Can You Get More Than 11 Right on This “Ruff” Dog Breed ID Quiz?
By: Lauren Lubas
3 min
Image: Hillary Kladke / Moment / Getty Images
About This Quiz
There is something about showing a dog love and getting love in return that warms your heart. You may love seeing dogs and making dog friends (even if you don't want to make any human friends) at the park or at parties, and you may have already found your favorite breed during your petting sprees. However, there may be quite a few different breeds that you've never even heard of or pet before (we're sorry to burst your bubble on that one).
If you think that we're lying, consider the fact that there are hundreds of breeds of dog (even if you exclude the cross-breeding and "newer" breeds like the pomsky). There are breeds with short hair, breeds with long hair, breeds with curly hair and even breeds with toe hair. And that's just considering the hair. If you think about the sheer amount of dog breeds and the fact that around 900 million domestic dogs are living on this planet (you have a lot of petting to do), you probably have an idea of how many different breeds there are. If you think you can identify every different breed of dog, we've chosen 40 for you to test your skills on. Take this quiz to see how good you are at naming a dog's breed.
Do you know this Japanese dog that is incredibly loyal?
Akita
Akitas are incredibly loyal and territorial dogs. They are well known for protecting their owners and small children. If you own one, you know that you have to introduce it to new people who come into your home.
Can you identify this dog that is a great hunting partner?
Beauceron
Shar Pei
English Foxhound
There are four breeds of foxhound dogs. The English foxhound was bred to follow scents, particularly the scent of foxes. They are medium-sized dogs that can weigh up to 75 pounds when they are fully grown.
English Springer Spaniels are affectionate dogs that live to about 14 years. They are great pets for the home and large families, as they crave attention and can be taught tricks easily.
Shar Pei dogs have deep wrinkles that make it look like them look like they have their sleeves rolled up. While purebreds only live to around 11 years old, they can reach up to 65 pounds.
Chinese Crested Dogs are one of the most groomable dog breeds available. Their long hair (especially the hair on their ears) can be shaped to make them look like tiny horses and even little people. Adults only weigh around 12 pounds.
This breed always seems to have the happiest pictures. Which breed is it?
Russell Terrier
Swedish Lapphund
Black Mouth Cur
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are considered one of the best pets to have, especially if you have small children and a lot of company. Beware, their long soft fur can get tangled easily, more so if you shave them.
Of course, we've all heard of the "Beethoven" movies in which a loveable St. Bernard wreaks havoc on a dad who simply doesn't want a dog. Since those movies hit theaters, everyone wanted one of these giants ... not really thinking about the waste it produces.
When it comes to finding a dog that you aren't allergic to, you might find that the American Hairless Terrier is right up your alley. Of course, the lack of hair means a lack of natural protection for the dog.
This dog has a bad reputation. What kind of do is it?
Dobermann
Dobermanns have received a bad name for themselves, as they were usually seen as the villain's preferred pet in '80s movies. They have a tendency to be loud and bite when they feel threatened.
Can you name the dog breed that looks like it's always ready for a fight?
Black and Tan Coonhound
Boxer
Boxers are the breed of dog that never seems to get a cute name. You might find one named Bruiser or Rocky, but you rarely see one named Fluffy or Snuggles ... unless it's ironically named so.
At first glance, you might think this is a Shar Pei, because of the deep wrinkles it has. However, this is a Mastiff (also known as a Mastino). They are very protective dogs, and that's nice because they are actually big enough to protect you.
Do you know what kind of dog has this interesting shape?
Mexican Hairless Dog
Kerry Blue Terrier
While it looks a little bit like Scottish Terriers, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a little bit bigger, standing at 19 inches and weighing around 40 pounds when fully grown. They love to hunt small mammals.
German Shepherds were such a popular dog breed in the 1980s that many of the family lines are inbred and not well off. However, as more and more rules came into play for registering dogs, the inbreeding subsided.
What kind of dog was Lady from "Lady and the Tramp"?
American English Coonhound
Berger Picard
Dachshund
Cocker Spaniel
While there are many Spaniel breeds, the one that stands out to most is the Cocker Spaniel. Disney made them famous with the release of "Lady and the Tramp" (1995), and they usually make excellent pets.
American Bulldogs were originally used for farm work, and they are considered utility dogs. These strong dogs only stand about 2 feet high but can weigh up to 90 pounds (and it's all muscle, baby).
These fluffy dogs are just as soft as they look. While people think Chow Chows are cute, they are also very protective animals that will attack both people and dogs. If you choose to get one, just be sure to teach it restraint.
Collies are beautiful dogs with long soft hair and perky ears. In general, they are kind and sociable dogs. Collies were originally bred for their herding skills, but these days, they make excellent pets.
While Great Danes are known for their size, they're also known for not understanding just how big they are. These dogs can weigh up to 130 pounds and love to jump up on couches and pretend that they are human.
The Curly-coated retriever is actually an old breed of dog that was used for bird hunting in England. It boasts the largest breed of retriever type dog, weighing up to 90 pounds when fully grown.
This small breed always seems to look angry. What is it?
French Bulldog
One of the most unique-looking breeds of dog, the French Bulldog has large ears, a small torso and a bulbous head. This breed of dog can get anxiety easily, so be sure to give it enough attention.
Can you name the breed of dog that always has spots?
English Springer Spaniel
Collie
Dobermann
Dalmatian
Anyone who has seen any "101 Dalmatians" movie has wanted one of these spotted friends for a long time. The only problem is, purebred Dalmatians only live to be about 13 years old.
Not only is this breed adorable when it is a puppy, but it also grows into a beautiful animal. It can get up to 110 pounds, but a lot of that is simply fluff and happiness (this is not a scientific fact, just the truth).
The most interesting thing about the Saluki breed is that it hunts with its sight rather than its nose. It can run up to 43 miles per hour to catch its prey, which usually consists of game animals.
Can you name the dog breed that looks like it doesn't have eyes?
Tibetan Mastiff
Otterhound
Cocker Spaniel
Old English Sheepdog
These are the kind of dogs you see on the street and you just want to run up to. Even if you can't see their eyes, they can see you ... well, at least smell you. These dogs are perfect for herding.
These dogs are known for two things: hunting and protecting. They are excellent pets if you're looking for something loyal, and they're great hunting partners, because they hunt by sight.
These extremely fluffy dogs have two layers of fur to protect them from the cold. They are gorgeous dogs and are often found in Siberia as well as other cold climates around the world.
Rat Terriers are considered great hunting companions, but if you've ever met one, you might think that they're too loud and will scare the game away. These small dogs can be as little as 10 inches tall.
Can you identify this dog that looks like a Husky but isn't?
Akita
Australian Cattle Dog
Alaskan Malamute
While the Alaskan Malamute looks very much like a Husky, its face has different markings, and they are generally bigger than Huskies. These dogs are powerful and generally used as sled dogs in Alaska.
These dogs look like Poodles, but they aren't. Can you name the breed?
Bulldog
French Bulldog
Maltese
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is known for its poofy, curly fur. They are one of the original Spaniel breeds and one of the largest, as they can reach up to 65 pounds when they are fully grown.
Do you recognize this dog that is an excellent worker dog?
Blue Lacy
Blue Lacy dogs are a breed that is relatively new. While they have been bred since the 1800s, they were only recognized as a breed in 2001. They are considered the Texas breed, as they originated there.
Which breed of dog has the perfect hair and is shown here?
Sloughi
Australian Silky Terrier
The silky smooth hair of an Australian Silky Terrier is obviously how it got its name. While you may have mistaken this pup for a Yorkshire Terrier, they often have longer hair and Yorkies tend to live a little bit longer.
Shih Tzus are great little dogs that are lovable, but they will nip at your heels from time to time. They are known as pretty high maintenance dogs, and they generally ask for a lot, compared to other things that only weigh 16 pounds.
What is the name of this breed of dog that looks like a mix between a German Shepherd and a Husky?
Standard Schnauzer
Icelandic Sheepdog
These adorable and fluffy creatures are known as Icelandic Sheepdogs. They may look big, but they have shorter legs, very much like a Welsh Corgi. However, they are still master sheepherders in Iceland.
Which dog breed is incredibly soft and looks like a fox?
Japanese Chin
Shiba Inu
These small soft dogs are very popular among people who want smaller animals. Fully grown, a Shiba Inu only weighs around 24 pounds and is about 15 inches high. They're cuddly and soft and little.
While these dogs look like happy little friends, there are only around 600 of them left in the world. They are considered a vulnerable native breed that is generally found in Britain.
This dog breed originated in France. Its long hair waves in the wind and the perky ears sit on top of its head. Who wouldn't want such a cute dog? Someone who hates grooming dogs, that's who.
The official state dog of New Hampshire is the Chinook because that is where the breed was made. This strong animal was created and bred for work and pulling sleds. It's a rare breed, but an adorable one.
Can you name this dog breed that is often found in Morocco?
Shih Tzu
Shiba Inu
Sloughi
Generally found in North Africa, the Sloughi is a tall, slender dog hat can live up to 16 years. They may resemble Greyhounds, and their physique helps them run just about as fast.
Here is another dog with fur over its eyes. Do you know the breed?
Shiba Inu
Sloughi
Skye Terrier
Generally found in the United Kingdom, Skye Terriers are tiny adorable dogs. However, they are considered endangered (who would have thought a dog could be endangered) as a native dog breed.
This dog breed was once the rarest in the world. What is it?
Little Lion Dog
These adorable princess-like dogs are perfect for showing. While the American Kennel Club considers them to be toy dogs or non-sporting dogs, they certainly are a treat to look at.