Fractured Dog Breeds Quiz for Experts | Fractured Words

Answer: Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher dog, also known as the monkey terrier, is a toy dog originating in Germany some time around the 17th century. The "affe" part of its name is German for ape or monkey. This little fellow was bred to hunt out rats in barns, stables and kitchens. Only standing between nine and 12 inches tall, this fun-loving miniature dog is very loyal to its owners and fiercely protective.

A real little ankle-biter, in fact.

Answer: Airedale terrier

Also known as a Bingley or Waterside terrier, the Airedale terrier sprang from the valley around the Aire River in Yorkshire, England. Because it is the largest of the terrier breeds, the Airedale is often referred to as the "king of the terriers". Another working dog, this breed, with its funny little rectangular face, has been used on farms, during times of war, and as a police and guide dog.

Answer: Alaskan husky

Strangely enough, the Alaskan husky is not a pure breed of canine, but rather an animal bred for its main working purpose of sledding. It can however out run any pure breed dog, so pooh-pooh to blue blood, chaps. It is believed this hard working animal emigrated from Siberia into North America some 12,000 years ago.

In very cold climate racing, Alaskan huskies often wear dog coats and belly protectors for warmth and protection, and dog booties to cushion their feet against cracking from the cold and very hard grounds over which they race.

Answer: Alpine spaniel

Now sadly extinct, the Alpine spaniel was a rescue dog found mainly in Switzerland. With its thick and curly coat, this dog is thought to be a distant ancestor of the Saint Bernard. A large dog, it was mostly associated with the monasteries in the Alps where it was sent out in pairs to find lost travellers, before returning to fetch help.

Answer: American bulldog

The American bulldog is a large and stocky, rather alarming looking fellow who appears to be a thug, but is really quite friendly, and particularly affectionate with its owners. It is descended from the Old English bulldog brought out to the States by early working class British immigrants who needed a solid working class animal on farms and properties.

Answer: Podenco

Originating in Spain, images similar to the podenco dog have been found in various ancient caves found in that part of the world. Also known as the Andalusian hound, this dog normally comes in three sizes and with three different kinds of coat, so you could have nine different varieties of the one breed if you were a devoted podenco lover.

In more recent years, another new version has been added into the mix as well. This is a dwarf podenco with short, stubby little legs. Its ears are almost longer than its legs, which makes it a little comical looking.

It's still adorable though. In Portugal, this dog is known as the podengo.

Answer: Australian silky terrier

The Australian silky terrier is a small breed bred in the Land Down Under. Its genes can be traced back to Britain and the Yorkshire terrier, but its heart belongs to Oz. Known as a silky terrier in other countries, this little dog has a long and silky coat which parts perfectly down the middle and hangs, long and lustrous on either side of its plump little body.

It's just so impossibly cute.

Answer: Beagle

Mostly associated with the United Kingdom, the beagle is what as known as a scent hound because of its strong olfactory skills. Looking a lot like a smaller version of the foxhound, various breeds of the beagle has been around for 2,500 years. They are believed to have originated in Ancient Greece and spread through Europe from there.

When William the Conqueror brought a Talbot hound with him over to England in the 11th century, it was bred with a greyhound, and their offspring then bred with the Southern hound, which gave us the familiar beagle of today.

Answer: Bearded collie

Originating in Scotland and by Scottish shepherds in particular, the bearded collie is a faithful and hard-working herding dog. Today, this lovely fellow is more of a family pet, with its long and illustrious working career far behind it. With the hair on its head parted down the middle and hanging down over its eyes, this energetic and lively dog looks a little like Moe from "The Three Stooges".

Answer: Australian shepherd

Most peculiarly, the Australian shepherd wasn't bred in Australia at all but in western ranches of the United States - where it is referred to as the "Aussie". One of the theories regarding this lovely dog's name is that it is closely related to the border collie. That isn't a bit helpful at all, because the border collie originated in the border areas between England and Scotland.

The Australian shepherd, regardless of its elusive ancestry, is a very hard working and versatile animal. It almost always has a happy panting smile on its face - unless of course it's giving you the death stare. Look out, then.