Man's Best (Fractured) Friend Trivia Quiz

Answer: Border Collie

The Border Collie is a herding breed first popularized in the border region between Scotland and England (hence the name). Known for their characteristic stare, either at a sheep they are wrangling or at a person they are are trying to figure out, these dogs are usually ranked among the most intelligent, though their high energy level demands an owner willing to put in time and effort to keep them busy and challenged.

Answer: canine

The descriptive term "canine" come from the Latin "caninus", meaning, as you might think, "of the dog". The Latin term also serves as the genus part of the dog's scientific name, "Canis lupus familiaris", indicating a subspecies of wolf. Though some taxonomists view the dog and the wolf as separate species, the prevailing trend is to see domesticated canines as a subspecies of their more independent forebears.

Answer: collar

The most familiar collar is the attractive leather strap that holds a dog's ID tags and hooks on to a leash for a long walk. Many dog trainers find that a slip collar, also known as a choke chain, is an invaluable training aid, though these should never be left on an unattended dog as they present a choking hazard.

Answer: kennel

"Kennel" can refer to any structure for housing dogs, such as a doghouse. Commonly, a dog breeding operation may be called a kennel, as may a service for watching dogs while the owners are away. I'm happy to report that my dog, Buddy, has learned to relax in his cage when I ask him to "kennel". It's not his favorite thing, but he's in touch with his inner den animal.

Answer: rescue

There are numerous dog rescue groups around the country that foster dogs looking for a home and work to place them with loving humans. Often these are breed specific. A good friend of mine is very active in chihuahua rescue; she has accumulated nine little dogs of her own in the process!

Answer: golden retriever

Golden Retrievers are among the most popular breeds in the English-speaking world. Though they have their roots as hunting dogs, most Goldens today are companions noted for their loyalty, friendliness, and gentle nature. They are also commonly used as service dogs, though their propensity to shed does not endear them to people with allergies--or folks proud of their spotless black furniture.

Answer: yorkie

The Yorkie (short for Yorkshire Terrier) is a small dog; the American Kennel Club breed standard caps the Yorkie's weight at seven pounds. That said, Yorkies were originally bred to hunt vermin, and many a Yorkie owner has been surprised to see their cute litte dog terminate intruding rabbits and opossums with extreme prejudice.

It follows that they are a very brave breed, even when confronted by dogs several times their size. These traits have been put to good use over the years. One well-known Yorkie, named Smoky, was decorated during World War II for running a telegraph wire through seventy feet of sediment-choked pipe.

This service reduced her squadron's exposure to enemy fire in war-torn Luzon, possibly saving several lives.

Answer: trainer

Dog trainers work in many fields, including services for the disabled and law enforcement. Most trainers, however, work with companion dogs and their owners, teaching humans how to cultivate behaviors that make dogs good additions to their lives. Among the most basic commands a well-trained dog will master are sitting, laying down, staying, recall (coming when called), and walking properly on a lead.

As these are mastered, more complex training can be pursued, including impressive tricks that will make your dog the life of the party.

Answer: agility

Dog agility is one of the most challenging and stimulating activities commonly available to dogs and their owners. It involves dogs weaving through poles, barreling through tunnels and chutes, jumping over hurdles and through hoops, climbing up and down balance beams (or dog walks, if you want to be technical), A-frames, and teeter-totters, and, in the midst of all this activity, settling in for long stays on raised tables. Dogs and their owners test these skills at agility trials where obstacle courses are laid out in vexing patterns. Border Collies, Shelties, and Jack Russell Terriers tend to rise to the top of these competitions, though all breeds have their shot.

Answer: Argos

Argos is a hound who plays a poignant role in Book 17 of Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey". The hero, Odysseus, is returning to Ithaca after twenty years of fighting the Trojans and surviving legendary trials on the way home. He passes a dung heap and recognizes Argos, a well-built dog the hero bred before leaving for Troy. Argos has seen his day by this point, and is neglected and flea-ridden. On seeing the returning warrior, however, he knowingly drops his ears and wags his tail, bringing a tear to the great Odysseus' eye. The faithful dog then dies, fulfilled in having seen his master one last time.

Admit it--you're crying right now.