Find the Hound #6 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Chow chow

The chow chow belongs in the Utility Group. Dating back to the Han dynasty, when it was known as the Han dog, it has been around for approximately 2000 years. It was bred as a guard dog - and food! They were fed on grain and slaughtered when young and tender.

Their skins were also used for clothing. Queen Victoria acquired one, which stimulated interest in the breed, and they were recognised by the Kennel Club in 1894. They were also used in China as hunting dogs. They are easily recognised by their black tongues.

There is a 2002 South Korean film called 'H' with a plot as described.

Answer: Saluki

Belonging to the Hound Group, the Saluki is an elegant sighthound that hunted with its Bedouin masters, their Arabian steeds and their hawks. Coming in smooth or long-haired varieties, their name comes from either the ancient Arabian city of Saluk or the Syrian town of Seleucia.

In 2020 there was a Tantra exhibition at the British museum, with the above sculpture. Salukis need more than two hours of exercise a day and are best suited to large houses with large gardens. My boy basenji always gazes at Salukis with interest.

Answer: Rhodesian ridgeback

The scenthound Rhodesian ridgeback belongs in the Hound Group. This breed originated in South Africa, where it tracked a wide variety of game. When taken to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) it was used to track lions, holding them at bay until hunters arrived. They have a ridge of hair growing backwards along their spine, a feature from their descent from Hottentot dogs.

Answer: Hungarian vizsla

The russet gold vizsla belongs in the Gundog Group, having been used in this role in the Hungarian plains since the 14th century. They should have a short, straight, dense, smooth and shiny coat, feeling greasy to the touch. They only come in russet gold, and if they have small white marks on chest and feet, though it is acceptable, it is undesirable in the show ring. Miklós Horthy was the Regent of Hungary from 1920 before being overthrown in 1944.

Answer: Canadian Eskimo dog

The Canadian Eskimo dog belongs in the Working Group. Their numbers are relatively small, and few are domestic pets. They are an ancient breed, built for long distance rather than speed work in the Canadian Arctic, and were largely replaced for sledding, first by the faster Canadian husky, and later by the snowmobile. Inuit is the correct name for Eskimo.

Answer: Sussex spaniel

The Sussex spaniel belongs in the Gundog Group, and is the rarest of the spaniels. It only comes in a rich golden liver - gold predominating. Dark liver or puce are undesirable (I would think a puce dog would be very undesirable!). A Mr Fuller championed the breed, which (uniquely for spaniels) gives tongue while hunting, so the person working it is unlikely to lose it. Mr Fuller died in 1847 and all his dogs were sold.

The breed nearly became extinct and although numbers have picked up, the Sussex spaniel is still a vulnerable native breed. Harry and Meghan are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Answer: West Highland white terrier

The West Highland white terrier belongs in the Terrier Group. It was bred by the Malcolms of Poltalloch in Argyllshire, who developed a white strain of Cairns in the mid-19th century (white Cairns had previously been culled) as they were easier to see on the moors. It is a little shorter than the Cairn now, carrying its tail higher. They are still a popular breed.

Answer: Miniature schnauzer

Belonging to the Utility Goup, the miniature schnauzer was developed from the schnauzer, possibly with Affenpinscher involvement. The schnauzer has been around since the 14th century and the miniature since 1888. They are lively, popular dogs. If you are thinking of buying any puppy, research and close scrutiny is a must. Reputable breeders will insist on it!

Answer: Labrador retriever

The Labrador retriever, or as the Kennel Club classifies it, retriever (Labrador), belongs in the Gundog group. It has long been one of the world's most popular breeds. Originating in Newfoundland (on the East coast of Canada), it is believed to have been formed by crossing hunting dogs, taken to Newfoundland by English traders and fishermen, with the existing Newfoundland and St. John's' dogs.

The first breed club was established in 1916. Laverbread is a Welsh delicacy made from seaweed. It has nothing to do with bread, but is more like a puree and enjoyed on shellfish or hot toast.

Answer: Old English sheepdog

The Old English sheepdog belongs in the Pastoral Breed Group. Their origins are shrouded in mystery, and many people in England know them as the 'Dulux' dog as they are used in adverts for that brand of paint. Hunter wellingtons are virtually de rigeur to wear among the upper classes in Gloucestershire.

Although they come in other colours, they are traditionally green. Old English sheepdogs need grooming every day, and over two hours of exercise, so they require a great deal of work.