Can You Pass This Dog Breed Identification Quiz Without Any Hints?

Khadija Leon

Image: Photos by R A Kearton/Moment/Getty Images

About This Quiz

The World Canine Organization is one of the largest international federations of kennel clubs in the world. They count approximately 330 official dog breeds, divided into 10 categories based on their appearance and the purpose for which they were created. 

Dog breeding dates as far back to the prehistoric era, when wolves were slowly domesticated into the dogs we know today. They were all bred for a specific purpose which played to their genetic attributes. Dachshunds were bred because their size allowed them to dive into tiny burrows in order to sniff out badgers, bull mastiffs were used as guard dogs to keep intruders away, bloodhounds were bred for their super sense of smell, and Newfoundlands were sought after for their ability to pull heavy items.

How well do you know the different dog breeds found across the world? If you were given images of a mix of rare and common, would you be able to identify them? To make things bit more challenging, will you be able to get them right without any clues or hints? To find out just how much of an expert you are, you should take this quiz!

The dog shown in the image is commonly​ used in disabilty assistance. What is it called?

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds, where they are used in disability assistance, as therapy dogs, for hunting, and as companion dogs. Their fur can be black, brown, or yellow.

What is the name the dog known for its large size?

The Great Dane is a breed of domestic dog which, despite its name, originated in Germany. The tallest recorded Great Dane was 44 inches from paw to shoulder! However, because of their large size, their life expectancy is shorter than other dogs, at about 8-10 years.

One of these dogs originated in France where it was highly sought after for its appearance and intelligence. What is its name?

The poodle is a group of dog breeds which come in three varieties; standard, miniature, and toy. The highly-intelligent dog is often seen in sporting events and competitions because of their agility, obedience, and how quickly they learn.

Which of these dogs originated in 19th century Germany?

The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and they are recognized in three colors; solid black, pepper and salt, and black and silver. Although friendly with people, Schnauzers sometimes lose track of their size, and need training to behave well with other - especially bigger - dogs.

The dog shown in the picture was initially bred for hunting hare. What is its name?

It is said that their eyes are among the most human of all dogs, which might be the reason they are such beloved pets around the world. But another reason is that unlike so many other breeds, they don't actually drool.

Which of these is a large working dog named after the place it was first found in?

Standing over two feet tall, the Newfie might seem intimidating, but actually, they are some of the sweetest dogs around. They make great companion dogs, but they do require a LOT of brushing!

What is the name of the dog which has a rich history with British royalty?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed of toy dogs which originated in the United Kingdom and was named after King Charles II because of his fondness for the breed. These little buds are sometimes known as "love sponges," and they love to cuddle, even with kids.

This dog was initially bred to pull butchers' meat carts. What is it called?

With the right training and leadership, Rottweilers are excellent companions. They love swimming and retrieving, and they need a lot of exercise in order to stay out of trouble - they were bred as working dogs, so they're wired to keep busy and defend those around them.

What is the name of the dog which is also called the Chrysanthemum dog?

The Shih Tzu, which is also called the Chrysanthemum Dog, is a toy dog breed which originated in the Tibetan Plateau. These small dogs weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and are very affectionate - one of the reasons why they are so often kept as companion dogs.

Which of these breeds of dogs was intended for herding sheep?

The German Shepherd is a large muscular working dog bred for herding sheep. Today, they're busy K-9s in police squads across the United States, and they also make great pets.

One of these dogs is the favorite​ pet of Queen Elizabeth II. What is it called?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a cattle herding dog which originated in Pembroke, Wales. This particular breed is famous for being the preferred breed of Queen Elizabeth II, as she has owned over 30 of them during her reign.

Which of these dogs is a cross between an Old English Bulldog and a Bullenbeisser?

Some people think that Boxers got their names from the way they play: often rising up onto their hind legs to "box" with other dogs. But other people believe that the word "Boxer" is derived from their German name.

The animal seen here originated in Hungary to hunt fowl. What is its name?

The Vizsla is a breed of medium-sized dog which originated in Hungary, where it was used to help hunt fowl and other types of game. They are sometimes known as "velcro-dogs" because they never like to leave their owners' side.

Which of these dogs was brought to Europe from China during the 16th century?

The Pug is known for its distinctive wrinkly muzzled face, curled tail, and compact square body. Unfortunately, that sweet face sometimes means breathing and other respiratory problems for this sweet breed.

One of these dogs is still used to herd livestock. What is its name?

The Border Collie is a working and herding dog which originated in the United Kingdom where it was used to herd livestock. They are still used as herding dogs today, but they are also used as tracking and companion dogs, and they are widely known as the smartest breed, and gifted at agility training.

Which one of these dogs originated in the United States of America?

These popular dogs are brilliant, very easy to train and friendly, but they can also be very stubborn. Because of its unique black and white markings, it sometimes is known as the "American Gentleman."

What is the name of the dog which resulted from breeding a bulldog and a ratter?

The French Bulldog is a small breed which originated in France. The muscular and smooth-coated dog is one of the most popular breeds in many different countries.

The dog seen here is named after the islands which it originated in. Which of the following names is it?

Shelties are brilliant and incredibly loyal and have been referred to as “shadows” because of their attachments to their owners. They're also barkers, sometimes to alert their owners that someone is around, and other times, well, just because.

Which of these dogs listed below is known for its large floppy ears?

The German shorthaired pointer is a medium sized versatile hunting breed of dog which is known for its large floppy ears and strong muzzle which uses to retrieve heavy game. The dog is very intelligent, bold, boisterous and affectionate.

One of these dogs is named after a city in a large Caribbean island. What is this dog's name?

Havanese are highly spirited dogs who because of their strong social needs, have difficulty being on their own for extended periods of time. They love paper, especially toilet paper, but when it's time to lounge, they prefer high places, like the backs of sofas, from which they can survey their kingdoms.

What is the name of the dog which was developed to retrieve​ waterfowl?

Golden retrievers are everyone's BFF! They love you! They love your friends! They want you to be happy! Are you happy!? They are so happy that you're happy! Just wait, can they give you one more kiss? Oh, you are just the best person!

This dog is similar to a Springer Spaniel, but what's its proper name?

The Brittany Spaniel is a great family dog, but they have difficulty being alone and living in small apartments. Bred to be gun dogs, they like tasks and need a lot of exercise and training to be well-behaved.

Which of these dogs was used by indigenous tribes to hunt and gather food?

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized breed of dog which originated in Russia and still used as sled dogs in some places. Balto was a famous Husky who took life-saving medicine, along with his crew and people, from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska, after a diptheria outbreak.

Which of these dogs is also called the Mexican hairless dog?

The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican hairless dog, is a breed which can be found in toy, standard, and miniature sizes. Although it is a hairless breed, there is a coated variety which can be born from the same litter as the hairless.

What is the name of the dog which was used as a sniffer dog?

The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of gun dog which originated in England. They are friendly, quick to learn, affectionate, and obedient. They are also alert, and attentive, which makes them good hunting companion.

One of these dogs is named after the part of England it was developed in. Which of these is it?

Yorkies are high-energy dogs with fun personalities - if they get enough exercise, that is. Remember: just because a dog is small doesn't mean it doesn't need a run! That's like saying short people don't need workouts to stay healthy.

What is the name of the dog which originated on one of Mexico's many states?

The Chihuahua is a very small breed of dog that comes in two coat lengths; shorthaired and longhaired. Available in a variety of colors, these little pals are usually kept as companion dogs.

This dog was bred to hunt small game. What is its name?

Even though the Basssett Hound is a low-energy dog, it was originally bred to sniff out rabbits for hunters, believe it or not! Their ears hang so low that they pick up scents from them.

Which of these dogs is also known as the sausage dog?

The Dachshund is a hound-type dog which was first developed in Germany. Because of its size, it is able to go into small burrows to flush out badgers and other small animals.

Which of these dogs comes in an American and English variety?

The difference between the American and English Cocker Spaniel is that the American is smaller with a shorter back and domed head. You might remember seeing a Cocker Spaniel in Disney's "Lady and the Tramp."

What is the name of the dog which comes from a Spanish island in the Meditteranean sea?

The Ibizan Hound is a lean dog which originated in Eivissa, a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea. It comes in two hair types: smooth and wire and are typically seen in a combination of red and white with their pads being light tan in color.

Which of these dogs is also called the African Lion dog?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also called the African lion dog because of its ability to keep lions at bay. The Ridgeback is muscular, large dog with a notable "ridge" down its back - hence the name.

What is the name of this muscular breed of dogs?

The Bulldog is one of the most popular pure-bred dogs in the United States. The breed which originated in England has been associated with Winston Churchill, both of whom are national icons of the country.

One of these dogs was developed in the 19th century by a man whose first name is Karl. Which of these dogs is it?

The Dobermann Pinscher is a medium to large breed of dog which was developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in Germany during the 19th century. These alert dogs which are typically used as guard dogs are known for their cropped ears, docked tail, and a long muzzle.

This gentle giant originated in Switzerland. What is it called?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is notable for its ability to pull many times its own weight. They are also quick learners and can be trained to help in search and rescue operations. They're related to three other types of Swiss Mountain Dogs. Can you guess which ones?

This dog was initially used by royal to help hunt large game animals. What is it called?

The Weimaraner is a large dog which was first bred in Germany as a hunting dog during the 19th century. Famously photographed by William Wegman, these dogs are sometimes known as "gray ghosts."

Which of these dogs is also known as the Groodle?

The Goldendoodle, sometimes called the Groodle, is a breed of dog which is obtained by crossing a poodle and a golden retriever. They have three main coat types; straight, wavy, and curly and they also range in size from standard to medium to miniature.

One of these dogs is traditionally groomed in what is known as a 'lion cut.'​ Which of these dogs is it?

The Löwchen, also called the little lion dog, is a breed of small dogs which originated in Europe and is one of the rarest breeds in the world. They are typically seen presented in a lion cut, with much of the lower half of their body shaved.

Which of these dog's names translates to 'curly lap dog' in English?

The Bichon Frise is a small breed of dog which means ‘curly lap dog’ in French. From the time of its creation, it has been very popular with humans, and many are kept as companion dogs. They are also known for winning many dog show competitions.

What is the name of the scent hound shown in the image?

The Otterhound is a scent hound which was developed in the United Kingdom to assist in hunting game. It has been estimated that there are approximately 600 of these dogs left, making them vulnerable.

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