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About This Quiz
Who really IS that on the couch next to you? Because of years of selective breeding, no species on earth is as diverse as the domestic dog. Now, show off your dog-breed savvy with our quiz!
The largest of all dog breeds comes from which country?
Canada
Ireland
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog breed, built for speed and strength in the hunt for wolves. The rare "giant" dog in other breeds, like pit bulls, is often the result of irresponsible cross-breeding.
South Africa
Zaire
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The Basenji, known as the "barkless" dog, originated on which continent?
Asia
Africa
The Basenji, from the Central African region, has a "yodel" instead of a bark. This might be so that it wouldn't distract game during a hunt.
Australia
South America
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Which of the following is NOT a Canadian breed?
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Neapolitan Mastiff
Not surprisingly, all the Canadian breeds listed above are bred to swim well in cold water. The Neapolitan Mastiff, by comparison, was bred in Italy to guard homes.
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Which of these breeds is commonly divided into an English and an American variety?
the Chihuahua
the Labrador Retriever
Labs are generally divided into the English and American varieties. The English type has a boxy head and calmer disposition, while the American ones have a smoother head shape and, usually, more energy.
the Mastiff
the Wire Fox Terrier
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The Chihuahua was named after ______.
a Mexican state
Chihuahua is a state in Mexico. Early Chihuahua dogs may have been companions for the Toltec people.
the Portuguese words for "portable" and "dog"
the sound of its bark
its unique ability to annoy people
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Which of these dogs was bred chiefly to be a companion animal?
beagle
dachshund
pug
The pug has gone from being a favorite of Chinese emperors, to that of European aristocracy, to affluent Americans. This is one breed that's never going to lack for a comfortable home, it seems!
samoyed
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Which dog was bred small in order to duck under the kicks of the cows it herded?
the corgi
Corgis have long bodies and short legs, the better to avoid getting kicked by cattle. Purebred corgis come in the Pembroke (caramel-and-white) and Cardigan (brown and black) varieties.
the dachshund
the shiba inu
the Pomeranian
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Which dog was bred to chase badgers into their holes?
basset hound
dachshund
"Dachshund" literally means "badger dog." Their persistent and stubborn nature means they need a patient, firm owner if they are to be kept as house pets.
Scottish terrier
cocker spaniels
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Which of these dogs, commonly used in hunting, is often tri-colored?
the beagle
Beagles were developed to hunt hare, and are closely related to the taller foxhounds. They have smooth, tri-colored coats and noisy, happy howls when on a scent.
the springer spaniel
the akita
the mastiff
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Which of these dogs, historically, went after the most difficult game?
beagle
bloodhound
While the other three breeds hunted rabbits, herded reindeer, or hunted wolves, the bloodhound has traditionally been used to track humans -- the most intelligent and tricky of game. It is still valued for its ability to find missing people.
Finnish lapphund
Irish wolfhound
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Which of these breeds, also known as the Alsatian, dates back only to the late 19th century?
the Pekingese
the German shepherd
Who says they don't make 'em like they used to? Though a fairly new breed, the German shepherd is highly valued for its work ethic, protectiveness and willingness to please.
the Siberian husky
the foxhound
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Which dog was named for its origin at the boundary between England and Scotland?
border collie
Border Collies are the most intelligent and energetic of dogs. Any Border Collie owner recognizes that intense "play with me" stare that breaks down the most determined individual.
Scottish terrier
cairn terrier
West Highland terrier
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What is the main purpose of kennel clubs and dog shows?
to allow purebred owners to socialize
to show off breeding stock
to entertain the dog-loving public
to preserve breed characteristics
Dogs are more heterogeneous than any other species on earth. Without careful breeding, most types would regress toward a more homogeneous size/build/coloring, losing the characteristics that make them unique. That's what kennel clubs want to prevent.
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Which dogs were named after a British cleric?
Landseer Newfoundlands
Jack Russell terriers
The Jack Russell is named after Reverend John Russell. The very similar "Parson Russell" terrier is now considered a separate breed, but is named after the same man.
samoyeds
spitzes
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Which of these breeds is NOT from Australia?
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
What's in a name? The Australian Shepherd was actually bred in the United States, where it has enjoyed a rise popularity as a pet in recent years.
Australian Terrier
Cavapoo
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Which dog was originally bred for herding, but is much better known now for police and guard work?
the Australian cattle dog
the German shepherd
Every owner of a German shepherd is familiar with that bright-eyed, cock-eared "How may I help you?" expression. German shepherds love to work and need plenty of exercise to be happy as house pets.
the puli
the border collie
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Which of these dogs only dates back to the 1990s?
the cavapoo
A cross between the King Charles Cavalier spaniel and the poodle, the cavapoo was developed in Australia in the 1990s. It was part of the boom in "-oodles" and "-doodles" ... that is, low-shedding designer crossbreeds.
the Finnish lapphund
the miniature bull terrier
the samoyed
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Which breed, unfairly stereotyped as a lap dog, actually has a strong sporting and working history?
the Pekingese
the papillon
the poodle
The standard poodle is actually a tall, strong animal, and without specialty grooming, has a durable curly coat. They are strong swimmers once used as gun dogs, and very intelligent.
the Pomeranian
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Which of these is the official dog of Maryland?
the Chesapeake Bay retriever
The Chesapeake Bay retriever is said to descend from two dogs, probably Canadian, that were rescued from a shipwreck. They were then bred with local dogs. Today, the "Chessie" is an energetic and cheerful dog with a wavy coat.
the duck-tolling retriever
the Portuguese water dog
the pit bull
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Which of these dogs were commonly used to rescue people in alpine snows?
the Cane Corso
the briard
the St. Bernard
The classic image of the St. Bernard is that of a dog with a cask of brandy around its neck (to warm the lost hikers and skiers). Cartoons often depict the dogs sneaking nips from their own casks.
the Staffordshire Terrier
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Which of these dogs does not have its origin in China?
shar pei
shiba inu
The shiba inu is a miniature version of the Japanese akita. Shiba inus can be very independent-minded, like the akita.
pekingese
pug
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Which of these was the first American breed recognized by the AKC?
Boston terrier
The Boston Terrier bears a resemblance to the French bulldog, from which it is partly descended. The breed dates back to the late 19th century.
Chesapeake Bay retriever
American eskimo dog
American foxhound
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Which dog is named after rock formations in the Scottish highlands?
dandie dinmont terrier
cairn terrier
If the cairn terrier looks familiar, it might be because one played Toto in "The Wizard of Oz." Nowadays, the Jack Russell terrier most often gets the call from Hollywood casting directors.
border terrier
West Highland terrier
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Which dog with a striking coat was originally bred to run alongside coaches?
Alsatians
Dalmatians
Dalmatians weren't always firehouse dogs -- they used to accompany coaches on trips and, hopefully, scare off highwaymen. Really, isn't that just the thing you'd want to do in the middle of an endurance run -- fight off bandits? No wonder they're such athletic dogs today!
akitas
Pomeranians
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Which dog's origin was on a Scottish island?
dandie dinmont terrier
Scottish terrier
Skye terrier
Skye terriers are named for the Isle of Skye. One is said to have been with Mary Queen of Scots at her execution. (Okay, now we're sad).
wire fox terrier
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Which U.S. president is believed to have had more than 30 foxhounds?
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
Dwight Eisenhower
George Washington
Washington was a breeder, not just an owner. Perhaps thanks to his preference in breed, the foxhound is now the state dog of Virginia.
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Which nation has created most of the world's terrier breeds?
Germany
Great Britain
England, Scotland and Wales are all hotbeds of terrier breeding. Ireland has the Irish terrier and other breeds, but it isn't part of the UK (except Northern Ireland).
France
Russia
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Which is the only breed to originate in Cuba?
the Cane Corso
the Havanese
The Havanese is a toy dog, with long silky hair. Hey, isn't that kind of against Cuba's communist principles?
the Spanish water dog
the schipperke
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True or false: Does every U.S. state have a state dog?
true!
false!
Only 11 states have chosen a state dog. These include Virginia, Alaska, and Maryland. We're waiting for California to make the Chihuahua its state dog, but that hasn't happened yet.
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Which of these dogs could once only be owned by nobility?
the borzoi
the schipperke
the Pekingese
both #1 and #3
The borzoi is also known as the Russian wolfhounds and they were not bought or sold early in their history, only given as gifts among nobility. Pekingese, it is said, were so valued that a commoner could be put to death for owning one. Yikes!
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Which of these breeds originated in Germany?
the malinois
the Pomeranian
the spitz
both #2 and #3
The Pomeranian is a miniature Spitz, and is popular as a lap dog (and "handbag dog"). The malinois originated in Belgium, and is closely related to the tervuren and the German shepherd.
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Which of these dog breeds has a name meaning "rather low"?
the basset hound
Bassets, like all hounds, were bred for tracking. However, their mellow nature generally makes them good house pets.
the chihuahua
the Pekingese
the lhasa apso
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If a dog's name includes the word "setter," what did it used to do?
guard the house
find game
Setters find game -- usually birds -- but just freeze up when they find it; they don't flush the birds. The freezing motion is the dog's characteristic "set."
flush out game
"set" around the house
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The cocker spaniel's name refers to a ______.
bird
The cocker spaniel is a small dog used to find "cocks," or woodland birds. They also make good household companions. Fun fact: "Lady" in "Lady and the Tramp" is a cocker spaniel.
famous breeder
county of origin
tilt of the head
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Which of these is NOT a group at the Westminster Dog Show?
hound
herding
terrier
companion
The seven groups are herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting, terrier, toy and working. The closest thing to a "companion" category is either "toy" or "non-sporting," aka the "everyone else" category.
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