The Best Dog in the World

Making a bold statement that a person has the "Best Dog in the World" should not be taken friviliously. My estimation is based on comparative, verifiable fact; simple. I do not indulge in needless hyperbold when I state that Ago Vom Farnsberghof is "King of the Dogs"; the "Best Dog in the World." I can back up what I claim.

My dog, Ago Vom Farnsburghof, has it all: Initially, he is considered the "Best Hunting Dog in the World"; He is extremely intelligent, perseverance, fearlessness and fortitude; as any good hunting dog must be to survive. Moreover, my dog Ago is also a great looking dog (he is called a Rough Coat--a rare dog among his own breed); he has a very laid back personality, and he gets along wonderfully with people, other dogs and especially children. He has it all; there is nothing he lacks: He has skill, bravery, intelligence, looks, a great personality and never a bother. I was blessed the day Ago came into my life. He is, and I say this without fear of contradiction, the "Best Dog in the World." 

Words by the IFC (International Canine Federation) describing the Berner Niederlaufhunds:
1. Well Built
2.  Noble Head
3.  Hunting Dog in the Most Specific Meaning of the Word.
4.  Great determination
5.  Excels in Tracking
6.  Fearless
7.  Deft
8.  Untiring
9. Keen Scenthound
10. Excellent Nose
11. Not nervous; Never Aggressive
12.  Perservering & Fearless
13.  Glorious Voice
14.  Strongly Muscled
15. Steady on the trail
16. Friendly Character  

I will elucidate that point in specific terms. Initially, the Berner Niederlaufhund is primarily is a Working Dog--he is a scent hound, a hunting dog. Moreover, of the 320 various dogs in Europe and Asia recognized by the FCI (International Canine Federation), the Niederlaufunds are considered the "Best Hunting Dogs in the World." They are the example of which all other hunting dogs are compared. The Berner Niederlaufhund is a "Hunting Dog in the Most Specific Meaning of the Word." You cannot get much better than "...the most specific meaning of the word." The Niederlaufhunds are the the "Best Hunting Dogs in the World; bar none. 

In determining the "Best Dog in the World," it is important to establish some universal criteria to utilize as a guideline for comparison.

Criteria for choosing the "Best Dog in the World"
1. Purpose; what they do; being a Working Dog
2. Puriety of Breed & Anchestoral Lineage
3. Appearance/Looks
4. Voice
5. Personality/behaviour
7. Getting along with people, children & other dogs
8. Mannerisms
9. Courage, Perserverance & Fortitude
10. Intelligence

Let's start from the beginning: 1. Purpose:

From a Working Dog perspective, Ago is top of the breed. He has a purpose; he is a hunting dog. Not only does he have a purpose, but he is also the best in what he does. He is considered the "Best Hunting Dog in the World"--in the Most Specific Meaning of the Word. Therefore, right from the start, from a working perspective, the Niederlaufhunds are all ready atop of all other dog breeds. When Ago is on the hunt; nothing else matters. He is tenacious and fearless; tracking his prey relentlessly.

2. Puriety of Breed/Lineage

The Berner Niederlaufhunds were developed; in conjunction with, and under the auspice of Dr. Albert Heim, in 1903.

Most of the dogs that win the contests, "Best in Show" are all about looks, and nothing else. In my opinion, it is a superficial contest, which means appearance; however even in that category, Ago would only excel.

Ago is a very handsome dog; very attractive and unique in his looks. As it says in his breakdown, he has a "Noble Head". Ago is extremely friendly and gets along exceedingly well with people, other dogs and especially children. He loves children.
When Ago sees another dog, he will simply sit and just wait for the dog. Ago always sits (90% of the time) when meeting a new dog. This allows the dog to appraoch Ago without fear; this is good especially with nervous dogs. I have heard several times on how Ago is the only dog that their dog ever liked; it happens alot. I beleive that it is his Swiss nature that makes him friendly to all. It is something else too see. Ago is so calm and trusting. A recordable example of his extremly pleasant nature is his history when he goes to see his doctors, or is treated at a veterinary hospital. Since Ago was a puppy, every medical report by several doctors all note how "good a dog and what a great patient" Ago was during his treatment. He doesn;t even flinch when he receives an injection, or when blood is drawn. He simply just sits there and waits; allowing the doctors to do what they must do. Several doctors told me he was the best dog they ever treated; and this is all documented in Ago's medical records.

Ago; aside form being the Best Hunting Dog in the World; he is also the Most Laid Back Dog in the World. His head is on the ground 90+ percent of his life. He is just sooo mellow, relaxed and calm; you rarely see a dog like him. He has unbounded patience and focus. He can simply lie down and remain still for long periods of time. An example....When I brought Ago home when he was 5 months old, we flew from Zurich to NYC non-stop. The flight was about 9 hours. Ago was with me; inside the airplane; in a gym bag under my seat; seriously. Now please remember that we were also in Zurich Airport for a couple of hours pre-flight. When the flight was over, the stewardess was astounded that Ago had not made a sound; not a peep, the entire 9 hour fight. Although I do recall the breeder giving him some tablet to relax the dog, but in my opinion the dog was fine. He was fully conscious and proactive with me throughout the entire flight. Furthermore, he never urinated the entire flight; not a drop. When we arrived in NYC, I knew I had a very good dog.