Breed Nicknames Trivia Quiz

Answer: Boston Terrier

Although the Boston Terrier, American Water Spaniel, American Pit Bull Terrier and Australian Shepherd (go figure!) are all American breeds, America has very few breeds we can call our own. Perhaps the Boston Terrier's black and white coloring contributed to his title as "gentleman."

Answer: Weimaraner

There aren't too many grey dogs, although the Weimaraner is actually a silver grey, which does give it a ghostly appearance.

Answer: Cairn Terrier

The Cairn is a fun-loving canine companion.

Answer: Papillon

The Papillon is called the Butterfly Dog for his large, fluffy ears that resemble butterfly wings. The drop eared and less well known variety is known as the Phalene.

Answer: Whippet

Although the Whippet was originally bred as a rabbit courser, he became popular in races among the working class of Northern England. (The Disney movie "The Littlest Horse Thieves" has a whippet race amongst the working class miners).

Answer: Great Dane

Apollos was the Greek and Roman god of truth and the arts.

Answer: Bull Terrier

James Hinks was one of the early founders of the Bull Terrier breed. He breed a strain of pure white terriers known as the "White Cavalier." The nickname has stuck to this day.

Answer: Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso guarded Tibetan temples, and was known as "Apso Seng Kyi," The Lion Dog of Tibet, which it is still known as today. Tibetan Spaniel owners say that it was the Tibetan Spaniel that the "Apso Seng Kyi" was referring to. Maybe it was both, or perhaps we'll never know.

Answer: Airedale Terrier

As the largest terrier (excepting the very new and very rare breed, the Black Russian Terrier), the Airedale terrier exemplifies all of the best qualities that make a terrier a terrier. The Airedale is a very versatile dog, having been trained in everything from schutzhund (sport where well-trained dogs show their obedience, protection and scenting skills), agility, search and rescue, police work and military work.

Answer: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The nickname says it all. The PBGV always has a smile on his face and wag in his tail.

Answer: Briard

The Old English Sheepdog, Irish Water Spaniel and Pug all delight in playing the goof to get their owners laughing. Briards are playful, but they tend to be more serious dogs, and have never been called "the clown of the dog world."

Answer: Pug

The Pug's motto encompasses much of the Pug's essence. The breed is the smallest mastiff breed (characterized by their large heads), and has a very compact frame, packing a lot of punch for the little dog. Besides this, the dog's personality is full of gusto.

Answer: Dalmatian

The Dalmatian was used by the English as a coach dog, running alongside the horses (which is how he got his reputation as a firehouse dog). The Dalmatian has a variety of nicknames, including the Carriage Dog, the English Coach Dog, Bengal Harrier and the Plum Pudding Dog.

Answer: Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff was originally bred from the Mastiff and the Bulldog to guard against poachers on the large English estates at night, alongside his owner.

Answer: Keeshond

The Keeshond was originally bred by the Dutch to guard their barges and for the company of the barge's crew.

Answer: Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is called the monkey dog because of his monkey-like facial appearance and expressions. Although he is small, this dog was originally bred as a working dog--a ratter on farms.

Answer: Welsh Springer Spaniel

Developed in Wales, the Welsh Springer Spaniel was originally known as "the Starter," which it is still known as today.

Answer: Saluki

The Saluki was the dog of Egyptian nobility. Although the Muslim religion declares dogs to be unclean, Salukis were declared to be 'sacred,' and thus the prey they brought down could be eaten. . . and they could have canine companions.

Answer: Manchester Terrier

A very alert and sharp-looking dog, the Manchester Terrier was developed as a ratter and for rabbit coursing. It was in Victorian times that he was first given the title of "the Gentleman's Terrier."

Answer: Chinese Shar-Pei

The Shar-Pei's other nicknames are the "Chinese Fighting Dog," and the "Chinese Bulldog." The Shar-Pei has a rough, sandpaper-like feel to it, which gave it this nickname.