Dog Breed Origins -- the Fun Way! Quiz

Answer: Vizsla

The Vizsla probably descended from two ancient breeds: the Transylvanian hound and the Turkish yellow dog. More recently, pointer has been added. The Vizsla is a robust Hungarian hunting dog of medium-large size, bred to point out game and then retrieve it.

Their generally friendly and gentle disposition can make them good family companions, as well as the fact that they're easier to train than most pointers. But beware -- this breed has a lot of energy and outstanding stamina, and should only be owned by someone that will provide them with lots of exercise!

Answer: Akita

The Akita is native to the region of Akita on the island of Honshu in Japan. Today it is the national dog of Japan. For centuries it has been used for guarding, fighting, hunting, and sometimes sledding. The Akita is a large, proud, and courageous breed.

It has a tendency to be aggressive with other animals, and its strong guarding instincts make it unsuitable for families that frequently have company over.

Answer: Cardigan Welsh corgi

There are two corgi varieties (Pembroke and Cardigan) and several theories as to how they developed in Wales. One theory is that they both developed from the Swedish Vallhund that was brought to Wales by the Vikings in the 800's. Another theory is that the Cardigan is the older variety, and was brought in by the Celts in about 1200 B.C.E.

The corgi is a long, low dog, small-medium in size. Despite its short legs, this breed has a lot of energy and speed and is capable of avoiding the kicks of cattle.

It would also hunt vermin and its wariness of strangers made it a suitable farm guard. Cardigan Welsh corgis today have watchdog instincts and the tendency to nip the ankles of anything that runs.

Answer: Rhodesian ridgeback

Rhodesian ridgebacks are large hounds that are well adapted to the African climate. The breed resulted from crossbreeding ridgebacked dogs originally kept by native tribes in South Africa and other breeds, such as the Khoikhoi dog, mastiff, and deerhound. Ridgebacks were used for hunting both big and small game, retrieving, and guarding property.

These dogs are courageous, loyal, and somewhat willful. They tend to be very protective, and need firm training from an early age. Rhodesian ridgebacks also have high exercise needs and great stamina, not easy for the average owner to take care of!

Answer: Canadian Inuit dog

Canadian Inuit dogs were critical to the survival of the Inuit people. This large, rugged, and primitive breed provided transportation and played a large role in assisting hunters. They were also effective watchdogs. Canadian Inuit dogs were known for being able to pull a heavy load under harsh arctic conditions with just a small amount of food.

Called 'Qimmiq' by the Inuit, the breed is quite rare today. They take quite well to training, but tend to overreact to any stimuli, making them do best with older children.

Inuit dogs are still used for dogsledding today, including many arctic and antarctic expeditions.

Answer: Keeshond

Keeshonds were sort of the dog-of-all-jobs on Dutch boats, but became known as the Dutch barge guard. The Samoyed, elkhound, chow chow, and pomeranian all contributed to the making of the Keeshond. At the beginning of the French Revolution, the breed became the symbol of the common and middle-class Dutchmen who were led by the patriot Kees de Gyselaer. Keeshonds are medium-sized dogs that are lively, clever, alert, and moderately active.

They like to bark and make good watchdogs.

Answer: Australian cattle dog

The Australian cattle dog was developed by pioneer settlers in the 19th century to herd cattle on large ranches. The breed primarily was derived from smooth, blue-speckled collie imports from Scotland and wild dingoes. Also added were Australian kelpie, Dalmatian, and bull terrier.

The Australian cattle dog is tough and agile with amazing endurance. Without extensive exercise, these dogs will become very destructive! They tend to be loyal one-person dogs, and their high intelligence makes them learn very quickly from consistent training.

However, strong herding and guarding instincts are more traits that make this breed best off with an experienced owner.

Answer: Portuguese water dog

The Portuguese water dog was developed from working dogs brought by invaders and settlers to the Iberian Peninsula. They were so valuable they were considered part of the crew and were given their share of both the fish and money earned from the catch. Retired fishermen would rent out their dogs for money. Portuguese water dogs are fun-loving and quite easily trained, and are generally good with kids and other animals.

They are large, active dogs with lots of webbing between their toes compared to most other water breeds.

Their coat sheds little to no hair and requires lots of grooming.

Answer: Dachshund

The dachshund is a small dog that originated in Germany several hundred years ago, bred for the purpose of badger hunting. Their short legs and long bodies were ideal for following badgers into their burrows and digging them out. Smaller dachshunds hunted hare and stoat. Dachshunds are typically lively, bold, tenacious, willful, and clownish.

They tend to be difficult to train and like to bark. Dachshunds are especially prone to spinal problems because of their extra long back.

Answer: Akbash dog

The akbash was developed 3000 years ago by shepherds who wanted a guardian for their sheep. This very large, primitive breed worked independent of humans and became very bonded to their flock. Akbash dogs are not for the inexperienced dog owner, though -- their independent spirit makes training difficult, and they tend to have strong protective aggression.

The akbash will also take any opportunity to assert dominance, and are generally aggressive with other dogs.