Europe's favourite dogs
Dogs have always been the most loyal animals to humans. They are true companions and protectors in case of danger. They entertain children and accompany you on walks and other moments in life. There are many different breeds of dogs, which is why it is sometimes difficult to find the one that suits you best. In this article you will find the 10 most popular dog breeds in Europe.
The Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is the most popular dog in Europe. It has been at the top of the list for several years. This dog is versatile, it can herd cattle as well as stay in the house.
Although the breed's name is associated with Australia, the dog originated in the United States. The name Australian Shepherd Dog was given by the Basque Shepherd Association in the 19th century. It was during this century that the dogs arrived in the United States from Australia and the Basque Country.
Characteristics
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog. The male dog varies from 51 to 58 cm, while the female can be between 46 and 53 cm. They have a medium length, wavy coat that is highly resistant to rain and sunburn.
Advantages
The Australian Shepherd is very docile and easy to train. Its intelligence allows it to guard a herd of 100 head or more. This dog is the perfect companion for those who live in the countryside. Australian Shepherds are all unique, no two dogs of this breed are alike. This is due to the variety of coats they have. You can find black tricolour, blue merle, red tricolour and red merle Australian Shepherds. White spots and tan markings are present or not.
Disadvantages
The Australian Shepherd is very sensitive to rough handling. If you are not gentle with him, he will shut down forever. From a young age, it is necessary to train him well, otherwise he will not follow your orders. But you must always be gentle.
The Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a breed that is the result of the mating of a yellow retriever and a tweed water spanel. This mixture was made by Lord Twedmonth during the 19th century. The dogs of this breed are all excellent hunters.
Characteristics
The golden retriever is very distinct, its coat is only made of shades of yellow without any red. Its nose is always black and its ears are hanging. The golden retriever is a medium-sized dog. Males range in height from 56 to 61 cm, while females range from 51 to 56 cm.
Benefits
Many people say that golden retrievers are among the best dogs. This reputation is not false, as this dog is able to hunt, swim, and perform many other feats. They love children and love to live with a family. If you like gentleness, this dog will give you it, he is very sociable and is not aggressive.
Disadvantages
The golden retriever breed is like any other. It is necessary to make a selection in order to have it. This dog does not like to be alone and aggressive. If you don't have time for him, he will be unhappy. Its education is easy, but it must be done very early from the first months of the golden retriever.
The Belgian Shepherd
This breed of dog originated between 1891 and 1897 in Belgium. There are four categories of Belgian shepherds: the Malinois, the Laekenois, the Groenendaels and the Tervuerens. This last category is distinguished from the others by the colour of its hair which is often dark black. The other colours are: black, zain, charcoal fawn and charcoal sable.
Characteristics
Belgian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs. The male measures 60 to 66 cm at the withers, while the female is 56 to 32 cm. The weight of the males varies from 25 to 30 kilos and that of the females from 20 to 25 kilos.
Advantages
Belgian Shepherds are excellent guard dogs. They can protect their master while guarding the herd. They are very vigilant and active dogs. In case of danger, they do not hesitate to attack without warning. These dogs are easy to train, they are very receptive to commands.
Disadvantages
Belgian Shepherds are impulsive and nervous by nature, so strangers should behave themselves. They will attack them even if they are just visitors. The hydration of the Belgian Shepherd must be well controlled, otherwise it will quickly become ill and may even succumb.
The Staffordshire bull terrier
The Staffordshire bull terrier is a breed obtained by crossing the bulldog with several terriers. In the beginning, the dogs of this breed were used to fight bulls in the pits. Over time, however, they became good companion dogs.
Characteristics
Staffordshire bull terriers are medium-sized dogs, varying in height from 35 to 45 cm. Their weight ranges from 11 to 17 kg. Males are larger than females. This breed of dog has a wide variety of colours: red, fawn, white, mottled, etc. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier's hair is short and close.
Advantages
The Staffordshire bull terrier is a very powerful dog. But this does not prevent you from raising him in the city. It adapts to this lifestyle as long as you take it for walks from time to time. Dogs of this breed are best suited for guarding work.
Disadvantages
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a stubborn and fearless dog. It takes a long time to train, so you need to be patient with it. They are also very aggressive towards their fellow dogs due to their history of fighting.
German Shepherd Dog
This breed of dog is well known to the police. Loyal and combative, the German Shepherd is both an excellent shepherd and a good guard dog. It is also possible to hunt with this dog, as it is a good sniffer.
Characteristics
The German Shepherd is a fairly large dog, measuring between 60 and 65 cm and weighing 30 to 40 kilos. The females of this breed are smaller than the males. The German Shepherd's coat is black with brown, red or yellow markings. At first, only German Shepherds with short hair were classified. But since 2011, those with long hair are also recognised.
Advantages
The German Shepherd is a very courageous dog, it does not know fear. But it is not aggressive. It likes to live in the country, but it can also live in a city. This dog is one of the most loyal dogs to humans and does everything to make its owner happy.
Disadvantages
The German Shepherd needs affection, you must take care of him, otherwise his life span will be short. When excited, he can become suddenly aggressive. As with his Belgian cousin, the amount of water he consumes must be well controlled, as this can cause health problems.
The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the most common dog in the world. It was first known in 1814, when fishermen adopted it to bring in fish that jumped overboard.
Characteristics
The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized dog, with males measuring between 53 and 59 cm and females between 51 and 58 cm. This dog has a large body size, but this does not mean that it should be fed all the time. The hair of the retriever is short and dense without fringes or waves. The coat is black or yellowish.
Advantages
The Labrador Retriever is the ideal companion for those who like to play with their dog. They are devoted and attentive by nature and like to be spoiled and return the favour. This dog has an excellent sense of smell and a great visual memory.
Disadvantages
The Labrador Retriever can get you to do what it wants. Sometimes they tend to be too greedy, which is not good for their health.
The American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a cousin of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The similarities are very striking. Like its cousin, this dog was originally used for fighting. Even after the ban, it was used in underground fights.
Characteristics
Compared to the bull terrier, the American terrier is larger in size. Males can be 45-48 cm and females 43-45 cm, with an average weight of 25-30 kg. The hair is short and close and the colours are very varied.
Advantages
The Staffordshire is very powerful and is an excellent guard dog. But it is also an excellent companion for family members. It is very receptive to training and has great intelligence. They are stubborn and independent, but that doesn't mean they won't listen to you.
Disadvantages
The Staffordshire is classified as a category 2 dog, minors are not allowed to own it. When outside, they must be kept on a lead. When in public areas such as parks, flat corridors and the like, they must be muzzled.
The Cavalier King Charles
This is a dog that comes from Great Britain. Pampered by the English aristocracy, Prince Charles is known as the greatest breeder in the world. That's why he was named after him.
Characteristics
The Cavalier is a small dog, weighing only 5 to 8 kilos. His coat is very silky, without curls, with hanging ears. His eyes are dark, full of life and without any aggression. The colour of the coat varies between black, tan, ruby and others.
Advantages
The Cavalier King Charles is ideal for those living in a flat. It is easy to care for and is able to adapt to the lifestyle of its owners. It is the best companion parents can have, as it loves babies. Frequent grooming is not necessary, as brushing and combing is sufficient.
Disadvantages
The Cavalier King Charles is not very obedient. He listens to you, but quickly gets distracted. His big eyes sometimes make you soft, and you may find him in your bed without being invited.
The English Setter
As the name suggests, the English Setter comes from the United Kingdom. Little by little, it has spread throughout Europe. This dog is very popular with hunters and those who lead a country life.
Characteristics
The English Setter is easily recognisable, its head is so distinctive that it is impossible to confuse it with any other. It is a medium-sized dog, ranging from 65 to 68 cm for males and 61 to 65 cm for females. It has long and very silky hair.
Advantages
The English Setter is a very calm dog. It is the ideal companion to live a quiet life full of love. They always tend to give more than they can handle by making their owners happy. They also love their fellow creatures and love to play with them.
Disadvantages
Despite its calm appearance, the English Setter is a true sportsman. It needs space and fresh air to expend all the energy it stores. They do not adapt well to life in the city, which is noisy and narrow.
The Beagle
The origin of the Beagle is much disputed, some say it comes from France, others say it is an English dog. It is a hound and loves to sing. It is said that it was Henry VIII's favourite dog, he said that he loved it more than his many wives.
Characteristics
The Beagle is a medium-sized dog, ranging in height from 33 to 40 cm. Its hair is weather resistant and is short and dense. The colour of the beagle is often two-tone, but there are also beagles that are tricoloured.
Advantages
The beagle is the dog with the most positive traits of any of its kind. It encompasses kindness, strength, courage and speed. It is also an excellent hunter with a good sense of smell. He can hunt alone, in groups or with other dogs. When you get lost in the forest, the intonation of his voice is easily recognisable.
Disadvantages
The beagle does not like to live in the city, being a born hunter, confining him will make him soft and sad. You will need to take him out for longer than with other breeds of dog if you want him to adapt to city life.
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