Choosing a dog breed is an important decision. Our dog breed rating methodology evaluates each breed across 30 structured Rating Dimensions, providing insights to help you find a breed that aligns with your lifestyle.
Understanding these dimensions is key to appreciating the full range of traits each breed offers. This page explains how we assess and rate various dog breeds. For individual breed ratings, visit the Dog Breeds page.
Rating Each Dimension
Each Rating Dimension is scored using a standardized 1 to 5 scale. A rating of 1 shows a lower presence or preference, such as being less affectionate or not good with children. A rating of 5 reflects a stronger presence or preference, like being very protective or having high grooming needs.
For dimensions like Health Issues, a rating of 1 means the breed is less likely to experience certain conditions, while a rating of 5 shows a higher likelihood. Ratings of 2 to 4 provide a gradient, offering a nuanced view of a breed’s characteristics.
While these ratings offer general insights, individual dogs may vary, and personal experiences can differ.
The Dimensions
Personality & Temperament
These dimensions highlight personality and temperament traits:
DIMENSION
DESCRIPTION
Affection
Level of bonding with loved ones
Playfulness
Eagerness to engage in playful activities
Protectiveness
Instinct to safeguard and defend loved ones
Territoriality
Tendency to defend territory or space against intruders
Prey Drive
Instinct to chase and capture prey or moving objects
Barking
Tendency to bark and be vocal
With Children
Compatibility and interaction with children
With Adults
Compatibility and interaction with adults
With Dogs
Compatibility and interaction with other dogs
With Pets
Compatibility and interaction with household pets
With Strangers
Compatibility and interaction with unfamiliar faces
Sociability
Willingness to seek out and enjoy social interaction
Sensitivity
Responsiveness to environmental changes
Separation Anxiety
Level of distress when separated from loved ones
Note: All traits are evaluated as Rating Dimensions using our standardized 1 to 5 scale.
Training & Exercise
These dimensions outline training and exercise traits:
DIMENSION
DESCRIPTION
Energy
Overall energy levels and exercise needs
Intelligence
Ability to learn and solve problems
Mental Stimulation
Need for cognitive challenges and activities
Obedience
Willingness to follow commands
Trainability
Responsiveness to training techniques
Stubbornness
Tendency to resist direction or assert independence
Attention Span
Ability to stay focused during tasks or training
Note: All traits are evaluated as Rating Dimensions using our standardized 1 to 5 scale.
Grooming & Maintenance
These dimensions focus on grooming and maintenance traits:
DIMENSION
DESCRIPTION
Shedding
Frequency and volume of hair loss
Grooming
Coat maintenance requirements
Drooling
Tendency to produce excessive saliva
Note: All traits are evaluated as Rating Dimensions using our standardized 1 to 5 scale.
Health & Lifespan
These dimensions detail health and lifespan traits:
DIMENSION
DESCRIPTION
Health Issues
Predisposition to specific health conditions
Dental Issues
Predisposition to dental issues
Ear Issues
Predisposition to ear issues
Eye Issues
Predisposition to eye issues
Note: All traits are evaluated as Rating Dimensions using our standardized 1 to 5 scale.
Breed Suitability
These dimensions center on breed suitability:
DIMENSION
DESCRIPTION
Experience Level
Recommended experience level for potential owners
Apartment Living
Suitability for living in small spaces
Note: All traits are evaluated as Rating Dimensions using our standardized 1 to 5 scale.
Assessing Each Breed
Each breed is evaluated across the 30 structured Rating Dimensions. Ratings are based on a multi-source approach to create ratings that reflect both expert knowledge and real-world breed characteristics. This process draws from official breed standards, veterinary literature, expert input, and internal research.
Validating and Ensuring Data Reliability
Our five-step fact-checking and review process ensures all breed ratings are accurate, consistent, and trustworthy. Our process includes collecting data from various sources, verifying the information for accuracy, cross-checking facts against official standards, documenting all our work, and having experts review everything before publication. Visit the Fact-Checking Process page for more information.
Gathering Stakeholder Insights
Feedback from breed specialists, veterinarians, dog trainers, and dog owners is invaluable. Their experiences help refine our methodology, ensuring it reflects real-world experiences. We welcome feedback through the Contact Us page.
Addressing Limitations and Caveats
Our methodology is comprehensive, yet it has limitations. Ratings reflect general breed tendencies, and individual dogs may vary based on genetics, environment, upbringing, and other factors. Ratings and attributes may evolve as new research becomes available.
Upholding Ethical Standards
We are committed to fairness and transparency, ensuring no breed is misrepresented. Our ratings aim to provide an equal evaluation for all breeds. Visit the Editorial Standards page for more information on our commitment to integrity.
