How Our Ratings Work
Exactly what the 1–5 scores mean, where the data comes from, and what ratings can't tell you.
Data sources
Breed data is compiled from published breed standards and widely documented breed characteristics — primarily the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards, supplemented by long-established breed references. Weight and height ranges, coat type, and group classifications follow these published standards.
What the 1–5 ratings mean
Each breed is scored 1–5 on traits like energy level, trainability, shedding, barking tendency, and suitability for apartments or families. A 5 means "very high / very strong" for that trait; a 1 means "very low / minimal." For example, energy 5 = a dog that needs hours of vigorous activity daily; shedding 1 = minimal hair around the home.
These are relative breed-level tendencies, not guarantees about any individual dog. Training, socialization, age, and individual temperament move any dog well off its breed average.
What ratings can't do
- They can't predict your specific dog — meet the dog (and ideally the mother) before deciding.
- They simplify: a "3" in trainability can mean "smart but stubborn" for one breed and "eager but slow to mature" for another. Read the profile text, not just the numbers.
- Health information is general breed-level guidance, not veterinary advice. For health decisions, talk to a vet.
Comparisons
Comparison pages ("Breed A vs Breed B") put two profiles' ratings side by side and highlight where the breeds genuinely differ. The "choose A if / choose B if" summaries are decision aids based on the trait gaps — they're starting points, not verdicts.
Updates
We review breed data periodically and correct errors when readers report them via our contact page.