A Day At The Dogs' Home Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pyrenean Mountain Dog (Great Pyrenees in the US)

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is less energetic than many other large breeds; such as the Newfoundland. The Border terrier is a small dog, and the Great Dane has a short coat.

Answer: Border Collie

Being extremely intelligent, the Border collie's brain needs as much exercise as its body. They can make fantastic pets providing that they have a 'job' to do. This might mean obedience, agility or flyball, or it could be as simple as keeping the dog's brain occupied by teaching it tricks. (I know someone who has trained her dog to put the washing in the machine for her!) Border Collies have what is referred to as 'The Eye', an unwavering, hypnotic (sometimes disconcerting!) look that shows their strength of concentration.

In a field full of sheep 'The Eye' is a useful herding tool, in a bored house pet it says 'Throw The Ball, Throw The Ball, Throw The Ball, Throw The Ball, Throw The Ball...' (Throwing the ball, by the way, will only increase the dog's determination!)

Answer: Labrador Retriever

While there are lots of dogs that can be (and have been) trained to do this kind of work, Labradors are the most commonly used breed.

Answer: Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Although they (rightly or wrongly) have a reputation for being untrustworthy around other dogs (particularly if not well socialised at an early age) Staffs are generally great with children. German Shepherds and Border Collies can both be unnerved by the quick movements of children, which may result in snapping, and Chows, though they look like big cuddly teddy bears, rarely enjoy being treated as such.

Answer: Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is very intelligent, and highly trainable. They are generally loyal and affectionate to family members while being suspicious of strangers. Basenjis are barkless dogs, and unlikely to warn off intruders, Jack Russells may well be aggressive with strangers, but their size is unlikely to deter a serious intruder, and Siberian Huskies are extremely affectionate with everyone, including strangers, and are likely to greet an intruder with as much love and enthusiasm as they would their own family!

Answer: Police dog

German Shepherds are the most commonly used dog for police work. They are of a size to deter most criminals, highly intelligent and very trainable. They can be trained to do a number of jobs, but in Mac's case, with a history of aggression, he would be more likely to succeed at police work than any of the other choices.

Answer: Large Munsterlander

The Munsterlander is a gun dog originating from Germany. They are described as 'loyal, gentle and outgoing'. Munsterlanders can be large or small, with the large dogs standing at around 23-26 inches, while the small version is 20-22 inches high. Both large and small Munsterlanders are generally very patient with children and sociable with other pets.

They can also be good guard dogs and have a tendency to be noisy. The Large Munsterlander has been recognised by the UK kennel club since 1985, but has yet to be recognised by the American Kennel Club. None of the other dogs mentioned are highly noted for being great with children and/or other animals.

Answer: Springer Spaniel

Red Setters and Weimaraners are also sporting dogs, but are both big dogs, and the Border Collie is far more at home in a field of sheep than flushing out game birds.

Answer: Pug

Pugs generally have an even temperament, making them a good choice for families with children, and are playful and outgoing, without being high energy. However, there are health issues to consider; their squished noses can lead to breathing problems, their slightly bulgy eyes can be prone to injury and they can suffer from dislocating kneecaps and hip dysplasia. Chows and Papillons are not always good with children, and Samoyeds are not small dogs.

Answer: Siberian Husky

Energy wise, all of these dogs would suit this man, however, the Siberian is the largest of these dogs, with a medium length coat, and the most difficult for you to home. Their independence does not appeal to everyone, and the fact that they are so often unreliable off the lead can pose a problem to most people. Luckily, the man and the dog take an instant liking to each other, and you finish your shift delighted to have had such a good day at work.