

1. Lhasa Apso – The Lhasa Apso was originally bred by Tibetan Monks and was used to alert the monks of intruders in the monasteries. The breed is displayed prominently in the Tibetan flag.

2. Border Collie - The Border Collie was bred in the United Kingdom and was used by farmers to herd sheep.

3. German Shepherd – The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog, having only been around since 1899. It was originally bred to be a sheep herder

4. Golden Retriever – The Golden Retriever was originally bred in Scotland to retrieve waterfowl and game for hunters.

5. Doberman Pinscher – The Doberman was originally bred to be a ferocious guard dog. As a result of years of careful breading the modern Doberman Pinscher is now an energetic and lively breed suitable for companionship and family life.

6. Shetland Sheepdog – Although the Shetland Sheepdog closely resembles a miniature Rough Collie it’s true parent breed is the Border Collie. It is small in stature and a good family dog.

7. Labrador Retriever – The Labrador Retriever is ironically most commonly known to be from Newfoundland. Originally, Labradors assisted fisherman by dragging in heavy fishing nets. The Labrador is currently the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by registration in the United States (since 1991), and the United Kingdom.

8. Papillion – Papillons were a favorite of the Spanish aristocracy and today make excellent watch dogs.

9. Rottweiler -The Rottweiler (which mean the Butcher Dog in German) was bred in Germany to be a herder and because of its intelligence and strength were eventually used as draught dogs, pulling carts to carry meat and other products to market.

10. Australian Cattle Dog – The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler and Red Heeler is a breed of herding dog developed in Australia for droving cattle. It is a medium-sized short-coated dog with a lot of energy, intelligence and an independent streak.

Neil Lemons is a pet lover and Online Journalist. He has had the privilege of owning several cats and dogs over the years, some living into their 90s (in dog years). For information on where you can buy gourmet dog treats, check out http://www.N-Bone.com, world authority on healthy animal treats for your dog, cat, or ferret.

By Hector Sanchez

The breed was named after Dalmatia, a place in Western Yugoslavia on the Adriatic sea, which at one time was part of Austria. However, the dogs were known in other parts of the world as well long before they acquired the name of Dalmatians.

Historians have found references of this beautiful dog since the mid 18th century but also in other parts of the world the historians found that the breed was shown in several types of unique art like engravings, paintings, models and early writings which have accounted for the presence of spotted dogs of the same size throughout Africa, Asia and Europe. History also tell us that ancient gypsies carried these dogs in their trips around the world, which also explains the great widespread and popularity of the breed.

Later on, dalmatians were brought to Great Britain by members of the British upper classes who made trips to Europe and would often come back accompanied by some of the striking spotted dogs. After dalmatians were adopted by the British aristocracy who used them to accompany their carriages, the dalmatian soon became a feature of these processions. The dogs were taught to station themselves beneath the rear axle of the coach, and in some cases to trot underneath the pole separating the horses. They were also taught to lead the procession, trotting along ahead of the first horse, which was an impressive sight to see!

When, in 1860, Great Britain held its second dog show there were only five breeds represented. These included Dalmatians, and so far as history records, this was the breed’s initial appearance in dog show competition. Were it not for a gentleman named Fred Kemp, who was President of the British Dalmatian Club and a third generation owner of this breed with which he himself was involved for more than half a century, Dalmatians might not have survived World War I.

Mr. Kemp is credited with having kept alive dogs in his kennel through the difficult and in many cases devastating period between 1914 and the Armistice in 1918, providing breeding stock at the end of this period. It is exciting to contemplate what happened to Dalmatians in England at the close of World War I. They fairly leaped ahead in popularity, the two Dalmatians registered with the Kennel Club in 1918 having increased to 125 by 1925 and to 889 by 1932. When the world famous dog show resumed, following World War I, there were two Dalmatians entered. In 1934, no fewer than 199 Dalmatian entries filled the classes for the breed, of which 15 were provided.

The dalmatian also became known for his very famous role of being a “firehouse dog”. This was said to have started with the dogs being used as ratters, for the function of killing vermin in London’s stables and firehouses, which they did with expertise. Today, many Dalmatians can still be seen riding on the fire trucks with their masters. Dalmatians are still considered as the mascot and are often found in firehouses around the world.

But the Dalmatian is not only known as the “firehouse dog”, he also worked in war times as a sentinel, served as shepherd’s dogs and as draft dogs. They also have been seen in circus shows as “assistant” of the clowns, their intelligence, aptitude, and showy appearance having fitted them particularly well for this activity.

Hector Sanchez runs the online store My-dog-supplies.com specialized in electric dog fences. To see how you can benefit from electric dog fences check the free video here.

By Neil Lemons

Bo Obama, the 6-month old Portuguese Water Dog recently adopted by the First Family, was selected in-part for his hypo-allergenic fur. Bo’s adoption created new-found interest in a group of dogs known for their non-shedding fur. Following is a list of nine other non-shedding dogs and their basic characteristics.

1. Maltese – Maltese a dog in the toy group is a breed known for its long, white, fine fur. This coat is uncharacteristic of most non-shedding dogs that have course, curly hair. The Maltese coat requires regular grooming because of its tendency to matte.

2. Bedlington Terrier – Bedlington Terriers are bright, clownish characters that love their families and being the center of attention. Their coat is soft and requires little maintenance.

3. Irish Water Spaniel – The Irish Water Spaniel (IWS) is considered to be the clown of the spaniel family. Bred for accompanying bird hunters, the Irish water Spaniel has a dense, double coat. The inner coat consists of thick ringlets covered by the long and wavy outer coat. This coat requires brushing every 2-3 weeks and needs an all-over trim every few months.

4. Chinese Crested – The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties, the Powder Puff which has hair on its head, feet, and tail and the Hairless, which as the name suggests, has no hair. The Crested has soft, smooth skin that is more prone to irritation and sunburn. They are recommended by the American Kennel Club for people with dog allergies. They are alert and good with children.

5. Labradoodle – One of the most popular of the “designer breeds”, the Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. The coat of these hybrid animals varies from animal to animal but generally those that most resemble Poodles are safe for allergy sufferers.

6. Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, and Giant) – Schnauzers are energetic, intelligent dogs of the Terrier group. Although the three size varieties are unique and separate breeds, all are double-coated with a wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat. The topcoat can be maintained with regular clipper-trims or by a method called hand-stripping which helps to preserve the wiry-nature of the fur.

7. Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard) – Similar to Schnauzers, Poodles come in three size varieties. The dense, curly coat of all three sizes requires regular professional grooming. Poodles were originally bred to accompany hunters and still maintain that high activity level. As such, they need rigorous, daily exercise and intellectual stimulation.

8. Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier – The Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier is prized for its soft, wavy, wheat-colored, non-allergenic coat. The Wheaton coat requires minimal but regular maintenance. Wheaton’s are less headstrong than most terrier breeds but they require daily exercise to maintain their role as an endearing family pet.

9. Bichon Frise – The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, sturdy little dog. It has a thick double coat that consists of a curly outer coat and a silky inner coat. The Bichons hair grows continually and he does not shed so he requires frequent brushing to prevent it from matting. While no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, all of the breeds listed above have non-shedding coats, which produce less skin dander, the cause of most allergies symptoms.

Neil Lemons is a pet lover and Online Journalist. He has had the privilege of owning several cats and dogs over the years, some living into their 90s (in dog years). For information on where you can buy gourmet all natural dog treats, check out http://www.N-Bone.com, world authority on healthy animal treats for your dog, cat, or ferret.

By Neil Lemons

What do you think is the most dangerous dog? A pit-bull, right? Nope, wrong. Surely then it must be a Rottweiler, a German-Shepherd, or maybe even a Chow-Chow. Again, nope, no-way, and incorrect. The correct answer is… a Dachshund. Yes, you read that correctly. Dachshunds are the most dangerous type of dogs. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania recently surveyed 6,000 dog owners and found that “one in five dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers, and a similar number have attacked other dogs; one in 12 have snapped at their owners.”
So, surely the number 2 dog on the list must be a pit bull, right? Wrong! It appears that Napoleon Syndrome is real because the number 2 dog is a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas have similar statistics to dachshunds when it comes to biting strangers, their owners, or other dogs. Completing the top 3 list is the Jack Russell Terrier. So, why is that we assume pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows are the most dangerous dogs?

The answer is actually quite simple. It’s because most clinical studies on this subject use medical data as the basis for their research. Since big dogs create bigger wounds they’re reported more frequently and this causes the medical data to be skewed inaccurately toward big dogs. Truthfully, all breeds can be provoked to bite. Whether or not a dog actually bites is generally a result of how well it’s been trained and treated. So, the question really is what dog breeds are genetically predisposed to aggressiveness? Here’s a list, in no particular order, of the 15 most dangerous dogs.

1. Giant Schnauzer – Similar to German Shepherds, the Giant Schnauzer was trained in Germany to assist soldiers. This dangerous dog possesses the size of a Great Dane with the intelligence of a Schnauzer. These qualities in addition to his natural tendency to be fiercely loyal make this a dog of which to be aware. Stranger anxiety in the Giant Schnauzer is more common than other dogs.

2. Akita Inu - The Akita Inu is a heavy boned, powerful, and alert dog. He possesses a dignified and courageous persona and has a tendency to be aggressive toward other dogs.

3. Chow Chow - According the American Kennel Club, “… the Chow is reserved and discerning with strangers. Their cat-like personalities make them independent, stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds. They require early socialization and training, and some kind of exercise daily.

4. Bullmastiff – The Bullmastiff is fearless and confident. They were originally bred to guard natural game preserves from poachers as such they are natural guardians of the home, but do not bark much, as silence was a virtue when guarding the preserves. Bullmastiffs are independent thinkers and may not respond to traditional obedience training.

5. Papillion – The Papillion, is very small and very loyal to its family. It can be weary of strangers and though they are generally sweet tempered they need to be watched carefully around non-family members or other dogs visiting their home.

6. Old English Sheepdog – Old English Sheepdogs (OES) are athletic and energetic and require lots of exercise. The OES was bred to herd sheep. He has retained his natural tendency to herd whether or not there are sheep and accordingly he may try to herd people or other objects. He is generally a loving, sweet animal but may become aggressive if he feels someone or something is interfering with his herding job.

7. Dachshund - The Dachshund, meaning “badger dog” in German, was bred to dig into holes, hunt for, and fight to the death with badgers. Dachshunds tend to be territorial and in order to make the integration into family life as smooth and happy as possible he requires consistent assertion from his owners throughout his lifetime.

8. Llasa Apso – Llasos were bred for hundreds of years as indoor watchdogs. They are naturally suspicious of strangers. Additionally, the dog possesses an aloof and independent personality – it requires consistent handling throughout it’s life and requires daily walks or exercise. Llaso’s are best for adult only families.

9. Miniature Pinscher – Miniature Pinschers are fearless, animated, and independent creatures. They are spirited, and require consistent reminders about who the true alpha dog is in the family.

10. Jack Russell Terrier (officially known as Parson Russell Terriers) – These little dogs are bright and very energetic. They require lots of exercise and are better in families with older children as they do not tolerate rough handling from small children.

11. Pit Bull – What is commonly known as the pit bull is officially known in England as the Staffordshire Bull-Terrier and in the United States it’s known as the American Staffordshire-Terrier. Whatever you call it, this dog is actually very people-oriented and is happiest when he is made part of the family and given a job to do. He is generally very friendly but is loyal to a fault to his family and will protect them from any threat.

12. Rottweiler – Rottweilers love their people and are protective of their territory. They do not welcome strangers until properly introduced. Obedience training and socialization are musts.

13. German Shepherd - The German Shepherd is a renowned guard and military dog. It is also a loving family companion. The breed is direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. He is a great family dog and is only on the most dangerous list because he can be trained to be aggressive (as can most dogs)

14. Dalmatian – The Dalmatian is the only horse “coaching” dog in the world and he has retained a natural affinity for horses. Dalmatians are very energetic and require daily long walks or romps in a fenced yard. Without regular exercise he can become destructive.

15. Chihuahua – Swift moving and terrier-like in behavior, Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and should not be underestimated even though small in size. They do not tolerate the rough handling that comes with young children so they are best for families with older or no kids.

Remember, all dogs can be provoked and all dogs, given the proper training, can be well mannered animals. Whatever breed you decide to add to your family it is important to socialize your pet with other animals and people as soon as possible. Also, consistent routines, affirmation, and discipline will make your new dog a happy member of the family.

Neil Lemons is a pet lover and Online Journalist. He has had the privilege of owning several cats and dogs over the years, some living into their 90s (in dog years). For information on where you can buy organic dog treats, check out http://www.N-Bone.com, world authority on healthy animal treats for your dog, cat, or ferret.