The Top 10 Intelligent Dog Breeds In The World

Reading material below is obtained from: http://www.petmedsonline.org/

We all love our dogs, and most of us believe our own dog must be the smartest ever. But is your dog's breed known as one of the smartest? We've compiled a list of the top 10 most intelligent dogs ever. If your dog isn't on this list, don't despair. Because sometimes, having a dog with very high intelligence can have its drawbacks. For example, if a highly intelligent dog is left at home alone all day, they can get bored and become destructive and/or neurotic. On the other hand, a dog with limited intelligence can be left at home all day, and not even realize you’re gone until a few minutes before you arrive home!

The top 10 most intelligent breeds of dog are:

#1 Border Collie

Like many intelligent breeds, the Border Collie needs a job to do. If they don’t have a purpose in life or some kind of job, they will not be happy. Border Collies should definitely not be left at home alone all day, and if they are, they can become quite destructive. They need constant companionship, praise, and extensive exercise. So if you work and live in the city, a Border Collie probably isn’t the dog for you! Because of their legendary intelligence, Border Collies set the standard in competitions for such skills as agility, obedience, and of course, sheepdog trials.


#2 Poodle

Yes, the Poodle is at number two. The standard Poodle is highly intelligent and one of the easiest breeds to train. They love to be around people, and really hate to be left alone. Some standard Poodles are good guard dogs, and some can even be trained as hunters! Overall, Poodles are a sensitive, pleasant and happy breed.






#3 German Shepherds

German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, courageous, and have a very strong protective instinct. As long as they are trained in obedience from an early age by a loving but firm hand, they can be great family dogs, and excellent with children. Because of their intelligence, a German Shepherd needs a purpose or job in life to be truly happy. This intelligence, coupled with their courageous nature make German Shepherds excellent police and search dogs.



#4 Golden Retriever

Consistently ranked as the most popular breed of dog, the Golden Retriever personifies everything we love about dogs-loyal, loving, patient, great with children and eager to please. With such great intelligence, it’s no wonder that Golden Retrievers excel in obedience competitions and at performing tricks.




#5 Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are an extremely loyal, assertive, and fearless breed. They have incredible stamina, and love to work. Although known as a dominant breed, Dobermans can vary greatly as far as temperament goes. Some can be quite docile, and even work as therapy dogs in hospitals! Dobermans can be great family dogs too, if trained properly from an early age. Although not vicious, you can count on a Doberman to aggressively protect its master if necessary.



#6 Shetland Sheepdog

Many Shetland owners swear that their dog has nearly human intelligence! Shelties were originally bred to herd hundreds of sheep and cattle, requiring great concentration and, of course, intelligence. They can be a little wary of strangers and children, but are very loyal and affectionate within their own family. In fact, the Sheltie very much craves human companionship.




#7 Labrador Retriever

An extremely loving, affectionate, and patient dog, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world. They love to work, and need a lot of exercise. Without proper exercise, Labs have been known to develop weight problems. Because of their good nature, and love of children and other dogs, they are a very popular family dog.





#8 The Papillon

Does this dog scare you at all? Well it should, because Papillons are actually a lot tougher than they look! Some would characterize Papillons as a little moody and aggressive, but they are simply very possessive of their masters and “home turf”. Another very intelligent dog, and very easy to train.





#9 Rottweiler

The Rottweiler, #9 on our list, has a fearsome reputation that is largely undeserved. The Rotti is only average in intensity, and make a great family dog. Not only is the Rottweiler intelligent, but extremely courageous and reliable.






#10 Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a very active breed. They need to be exercised on a regular basis, both mentally and physically. As they were originally bred to herd in cattle in Australia (hence the name), they are freethinking, resourceful, and very protective of their property, including people!







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1st Golden Retriever to Win Conformation Show in America

Hi all,

Following pictures present the 1st Golden Retriever to Win Conformation Show in America; 1st American Champion, 1st Best in Show and 1st Best in Show Bitch.

1st American Champion
AM/CAN CH SPEEDWELL PLUTO
November 1932
Owner: Samuel S Magoffin




1st Best in Show
AM/CAN CH SPEEDWELL PLUTO
Dog Puget Sound KC
December 3, 1933
Owner: Samuel S Magoffin







1st Best in Show Bitch
AM/CAN CH DES LACS LASSIE CD*
Nebraska KC
March 14, 1949
Owner: Bart Foster, Des Lacs Kennels





Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Why are Dalmatians Firehouse Dogs?

Here's the Answer in Black and White Reprinted from May/June 1992 issues of Reminisce Magazine

Ever see a fire truck in a parade without a Dalmatian in the seat up front or in the lap of a smiling fireman riding in back? Ever visit a firehouse without having one of those black and white spotted dogs come wagging up to you?

Why is that? Why do Dalmatians and firehouses go together like smoke and fire? The answer is interesting, and one you'll likely recall every time you see the Dalmatian/firehouse combo from now on.

It all began in the days of stagecoaches. Horse theft was so common back then that many stagecoach drivers strung a hammock between two stalls at night, then slept behind their horses to guard against thieves.

But, if the driver owned a Dalmatian, he could sleep in the house or the stagecoach hotel. Why? Because it was observed that dalmatians formed an amazingly tight bond with horses. When they became close as with a team, no stranger would dare lay a hand on them.

Once the knowledge of this trait spread, more coach drivers went to great lengths to get Dalmatians to watch their teams. In fact, this practice became so common that Dalmatians were first called "coach dogs". They were used by coach drivers centuries ago in England, Scotland and Wales.

Horse's Best Friend?

"Dalmatians have always gotten along well with horses," says Esmeralda Treen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a recognized authority on the breed. "Horses are gregarious and feel the need for company. You can't leave them alone too long. Dalmatians take to horses and become 'companions'. Back in the stagecoach days, the 'Dals' would run alongside the coaches, or under the rear axle of the moving coach. They'd keep up with the team as far as it ran, sometimes over 20 or 30 miles a day. "

When the coached reached the inn, the coachman left the dog to guard the team as well as luggage in the coach," Esmeralda explains. "IF the coachman stayed to guard, a robber would sometimes distract him in conversation while others pilfered the goods. They couldn't pull that ruse on the Dal, since they're very alert dogs."

When horse numbers grew here in the New World, the number of Dalmatians grew with it for the same reason they were popular in the Old Country. And, since every firehouse back then had a set of fast horses to pull the pumper wagon, it became common for each group of firemen to keep a Dalmatian.

Again, the spotted dogs not only guarded the firehouse horses, they kept them company during their long, boring waits between fires. And, when they took off for a fire, the dog would run alongside the pumper.

The horses are gone from the fire stations today, but the Dalmatians aren't. The tradition has been carried on, and it may be as much for the looks and appeal of these beautiful dogs as it is for their nostalgic tie to yesteryear.

While all the facts are well founded, there is a common but false rumor that these spotted dogs that breed enthusiasts would like dispelled. It's that Dalmatians are kept at firehouses because they're deaf and therefore, the siren does not bother their ears nor make them "spook" like it would other dogs. "

I once heard that on national TV and could not believe my ears," says Chris Benoit, president of the Chicagoland Dalmatian Club. "It's true that there is a problem with deafness in the breed, but that story is totally false!"

What is true is that Dalmatians are the fastest growing breed of dog in America today. A relative rarity until recent years, Dals are expected to soar into the top ten soon, right up there with
beagles and dachshunds.

Spots in Fashion

Another thing that's true is that these dogs have spots everywhere--even inside their mouths and on the bottom of their paws! And they've become the polka dot darlings of advertising and fashion photographers, who say they like the high contrast of these black and white dogs.

Still, the Dalmatians haven't lost their old status as the fireman's friend. For example, in Middletown Connecticut alone, individual fire fighters own Dals named "Hydrant", "Chief", and "Cinder". That tradition holds across America. Even today, where there's smoke, there's likely fire...and where there's a firehouse, there's likely a Dalmatian.

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Which Dogs do Americans Prefer?

Following are 2006 most popular dogs in US. To what I have expected, Labrador Retriever has taken the first spot and to my surprise Yorkshire Terrier came in second. How about you guys? Did your favourite dog breed makes the top ten most popular dogs in USA?

The following article is from http://animal.discovery.com/:

2006 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.(according to AKC® registration figures)

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Dachshund
7. Boxer
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Miniature Schnauzer

The results are in! In the American Kennel Club's annual survey of most popular purebred dogs in the U.S., the Labrador Retriever has won again. This is the 16th year in a row that the loveable Lab has topped the list.

Coming in second for 2006 is the Yorkshire Terrier, knocking out several of its larger-sized competitors.

"We have been closely tracking dog ownership trends and AKC data reveals that the popularity of smaller breeds continues to grow over the last decade," said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Not since the Boston Terrier hit the top nearly 70 years ago has a small breed worked its way to such a high spot on the list."

"Dogs have become a fixture in the American family. The recent rise of the Yorkie proves that many modern dog owners prefer a portable, pint-sized pet that fits their modern, fast-paced lifestyle," added Peterson.

Most Popular Breed Groups

Of the seven AKC breed groups, two make up over half of the purebred dogs registered in the U.S. According to the AKC, the Sporting Group is the most popular group with almost 30 percent of the total 2006 registry. Coming in second, the Toy Group makes up 23 percent of the registry.

Large vs. Small

Dog owners in the U.S. seem to prefer a larger dog. With the Labs taking the No. 1 spot, the large breeds make up 45 percent of the 2006 registry. Small breeds come in second with 29 percent, and medium breeds are holding steady at approximately 22 percent.

High Maintenance or Low

The AKC also takes a look at factors like grooming and level of activity needed. In this year’s group, the dogs that required a low level of grooming made up 48 percent of the list. As far as activity is concerned, the dogs that require a lot of exercise made up nearly half the list.

AKC registration statistics are compiled from Jan. 1- Dec. 31 of the previous year. In 2006, AKC registered 153 different breeds. For more information, visit the AKC Web site.

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Did You Know?

Photo from An Egyptian Bestiary

The basenji, a compact hunter whose ancestry is depicted in Egyptian tombs 5,000 years old, is the only dog that does not bark. It isn’t mute however. It often chortles or yodels, even snarls, and it has other unusual characteristics. Like the wolf, another non-barker, the basenji can only be bred once a year, not twice like most dogs.

~Jeanne E. Peters

Below is an actual picture of Basenji breed:

Ch Wazazi Dazzling Image (left) & Ch Wazazi Perfect Dream

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Definition of Puppy

The following are the definitions of puppy which I have gathered from several different sources for our knowledge purposes.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source
a young dog, esp. one less than a year old.

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source
A young dog; a pup.

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source
1486, "woman's small pet dog," from M.Fr. poupée "doll, toy" (see puppet). Meaning shifted from "toy dog" to "young dog" (1591), replacing M.E. whelp.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Cite This Source
A puppy is a juvenile dog, generally less than one year of age. The term is sometimes abbreviated to pup, a term which is also used for the offspring of wolves.

Puppies are very playful and active. A lethargic or listless puppy is uncommon, and often times a precursor to illness.

Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus - Cite This Source
Synonyms: bitch, bowwow*, cracky, cur, doggy, fido*, flea bag*, hound, mongrel, mutt, pooch*, pup, puppy, stray, tail-wagger*, tyke

* = informal or slang

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Tallest Dog in the World??

Hi all,

Tallest dog in the world? Anyone guess who is he/ she? The following article is obtain from www.local6.com:

A 3-year-old Great Dane in Sacramento, Calif., has been named the world's tallest dog by Guinness Book of World Records. The award-winning dog, named Gibson ...

A 3-year-old Great Dane in Sacramento, Calif., has been named the world's tallest dog by Guinness Book of World Records.

The award-winning dog, named Gibson, stands 7 feet tall when upright, according to the report.

He was officially named the planet's tallest dog Tuesday by officials with Guinness who flew to California from England to see Gibson.

Gibson's owner, Sandy Hall, said she never dreamed Gibson would turn out to be the planet's tallest dog. She said the dog is a gift.

"I've had Danes since 1981," Hall said. "I've never seen anything like this --ever."

Several neighbours in the county know about the record-holding dog, which dwarfs an average-sized golden retriever.

"I've seen him twice now, and he's a really tall dog," a neighbour said.

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