Can You Identify These Dogs by Their Tails?

By: Monica Lee
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify These Dogs by Their Tails?
Image: Wiki Commons

About This Quiz

It's the puppy eyes when your pet wants something from you. It's the happy yip when they know you're at the door. But what speaks the most, is the tail of our fur babies. From their current mood to their heartfelt desires (treats) and their enjoyment in retrieving a ball, a dog's tail speaks volumes. The position of a dog's tail can provide additional clues to their thoughts. For instance, the more anxious or submissive a dog is feeling, the more tightly he will tuck his tail close to his body. Sometimes a tail held in a neutral or low position just means the dog is incredibly relaxed.

The tails that wag on different breeds also have a distinct history. For some hunting and herding dogs, their tails would collect burrs and foxtails, causing pain and infection. Their long, strong tails would also get underfoot (or under hoof). So to prevent injury, they were docked. Other breeds had their tails docked for cosmetic reasons only, to make their sleek bodies more perfectly proportional. Today, the practice of docking is banned or restricted in 36 countries including in the United States. 

Now that you know about a dog's tail, will you be able to identify the breed of dog it belongs to? Find out now by taking this quiz. We're sure there will be a happy ending.

Dalmatian
Wiki Commons
What kind of dog breed wags this type of tail?
Golden Retriever
Dalmatian
Poodle
Pug
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This spotted breed is known for running alongside fire engines in the 18th century. Today they are known for being a great family pet.

German Shepherd
Wiki Commons
What large dog is attached to this tail?
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Bull Dog
Beagle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Since the German Sheppard is the second most popular dog in the world, you may be able to recognize its tail better than other breeds.

Golden Retriever
Wiki Commons
These dogs' tails are always wagging because they're so happy. Which breed is it?
Yorkshire Terrier
Pug
Bulldog
Golden Retriever
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Another popular breed worldwide, the Golden Retriever ranks fifth as a favorite of many families.

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Bulldog
Wiki Commons
Although it's not docked, this nubbin of a tail is all this breed has to show it's affection. What is it?
Beagle
Bulldog
Poodle
Labrador Retriever
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This muscular, hefty dog with a wrinkled face and pushed-in nose has a very small tail, indeed! But a very happy dog nonetheless.

Poodle
YouTube via dogs tv
This fashionable dog is easily identified by its tail. What breed is it?
Labrador Retriever
Beagle
Yorkshire Terrier
Poodle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Whether it's a standard, miniature or toy, that famous poof of fur on its tail is identification enough for this intelligent and sweet breed.

Beagle
Wiki Commons
What breed of wagger is this?
Chihuahua
Beagle
Pug
Yorkshire Terrier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The beagle is a scent hound, developed primarily for hunting hare. Most people think of Snoopy when they think of a Beagle.

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Labrador Retriever
Wiki Commons
What type of "good boy!" breed is this?
Labrador Retriever
Yorkshire Terrier
Pug
Chihuahua
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A Labrador Retriever is the ideal dog to get for hunting. It is also the most popular dog breed by registrations worldwide.

Chihuahua
Wiki Commons
You may remember this dog from Frito Lay commercials? What breed is it?
Yorkshire Terrier
Pug
Chihuahua
Shih Tzu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog and is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico.

Pug
Wiki Commons
Curled tails are on pigs and on this cute dog breed. Which breed is it?
Yorkshire Terrier
Pug
Boxer
Rottweiler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Pug is a breed of dog with physically distinctive features of a wrinkly, short-muzzled face, and curled tail. When the Pug is fully relaxed its tail will unwind.

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Yorkshire Terrier
Wiki Commons
This is an interesting tail, what dog breed does it belong to?
Rottweiler
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu
Boxer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This terrier was developed during the 19th century in Yorkshire, England, to catch rats in clothing mills. Good dog!

Rottweilers
Wiki Commons
What dog breed has this tail?
Shih Tzu
Boxer
Pit Bull
Rottweilers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rottweilers were originally bred to drive cattle to market. Later they were used to pull carts for butchers. They were also among the earliest police dogs.

Siberian Husky
YouTube via Dogumentary TV
The piercing blue eyes of this dog is noticeable, but what about its tale? What breed is it?
Alaskan Malamute
Akita
Siberian Husky
Pit Bull
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Siberian Husky looks more wolf-like than other breed and has piercing blue eyes. With proper training, they make great home pets and sled dogs.

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Boxer
Wiki Commons
Which breed has this docked tail?
Boxer
Great Dane
Alaskan Malamute
Akita
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Boxer's body is compact and powerful. They are listed in the top ten of breeds that people own across the world.

French Bulldog
YouTube via Dogumentary TV
What wagless wonder is this breed?
French Bulldog
Pit Bull
Shih Tzu
Great Dane
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The French Bulldog, also known as Frenchie, is a small breed of domestic dog. Although you'll see a tail on these dog, they are meant to be short and not docked.

English Mastiff
Wiki Commons
What large breed belongs to this tail?
Alaskan Malamute
English Mastiff
Great Dane
Pit Bull
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As long as you don't mind a little drool slung here or there, the English Mastiff is a gentle giant that makes a great family pet.

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Dachshund
Wiki Commons
What breed does this cute tail belong to?
Great Dane
Dachshund
Shih Tzu
Pit Bull
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Dachshund is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed developed to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals.

Great Dane
Wiki Commons
Do you love big dogs? Then what breed belongs to this tail?
Pit Bull
Great Dane
Alaskan Malamute
Shih Tzu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Great Dane was developed in Germany for its graceful appearance, large size, and hunting ability. It is also know for its friendly and loving temperament.

Doberman Pinscher
Wiki Commons
Don't turn tail on this question. What is the name of this dog breed?
Doberman Pinscher
Pit Bull
Alaskan Malamute
Maltese
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This fearless breed was originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector from Germany.

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Maltese
Wiki Commons
Can't make head or tails out of this one? You'll get it. Which breed is it?
Shih Tzu
Maltese
Pomeranian
Alaskan Malamute
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although they can be groomed to look like royalty, the Maltese dog breed is a favorite lap dog. But be forewarned, this breed also has a wild side and loves to run and play.

Pit Bull
YouTube via Barcroft Animals
This tail is wagging which breed of dog?
Pit Bull
Old English Sheepdog
Alaskan Malamute
Pomeranian
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This breed gets a bad rap. However these dogs are known as "nanny dogs" because they are so gentle around children.

Shih Tzu
YouTube via Mj Sigamata
Go tailgating after you get this correct. Which breed is this?
Pomeranian
Austrian Sheppard
Akita
Shih Tzu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A Shih Tzu, is hyper-allergenic, but their popularity is due to how cute they are. As a toy breed, they only weigh between 4 to 7.25 kilograms when fully grown.

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Old English Sheepdog
YouTube via GroomerTV
You can go shake your tail feathers after you answer this. What's the breed?
Old English Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog
Alaskan Malamute
Pomeranian
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed of dog which was developed in England from early herding types of dog. But you'll want to keep this sociable and bubbly dog around you in your house.

Akita
Wiki Commons
Don't fall on your tailbone when you find out the answer. What breed belongs to this tail?
Greyhound
Chow Chow
Akita
Pomeranian
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Akita is a large breed of dog originating from the mountainous northern regions of Japan. This is a docile, friendly, and dignified breed.

Pekingese
YouTube via PetGroooming
This breed is royal enough that you'll need to wear tops and tails. What breed is it?
Pekingese
Basset Hound
Australian Cattle Dog
Border Collie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese breed that was owned exclusively by royalty. This dog was identified in art and pottery in the Tang Dynasty of the 8th century.

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Border Collie
Wiki Commons
You can wear jeans if you're housing this working dog. What breed does this tail belong to?
Border Collie
Australian Cattle Dog
Basset Hound
Greyhound
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Who's a good dog? The Border Collie is! This working dog was developed for herding livestock and bred for intelligence and obedience.

Chow Chow
Wiki Commons
Another royal breed. Which breed does this tail belong to?
Chow Chow
Pointer
Australian Cattle Dog
Greyhound
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Chow Chow is a dog breed originally from northern China, where it is referred to as "puffy-lion dog". This breed has also been called the "Dog of the Tang Empire".

Pointer
Wiki Commons
You know by its tail where to look. What breed is it?
Alaskan Malamute
Greyhound
Pointer
Australian Cattle Dog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Pointer has been breed for several hundred years to “point” at birds and small game such as rabbits. Made for hunters, this gun dog was developed in England.

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Pomeranian
Wiki Commons
This fur baby has a cute tail. What breed is it?
Pomeranian
Australian Cattle Dog
Greyhound
Alaskan Malamute
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Pomeranian is named for the Pomerania region in north-west Poland and north-east Germany in Central Europe. This pup is curious, playful, and self-confident (even cocky).

Greyhound
Wiki Commons
You have to be fast on your feet to catch the tail of this dog. What breed is it?
Alaskan Malamute
Greyhound
Australian Cattle Dog
St. Bernard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You can bet on this dog to make a good family pet. Or, you can bet on this dog at the track. The Greyhound has been bred for coursing game and racing.

Alaskan Malamute Tail
Wiki Commons by Klaus Helgert
Turn the thermometer down for this doggie. Which breed belongs to this tail.
Australian Cattle Dog
Alaskan Malamute
St. Bernard
Newfoundland
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Alaskan Malamute is originally bred for hauling heavy freight due to their strength and endurance, and later as a sled dog.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Wiki Commons
This is a dignified wag. What is the name of the breed?
Newfoundland
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Bichon Frise
Bull Terrier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small spaniel that simply wants to be your best friend. It is one of the more popular breeds in many countries.

Newfoundland
YouTube via Dogumentary TV
With such beautifu hair you may want to put it in a pony tail. Which dog breed is it?
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Bull Terrier
Bichon Frise
Newfoundland
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This big beauty was originally used to pull nets for fishermen and haul wood from the forest. This dog is a strong swimmer and equally strong “pack horse.”

Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Wiki Commons
We're getting to the tail end of the quiz. What breed does this tail belong to?
Bichon Frise
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Bull Terrier
St. Bernard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a cattle herding dog breed which originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. This breed is active, lively and oh so lovable.

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St. Bernard
Wiki Commons
This tail is a welcome sight if you're in need of rescue. What breed is it?
St. Bernard
Bull Terrier
Bichon Frise
Australian Cattle Dog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Originally St. Bernards were used to guard the grounds of Switzerland's Hospice Saint Bernard as well as to help find and save lost and injured people at the Great St. Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border.

Basset Hound
Wiki Commons
This dog needs to have a nose for its line of work. However, we want to know what breed has this tail. Which one is it?
Shiba Inu
Basset Hound
Bichon Frise
Bull Terrier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Basset is a scent hound that was originally bred for the purpose of hunting hare. Their sense of smell and ability to ground-scent is second only to that of the Bloodhound.

Bichon Frise
Wiki Commons
By now you have a talent for tail recognition. What breed has this curly tail?
Bull Terrier
Bichon Frise
Shiba Inu
Blood Hound
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When a cotton-ball cloud of curly white hair ends up on your lap, you'll never want to part with the Bichon Frise, one of the sweetest and most affectionate of dog breeds.

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Afghan Hound
Wiki Commons
Long, silky hair defines this tail and body. What breed is it?
Shiba Inu
Blood Hound
Afghan Hound
Boston Terrier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Afghan Hound is distinguished by its thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end. The dogs were bred for living in the cold mountains of Afghanistan

Bull Terrier
Wiki Commons
You might remember this tail from a Bud Light commercial. What breed is it?
Shiba Inu
Blood Hound
Bull Terrier
Boston Terrier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

So ugly, it's cute. The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog in the terrier family and is known for starring in Bud Light commercials.

Airedale Terrier
Wiki Commons
Two more to go! What breed is this dog?
Airedale Terrier
Boston Terrier
Shiba Inu
Shetland Sheepdog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds. The dense, wiry coat is tan with black and is hypo allergenic.

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Australian Cattle Dog
Wiki Commons
Final question: What breed is this dog?
Boston Terrier
Shiba Inu
Australian Cattle Dog
Shetland Sheepdog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, hard-muscled herder of strength and agility. It was originally bred in Australia for driving cattle over long distances.

You Got:
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