Find the Hound! #4 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Airedale terrier

Found in the Terrier group, the Airedale terrier originated in Yorkshire from a group of enthusiasts who met at the Airedale Show. It was also known as the waterside terrier because they cleared vermin from the banks of rivers. It is known as the 'King' of terriers as it is the largest of the terriers, with males standing about two feet (58-61 cm) tall. During WWI, Airedales were used in roles like tracking, a pack dog for the Red Cross and messenger dogs in the trenches.

Answer: Pembroke Welsh corgi

The Pembroke Welsh corgi belongs in the Pastoral group, having been used for cattle herding. It is smaller than a Cardigan Welsh corgi and also used to have a docked tail. Docking is now illegal in the UK, so some breeders are working towards a shorter (bob) tail. Pembroke Welsh corgis were the Queen's favourite dogs, although she stopped breeding them in 2015, because she was worried about tripping on one.

It was also rumoured that she did not want to leave any behind when she died. Sadly, in 2018, her 74-year association with the breed came to an end with the death of her last corgi, Whisper.

Answer: Affenpinscher

The affenpinscher is found in the Toy group. Originating in Germany, it is also known as the monkey terrier (affe is German for monkey or ape), although the Kennel Club refers to it as a 'devil dog', which is not very polite! Bred as a ratter, an affenpinscher was named 'Best in Show' by the Westminster Kennel Club in 2013. Gordon Ramsay is a British chef known worldwide because of his shows 'Hell's Kitchen' and 'Kitchen Nightmare'.

Answer: Shih tzu

Shih tzu belongs to the Utility group. This covers dogs bred for a purpose - in the case of the shih tzu, the purpose was royal lap-warmer or companion dog, with Tibetan ancestry. Its name means 'lion dog' and in its early days, shih tzus were known as Lhasa lions. Shih tzus have long coats, their plumed tails are held well over the back, and the head and tail should be at the same level. All this means, on a windy day, it is well nigh impossible to tell which way a shih tzu is facing.

Answer: Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world and are in the Toy group. They take their name from the Mexican state where they became fashionable in the late 19th century. Chihuahuas come in long and short coated versions. They are convinced that they are huge dogs and have personalities to match.

Answer: Rottweiler

Rottweilers are in the Working breed group. According to legend, the Roman Army marched with cattle to sustain their troops, also taking their herding dogs with them, but dropping them off as the herds decreased. In the Southwest German town of Rottweil, they bred these discarded herders to create a drover that would also protect their possessions. Farmers used to tie their money around the dogs' necks. Sadly, bad owners seeking a macho image led these dogs to have a bad reputation, but a well-socialised and treated Rottweiler is a wonderful family dog, although they do need a lot of space and exercise.

Answer: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The PGBV is found in the Hound group. Probably the first time it came to most people's attention was when one won Best in Show at Crufts in 2013. Basset in French has the meaning of low, and these are the smaller cousin of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen. They need regular grooming and have typical hound characters.

Answer: Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniels are in the Gundog breed group. They are liver coloured dogs with topknots, curly coats and rat tails and run in the retriever class in the UK. They particularly work retrieving from water. They do not shed, but need a lot of exercise and grooming. They are a vulnerable native breed.

Answer: Boxer

The boxer is in the Working group. It is believed to be descended from a German hunting dog, bred to hunt bears, boars and deer and going by the name of Bullenbeisser (bull biter), crossed with the bulldog. Although they need a lot of exercise, they are wonderful family dogs with a lot of intelligence and character. Now that docking has been stopped in the UK, you can't miss a happy boxer! They get their name from the way they fight and play, standing and using their front paws like fists. I am frequently mistaking older dogs for puppies, such is their exuberance and fun!

Answer: Greyhound

Greyhounds belong in the Hound group. Developed in England, in the Middle Ages only kings and nobility were allowed to own them for hunting. They are another candidate for the dogs shown on Pharaohs' tombs(!) The greyhound is the only dog breed mentioned an the bible (Proverbs 30:29-31, KJV) along with a lion and a billy goat. For such large dogs, they are very much couch potatoes after their exercise.

Many greyhounds are discarded after their racing career, and there are some great organisations rehoming them.