The four-legged pet is a sincere, faithful and devoted animal. It’s hard to disagree with this opinion. The dog barks, sensing danger next to its owner, wags its tail when it sees him after a long separation. Hundreds of years ago it became fashionable to present purebred puppies as gifts to royalty and government officials. Today, furry pets remain one of the preferred pets of many families. The article presents the most popular dog breeds in Russia and the World.
Why do they love fold dogs?
Dogs with drooping ears or “loop-eared” breeds are a large group whose exterior was formed artificially. The advantages of lop-eared dogs are as follows:
- The auricle is protected from wind and dust.
- The ear canal is protected from water.
- During a fight, you are less likely to get serious head injuries - your ears will suffer.
- The expression on the face of the “floppy cat” is cuter and more trusting.
Minuses:
- Ears pressed to the head are a provoking factor for inflammatory processes if the dog does not receive quality care.
- It is more convenient for ticks to hide under drooping ears.
- Ears get dirty while eating.
Chow chow
The breed has an unusual appearance: a large collar of soft wool, a massive head with wrinkles, and a somewhat sad expression on the face.
As for the color, the red color with red tints is considered classic for the Chow Chow. Coat color varies from deep orange to light apricot. Moreover, the mane, part of the tail and fur in the area of the lower jaw should be much lighter than the rest of the body. Dark eyes, a large nose and a bluish tongue are the calling card of this dog. Initially red puppies are born brown and later become fiery red.
What to look for when choosing a puppy
Heredity is a heavy burden that any owner can face. There are no absolutely healthy purebred dogs. Even if a dog is not sick with anything in its youth, it has a tendency to certain diseases.
To minimize the risks of hereditary diseases, you need to check the following points:
- “Meet” both of the puppy’s parents. The exception is mating with a male from another city/country or artificial insemination. In this case, the breeder must have a complete package of copies of the dog’s documents in his hands.
- If the breed is prone to serious diseases (dysplasia, heart disease, brain defects), all puppies should be examined before sale.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Experts note several colors of this pet. The shade of the coat varies within several limits: from honey, wheat to bright burgundy. The Ridgeback is only black when it is a puppy. Gradually its color changes and becomes close to red. A dark mask on the face and ears is allowed. They have short, shiny fur that lies close to the body.
A characteristic feature of the breed is the “ridge” (from which the dog is named) on the back, formed by hair growing in the direction opposite to the rest of the dog’s coat. The dog's build is muscular, with a strong back and neck with a slightly curved loin. Long front legs allow it to rush quickly and push off the ground powerfully.
Choose by size
Any pet needs to be provided with a decent standard of living, because some dogs are undesirable to keep in an apartment, while others are absolutely not suitable for living in a house.
Small breeds
Small breeds are optimal candidates for living in an apartment, traveling together and having leisure time. Almost all small dogs are loyal companions and quickly adapt to the owner's lifestyle.
The Affenpinscher is an unusual, intelligent companion dog. Representatives of the breed are easy to keep and easy to train.
Griffon (Belgian, Brussels) are related breeds that are externally similar to the Affenpinscher. Representatives of the breed are good with children and travel relatively easily. Dogs of this breed have a sharp mind and good intuition.
This is interesting! The griffin is a breed group that includes small and medium-sized breeds, and the larger four-legged ones have a specialization - they are hunters.
Bichons (Frise, Havanese) are small, companion dogs with luxurious coats. Bichons are cut in a variety of ways, giving their silhouette an unusual shape. The special structure of the coat allows the hairs to rise when shortened. If a dog has long hair, it falls down, and when clipped, the dog looks like a ball of fluff.
American Staffordshire Terrier
These representatives of the canine world are considered a “thunderstorm” to strangers; they have a massive front part with a large head, a wide muzzle and a powerful jaw. There is a slight stiffness in movements due to the elongated hind legs, the front legs are spaced quite widely.
Cynologists allow almost all shades of “red” - from bright red to cream. Spotted dogs often have a combination of white and orange tones. Moreover, white spots should cover no more than 20% of the body. The fur is distinguished by its unique shine and thickness. It is hard to the touch and fits tightly to the body. Pets of a brick or black-and-red hue are considered a waste.
Hunting breeds
Hunting breeds with drooping ears:
- American Water Spaniel.
- Cocker spaniel (English, American).
- English Springer Spaniel.
- Afghan Hound.
- Pointer.
- Setter (English, Irish).
- Beagle.
- Basset Hound and Bloodhound.
- Burton epañol.
- Weimaraner (long-haired and short-haired).
- Irish Water Spaniel.
- Norfolk Terrier.
- Jack Russell Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier.
- Dachshund (mini, rabbit, standard).
Among hunters there are large, medium and small dogs, but they are all very active and need increased physical activity.
Basenji
This breed can be considered one of the unique ones, since it cannot bark, expressing its emotions by purring and howling. The standard determined the presence of mandatory white elements in certain areas of the body. White spotting on the pet's paws, tail and chest is allowed. The presence of grooves between the eyes, neck and limbs is allowed by the canine association.
One of the most common colors is deep red and white. Individuals with a base cream color are considered defective and are excluded from the breeding process. The characteristic features of the Basenji are a wrinkled forehead with numerous wrinkles and a curled tail.
Smooth-haired and short-haired breeds
Smooth-haired and short-haired breeds of fold-eared dogs:
- English bulldog.
- Pointer.
- Basset Hound.
- Bloodhound.
- Boxer.
- Dogue de Bordeaux.
- Bullmastiff.
- Weimaraner shorthair.
- Dalmatian.
- Mastiff (English, Neapolitan).
- Pug.
- Rottweiler.
- Dachshund (mini, rabbit, standard).
All dog breeds are suitable for keeping in an apartment, subject to active walking. Short-haired dogs with service inclinations are successfully used in protecting private property, but they must be able to freely enter the home, especially in winter.
Global popularity in 2022
There is no general criterion by which a dog can be classified as a preferred breed. Every fifth person gained worldwide popularity due to their appearance, character traits and work qualities.
The owner chooses a pet for himself, which means both must have the same character. Otherwise they will not be able to get along together.
The list of the most famous and popular dog breeds opens with ancient burrowing four-legged animals.
Dachshund
“Limousine Dog” is a friend and companion to the owner. This is a cheerful, kind animal with an independent character, medium size with short legs. Suitable for those people who prefer an active lifestyle.
The dog barks loudly and a lot. Before acquiring one, the owner needs to evaluate all the pros and cons of this breed, widespread in the world. It is not recommended to have a dachshund in a family with children. Hyperactivity and mobility of the animal can harm the baby.
Keeping a dog does not require large investments and time. The smooth-haired dachshund is suitable for people suffering from mild allergies. She is comfortable both in a rural house and in a city apartment. Due to its small dimensions, such a dog will require little space.
Short-legged fold breeds
Short-legged, fold-eared breeds are especially popular because they have an extraordinary appearance. If you are looking for a small dog, the following breeds are worth considering:
- English bulldog.
- Basset Hound.
- Pug.
- Pekingese.
- Norfolk Terrier.
- Jack Russell Terrier.
- Dachshund (mini, rabbit, standard).
- Shih Tzu.
- Japanese Chin.
Most breeds are companions. All dogs, except burrow hunters, need special care and a proper rhythm of life.
Red Coonhound
The breed got its name due to its short, shiny coat of a rich red hue. The Red Coonhound has a beautiful appearance. He will definitely not go unnoticed and will receive compliments from passers-by. The pet has a strong build, a deep chest, straight long legs and a high head.
A pronounced feature of its appearance is its wide drooping ears, reaching to the nose. Eyes are dark in color. The most common coat color is reddish-burgundy or dark red. The standard states that light spots may be present on the surface of the wool. This dog is characterized by folds on its neck and webbed paws that help the pet swim.
Reviews
Polina Semyonovna, 65 years old I have kept dogs all my life, as long as I can remember. In my old age, I wanted a wise, self-confident dog, with whom it would not be scary to live at the dacha, spend the night there, and receive guests. Friends suggested we look at the Great Dane puppies. I arrived and my heart melted as soon as I saw the mother of the dogs. Beautiful, calm, peaceful. Now our Sam is 3 years old. This is our pride. A stranger will definitely not come to the dacha, but the children and grandchildren will have freedom. He is always next to us, wherever we go. Hefty, stately, courageous. I learned everything, all the commands. I adore Samik and am ready to take the same one again. An extra incentive for me to move, take a walk, wander around.
Lyudmila, 32 years old I love Tom Hanks, especially the film with the Dogue de Bordeaux playing his partner, which was released back in 1989. Then I was a teenager and thought: “When I grow up, I will definitely buy myself such a dog.” I dreamed about him. My Hooch is already 6 years old. I'm afraid to imagine what will happen if my pet is gone. They don't live very long. We adopted him as a puppy at 2 months of age. I won't say there weren't problems. It’s good that then a young man appeared who took education into his own hands. He taught Hooch to commands and obedience. There were many acquaintances who fell in love with the “saffron milk cap” at first sight. Despite everything, this is the sweetest, beloved dog with whom there is no sadness. Even if there are problems, he will come, put his huge muzzle on my lap, wink and it becomes easier. It’s good with such a dog, reliable, interesting and funny.
Training
Like any other dog, the ambulatory needs to be trained from childhood. According to dog handlers, the American Great Dane needs training like no other dog, given its wayward nature. Therefore, it is impossible to do without constant monitoring and education. Ambul always acts as a dominant, so it is necessary to let him know who is in charge in the house. It is forbidden to allow him to bite and pull on the leash while walking while still a puppy, so that this does not become a habit. If necessary, you can punish with a severe reprimand and a slight shake on the withers. Their manifestations of independence and obstinate character should be suppressed. Especially in relation to other dogs or cats, the Great Dane must understand that it is impossible to fight without a reason. By following these simple rules, you can raise a wonderful bulldog.
Shih Tzu
These little ones are distinguished by amazing devotion, sociability and photogenicity. Shih Tzus are very patient and will wear almost any dog clothing and various accessories. In the latter case, this is more likely not a whim of the owner, but a necessity, because the dog’s long fur often hangs over its eyes, blocking its view. The fashionable status of the pet is also confirmed by the fact that among the lucky owners of Shih Tzu there are world celebrities such as Mariah Carey and Beyoncé.
Why are my ears drooping?
The ancestor of all domestic dogs is the wolf, which is why many breeds have erect and triangular ears. Then why do many dogs have drooping ears? Breeders explain that pets received downward-hanging ears during the process of domestication.
The appearance of many breeds has changed significantly. Modern domestic dogs differ from their ancestors in the structure of the skull, the size of the teeth, the quality and type of coat. Fold is also a consequence of long-term selection.
Beagle
Historically, the Beagle breed was used as a hunting hound. Currently, they are friendly and cheerful animals. Unlike other hunting dogs, beagles become very attached to their owners. They need lots of exercise, activity and fun.
Siberian Husky
It is important not to confuse the breed with Alaskan Malamutes (or wolves). The breed is very hardworking, hardy, and energetic. Huskies are literally designed for long-distance running, and their warm fur is ideal for living in harsh climates.
One of the most striking features of the Siberian Husky is its expressive blue eyes.
History of the origin of the species
The breeding of breeds under the general name “Dog” began in the early Middle Ages. The ancestors are considered to be mastiffs born in the Tibetan mountains, distinguished by their large size, strong character, and fearlessness. They were domesticated by pastoral tribes. Subsequently, two large groups were formed: Great Danes and Asian Shepherds.
During migration, dogs showed themselves to be reliable human companions, capable of protecting themselves and others, and always being there. They were especially valued during the development of Mesopotamian civilization. They participated in the battles of the Greek army and Roman civilization.
Once in Europe, the genes of bulldogs and wild boar dogs were added to the blood. Initially, all strong, strong, hardy dogs were called this, and later a division into breeds appeared. Since ancient times, the Great Dane has been used:
- as a participant in battles, including gladiator battles;
- as an assistant for hunting animals;
- in the role of guard of territory and housing.
The Great Dane is considered to be the direct ancestor of the Great Dane. In modern times, this is a companion dog that is always next to its owner.
