Dog Breed Traits Quiz
Decipher your mixed-breed dog’s behavior to learn what breeds he may be.
By Lynn M. Hayner
 Irish Setters set, retrievers retrieve, and pointers point, right? Well, yes, most of them do. Purebred dogs usually show behaviors that conform to their breed’s inherent traits. Your mixed-breed dog’s behavior may provide clues to his own makeup. Take our quiz to learn what his behaviors could be telling you about his breed.
1. Your mixed-breed dog loves to “round up” your children. Perhaps he is part:
a) Pembroke Welsh Corgi
b) Cocker Spaniel
c) Boxer
| Correct answer: (a) Pembroke Welsh Corgis are in the Herding Group and have instinctive drives to chase and herd. Pure instinct prompts many of these dogs to “herd” humans as well, especially children. Other breeds in the herding family include the German Shepherd Dog, Shetland Sheepdog, and Border Collie. |
2. Your mixed-breed dog quite often has his nose to the ground. Perhaps he is part:
a) Great Dane
b) Harrier
c) Doberman Pinscher
| Correct answer: (b) The Harrier is in the Hound Group. Scenthounds have the most sensitive canine noses, and can easily follow smells and scents. Other well-known scenthounds include Beagles and Bloodhounds. The hound family also includes sighthounds such as the Greyhound, Borzoi, and Afghan Hound. |
3. On the prowl, your mixed-breed dog stalks unsuspecting birds. Perhaps he is part:
a) Brittany
b) Boxer
c) Collie
| Correct answer: (a) The Brittany is a member of the Sporting Group, which includes retrievers, pointers, spaniels, and setters. Sporting dogs, bred to hunt, may show an intense drive to flush or retrieve birds and other prey. |
4. Not only is your fenced yard a testament to canine digging activity, but your mixed-breed dog also has become an escape artist. Perhaps he is part:
a) West Highland White Terrier
b) Miniature Schnauzer
c) Wire Fox Terrier
| Correct answer: (a), (b), and (c) All of these breeds belong to the Terrier Group. Bred to control rodents and foxes both above and below the ground, terriers love to dig. They can be highly successful tunneling their way under fences. |
5. Your mixed-breed dog loves to swim in pools, creeks, and even puddles. Perhaps he is part:
a) Bassett Hound
b) Vizsla
c) Bulldog
| Correct answer: (b) The Vizsla belongs to the Sporting Group, dogs bred to work on land and in water. Their webbed feet make them natural swimmers. Other water-loving members of the Sporting Group include the Labrador Retriever and the American Water Spaniel. |
For more information on the identity of your mixed
breed, check out the October 2008 issue of DOG FANCY.
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Dog Breed Traits Quiz
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