Smartest Dog Breeds?

So the first thing I see this morning is yet another Top Ten list of dog breeds.  This one was generated by PetMD back in March and reports the Top Ten Smartest Dog Breeds (in their opinion).  Again, like yesterday’s list on High Maintenance dogs, there is no information as to the why or how they chose these breeds.

So, in order…here are the top ten smartest breeds:

1. Border Collie
2. Poodle
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Doberman Pinscher
6. Shetland Sheepdog
7. Labrador Retriever
8. Papillon
9. Rottweiler
10. Australian Shepherd

So, I know that this list will make some people happy and some people mad.  My friend, Brenda T from Indy will be happy with the #8 pick and, obviously, a large number of dog owners in the US will be happy with the #7 pick (given that Labs have been the #1 registered breed for 21 years now!).

I guess I really can’t be too picky since I don’t know how the breeds were ranked, but I can tell you my opinion…I think most dog breeds exhibit a similar level of intelligence.  You will note that a vast majority of dogs on this list are either working or herding breeds, so it makes you wonder if their “jobs” have anything at all to do with their perceived higher level of smarts.

I want to hear your opinions…d you think these lists are accurate?  Any examples of a dog that you considered “super smart”?

Oh…and why isn’t anyone focusing on the top smartest CAT breeds???

source: http://www.vetnewsonline.com/?p=673

Draft horse

Draft Horse Breeds - Still Useful and Popular in America

The word "draft" originally comes from "draught," an old word that means "to pull something." From early plows to carriages to fire trucks, draft horses have pulled them all. Without strong draft horse breeds, this country wouldn't have been built. The original work horse plowed the farms, provided transportation and helped to build the great American railroads. With the onset of the automobile, the number of draft horse breeds in the U.S. rapidly declined, but the proud work horse is enjoying resurgence and making a comeback.

Most draft horse breeds are bred for the region in which they were developed. For example, the Clydesdale draft horse breed came to being in Clydesdale, the Irish Draught in Ireland and the Belgian was born in Belgium where it was more suited to the climate and soil. The French draft horse breed is known as the Percheron, while the popular Shires hail from England. The only American draft horse is the American Cream Draft, originally bred in Iowa.

To be considered a true draft horse, a horse needs to reach at least 19 hands at the withers and weigh more than 2,600 pounds. The draft is believed to have descended from a primitive ancestor known as the Forest Horse, eventually conforming and specializing into its individual specialty breeds.

Despite their size, draft horse breeds are known for their docile nature and easy handling, and are often referred to as "Gentle Giants". Through hundreds, if not thousands of years of breeding, most draft horse breeds exhibit a stoic and solid temperament that's both admirable and rewarding.

After the second World War, America began to turn to automobiles and mechanized farm machinery, and the popularity of the draft horse declined. However, today, thanks to environmental movements, a desire for mobility and agility and fuel efficiency woes, draft horse breeds are coming back in style. For example, parts of the small-scale logging industry have returned to using draft horses to remove timber. Because the horses manoeuvre better than heavy machinery, cause less environmental damage and cost significantly less, they're quickly becoming a popular choice.

When it comes to farm work, a large range of horse equipment is still available, along with draft horse team breeders and specialties. Newcomers to team driving often purchase a complete and trained team of horses, along with lessons on hitching and driving. When it comes to providing a renewable source of energy, it doesn't get much better than draft horse breeds. As for riding, draft horse breeds often provide a comfortable ride with an easy gait akin to sitting in a rocking chair. From trail riding to even dressage, draft horses are easily trained and ready and willing.

Today, contemporary draft horse breeds are not only part of our heritage, but also our sustainable future. Whether you're a farmer, logger or simply a hobbyist, these beautiful and gentle giants have something wonderful to offer you. With awe-inspiring power, unwavering strength, stoic temperaments and grace, these beasts will win their way into your heart.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com

Research over 130 horse breed profiles at http://www.findapetonline.com/horse_breeds_a_m.html

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Quarter horse

Horse Breeds - American Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse is the first breed of horse native to the United States. The breed evolved when the bloodlines of horses brought to the New World were mixed. Foundation American Quarter Horse stock originated from Arab, Turk and Barb breeds. Selected Stallions and Mares were crossed with horses brought to Colonial America from England and Ireland in the 1600's. This combination resulted in a compact, heavily muscled horse that evolved to fill the colonists passion for short distance racing.

The amazing power behind a quarter horse enabled this great animal to run short distances over a straightaway faster than any other horse with the fastest being named Celebrated American Running Horse. The names for this breed has changed many times over the years until 1940 when a registry was formed to preserve the breed which officially became the American Quarter Horse Association.

In the year 1674 in Enrico County, Virginia the first American Quarter Horse Race was held. They were one-on-one match races down village streets, county lanes and level pastures. Many disagreements and fights were generated from heavy betting of large purse races by 1690.

The American Quarter Horse, due to their calm disposition and quick response time, the horse became known for its "cow sense", being able to outmaneuver cattle. During the 1800's as many pioneer folk moved westward, so did the American Quarter Horse. An abundant amount of cattle ranches stretched across the plains. Making this breed well suited for the cattle ranchers.

In today's world, the American Quarter Horse still remains a great sprinter known for their heavy muscling, but they have exceeded way past the cattle horse. These amazing horses compete in almost every discipline available, from rodeo events, such as barrel racing and calf roping to English disciplines such as dressage and show jumping. The make a nice little children's hunter as well, with the ability to jump a wide range of heights. They are one of the most versatile breeds in the world.

Many pleasure riders still look to the American Quarter horse for recreational riding, as they make a nice pleasure horse as well.

Breeders, since the creation of the breed over fifty years ago, have diligently been trying to perfect the bloodlines to produce a high quality versatile animal.. Strict guidelines have been set by the American Quarter Horse Association regarding registration of the American Quarter Horses. Some of these guidelines include:

1. Limited white markings on the face and below the knee

2. Only thirteen accepted colors recognized by the AQHA. These are sorrel (reddish brown), bay, black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, grullo, palomino, red roan and blue roan. The official gray color is what most people call white, but there are no "white" American Quarter Horses.

3. A quarter horse foal must be the product of a numbered American Quarter Horse dam and a numbered American Quarter Horse sire. There is an appendiz registry for foals with one numbered American Quarter Horse parent and one Throughbred parent registered with The Jockey Club.

Some other notable characteristics of the American Quarter Horse is their speed, versatility, gentle nature, heavy muscling and keen cow sense.

If you own an American Quarter Horse, no matter what discipline you choose to ride, your horse will excel. This breed is one of the most enjoyable horse breeds around today and one of the most popular.

Nanette Hughston is a freelance writer from the southern United States Region. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance. She rides dressage with Grand Prix Level Trainer, Tracy Masterson at Highlife Farms, Orlando, FL. For more information and articles please see her website at http://www.dressageamerica.com and http://www.informbyweb.com and to visit her training site, please visithttp://www.highlifefarms.com for dressage and hunter/ jumper information. Permission for reprint is granted with full bio remaining intact.

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