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How does Macbeth compare the two murderers to breeds of dogs?

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Macbeth compares the two murderers to breeds of dogs to challenge their manhood and provoke them into action. By listing various types of dogs, he implies that just as there are different breeds with varying qualities, there are different kinds of men. He wants the murderers to prove they are fierce and loyal, qualities that would make them fit for the task of killing Banquo and Fleance.

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Macbeth is attempting to goad the two men into accepting the mission of murdering Banquo and Fleance by asking them to think about the kind of men they are. He makes an analogy by listing types of different dogs:

. . . hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs, Shoughs, water-rugs, and demi-wolves are clept All by the name of dogs

This implies that there are all sorts of men, just as there are all types of dogs. Macbeth wants the men to feel that they have to prove to him that they are more highly placed in the hierarchy of men just as some dogs are "better" than others. In this way, he hopes to manipulate them into demonstrating to him that they are fierce and loyal, two qualities that henchmen of a king would possess. Not coincidentally for Macbeth's purpose, these would also be desirable qualities in a king's canine companion.

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