BEST DOG BREEDS IN NIGERIA

Overview of best dog breeds in Nigeria

There are many breeds of our beloved dogs in the world with a rough count of over 450 globally recognized dog breeds but this article is focused on the best dog breeds in nigeria based on two basic criteria (1)security (2)companionship.

These breeds possess distinct traits related to morphology, which include body size, skull shape, tail. phenotype, fur type, and coat colour. Their behavioural traits include guarding, herding, and hunting, and personality traits such as hypersocial behavior, boldness, and aggression. Most breeds were derived from small numbers of founders within the last 200 years. As a result, today dogs are the most abundant carnivore species and are dispersed around the world.

         A breed is a group of animals that is consistent enough in type to be logically grouped together, and that when mated within the group reproduces the same type. Dogs could be designated as ‘purebred’ when they became noted and recorded for breeding true to themselves and sharing certain characteristics and attributes. They could only be bred with others of their kind that were also officially noted as being of similar type. Purebred dogs have more health problems than mongrel dogs, and require more veterinary visits, and tend to have lower longevity. Indeed, studies have reported lifespans that are shorter by between one and almost two years.Notably, dog breeds with flat faces and short noses have breathing difficulties, eye trouble and other health issues.

       Picking the right breed is easy if you do enough research.Dog breeds vary quite a bit in their temperament, the amount of exercise they require, and the amount of care (e.g., grooming) they might need. Almost every dog breed was created for a specific purpose: hunting, herding, and guarding are examples. Knowing the characteristics of the breed can help you decide whether a dog of a particular breed will fit into your family’s lifestyle.

Recommended Best Dog Breeds in Nigeria for the purpose of security

Rottweiler

Weight: Male 40-60Kg, Female 35-48Kg

Height: Male 61-69Cm, Female 56-63Cm

Colour: Black and tan

Grooming: Easy

Life Span: 8-14years

litter Size: 1-12

  Rottweilers are thought of as being one of the most dangerous  and also smart dogs around, but with proper training, they can be one of the most loyal and affectionate breeds. You could be the perfect family to take a Rottweiler in and show them unconditional love. They enjoy exercise and are incredibly beautiful with their black fur and brown markings.

  They are the 8th most popular dog breed, their origin is believed that they are most likely descended from ancient Rome. Their coats are black with rust, mahogany or tan markings and are straight, coarse, dense and medium length. They need occasional grooming and experience seasonal shedding. Rottweilers should have docked tails.

The majority of Rottweilers are healthy and have a lifespan of 8-12 years; however, some do experience some health problems.Hip and elbow dysplasia, Vision and eye problems including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, eyelid deformities and more, Bleeding disorders including Von Willebrand’s disease etc.

German Shepherd (Alsatian)

Weight: Male 30-40Kg, Female 22-32Kg

Height: Male 60-65Cm, Female 55-60Cm

Colour: Tan with black saddle

Grooming: Average – Time consuming

Life Span: 9-16 years

Litter: 1-9

     German shepherd dogs are among the most popular and acclimatized dog breed found in Nigeria hence can be said to have earned her place as the best dog breeds in Nigeria with regards to security capability., as their name implies,(,also Know as Alsatian) a breed that originated in Germany. They were developed beginning in the late 1800s by crossing various herding breeds They are well proportioned dogs. The head is broad and tapers handsomely to a sharp muzzle. The ears are rather large and stand erect. The back is level and muscular, and the tail is bushy and curves downward. The coat is thick and rough and may be black, tan, black and tan or gray. The coat should be harsh and of medium length.

German shepherd dogs get along well with children and other pets if raised with them, but in keeping with their guarding instincts, they tend to be leery of strangers. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. To prevent over guarding and aggressive behavior, German shepherd dogs should be carefully socialized from a young age and be obedience trained. They should be with the family and continually exposed under supervision to people and other pets around the neighborhood

Caucasian Shepherd

Weight: Male 55-100Kg, Female 45-80Kg

Height: Male 70-90Cm, Female 65-75Cm

Colours: White, Black, Grey, Fawn, Cream, Rust

Grooming: Time consuming

Life Span: 8-12years

Litter Size: 5-12

Well known as a guardian and watchdog, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is powerful and athletic, with solid muscling and heavy boning. He has a large wedge-shaped head and thick curved tail that may be carried over his back. The breed is often recognized by his dark facial mask against a thick coat that’s shades of gray, fawn or red with white markings.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed originating in Eastern Europe’s Kavkaz, or Caucasus, mountain range, where he was used for guarding and protecting herds, flocks and villages from predators and trespassers. The breed is well-connected to similar breeds of the region, with studies suggesting the Caucasian Shepherd Dog as a close relative of the sheepdogs of the Balkans and the mastiffs of Asia.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog’s thick double coat can be short to very long. Those with the longer coat should be groomed daily, while shorter coats should be brushed weekly. Additionally, his nails should be trimmed, ears cleaned and teeth brushed regularly.

Recommended best dog breeds in Nigeria for the purpose of companionship(pet)

English Bulldog

Height

1–2 ft (30–61 cm)

Weight : Male50–55 lb (23–25 kg) Female 40–50 lb (18–23 kg)

Colour;

Brindle; solid white, red, fawn or yellow; piebald

Litter size;

3-7-12

Life span;

8–12 years

The Bulldog, also known as the English Bulldog or British Bulldog, is a medium-sized dog breed. It is a muscular, hefty dog with a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose.

Bulldogs have characteristically wide heads and shoulders along with a pronounced mandibular prognathism. There are generally thick folds of skin on the brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called a rope or nose roll above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth, and an underbite with an upturned jaw. The coat is short, flat, and sleek with colours of red, fawn, white.

A Bulldog’s disposition should be “equable and kind, resolute, and courageous (not vicious or aggressive), and demeanor should be pacifist and dignified. These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behavior.

Lhasa Apso

Weight Range:

Male: 13-15 lbs.

Female: 13-15 lbs.

Height at Withers:

Male: 11 in.

Female: 9 in.

Life span: 9-17years

Features:

Long back, floppy ears (naturally).

The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed, developed in Tibet from the Tibetan terrier and similar herding-type Tibetan dogs. Lhasa Apsos are fairly small dogs, ranging in height from 9 to 11 inches and weigh from 13 to 18 pounds (six to eight kilograms).

They are longer than they are tall with the tail carried curled up over the back and the head held proudly up. When these dogs are in full show coat, the different ends may look the same

Lhasa Apso should be well socialized to both people and other animals, including other dogs, in puppy hood. They are excellent watchdogs with a sharp, loud alarm bark. Lhasa Apso can do well with children, but they should be supervised and exposed to them early on.