Assessing Canine Breed Versatility Using a Data-Based Versatility Index

Abstract

Abstract:

This is the very first data-based study to report on the versatility of 134 dog breeds. The purpose of this study was to create and apply a Versatility Index for breeds that had earned a title in designated sports in the 10 years from 2014-2023 and to rank the most versatile breeds. Using American Kennel Club (AKC) records of 493,477 dogs who earned titles in 18 sports, breeds were ranked, and the ten “most versatile” breeds were identified. There were 17,299 dogs with titles in the top ten breeds. Seven of the 18 sports in which all breeds could participate were targeted for analysis. For this study, versatility was defined as the breed earning a title in a variety of activities in which pet dogs participated with their owners. To provide background information on breed versatility, two surveys were conducted. Experienced dog trainers responded to a one question survey to determine the general perceptions of dog trainers regarding versatile breeds, and breed experts of the top ten breeds on the versatility index responded to a two-question survey related to the versatility of their specific breeds. The degree of association across sports was analyzed to determine if success in one sport was an indicator of breed versatility. The results of this study show that some breeds that are not typically expected to be the most versatile scored higher on the Versatility Index than breeds that are often perceived by trainers as the most versatile. The results also show that dogs who earned Obedience/Rally titles were more likely to earn titles in other areas.