There Are Over 340 Dog Breeds — We'll Be Impressed If You Can Name 40!

By: Jacqueline Samaroo
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
There Are Over 340 Dog Breeds — We'll Be Impressed If You Can Name 40!
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About This Quiz

Is this challenge too ruff for you? Don't worry about getting a few wrong. Even if you do go barking up the wrong tree, these pooches are so lovable that you won't mind!

All domestic dogs actually belong to the same species grouping. In fact, the domestic dog is classified as a subspecies of its wild cousin the wolf. This might be hard to believe since so many breeds of dog vary dramatically in appearance and size! In fact, when it comes to appearance alone, the domestic dog is one of the most varied subspecies of animal on the planet. Dogs hold a special place in human history and the common phrase "man's best friend" actually holds a great deal of truth behind it. This is because dogs have been companions to humans for thousands of years; in fact, they were the very first animal that we domesticated! 

While there are well over 300 different defined breeds of dog, you don't have to worry, we won't be challenging you with every single one. In this quiz, we've taken 40 of the most unique or iconic breeds of dog and put them together to see if you can identify them all. 

Are you ready to fetch the correct answers? Then let's jump right in and get started!

German Shepherd
Purple Collar Pet Photography/Moment/Getty Images
What is the name of the intelligent European dog that is one of the most common working animals?
German Shepherd
Otterhound
American Foxhound
Sloughi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The German Shepherd is a breed of working dog that (as its name suggests) originated in Germany. While its original occupation was herding sheep, it was now used for other purposes such as search-and-rescue, law enforcement, and disability assistance.

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Chihuahua
Deniss Kantorovics/Moment/Getty Images
This Mexican canine is the smallest dog in the world, what is its name?
Norwegian Lundehund
Chihuahua
English Foxhound
Cesky Terrier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Chihuahua is notable for holding the distinction of being smallest breed of dog in the world. It shares its name with the Mexican state of Chihuahua, which is also where it originated from.

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Poodle
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Do you know the name of this posh dog that is also the second most intelligent breed in the world?
Harrier
Bergamasco Shepherd
Poodle
Chinook
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Poodle is a somewhat broad breed of European dog that has several variations. While in popular culture its appearance is usually the main focus, the poodle actually ranks as the second most intelligent breed of dog in the world.

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Pomeranian
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One of the most famous owners of this breed of small dog is Queen Victoria. Do you know its name?
Pomeranian
Pyrenean Shepherd
Finnish Spitz
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Pomeranian is a breed of small dog that owes a great deal of its popularity to the fact that they have been the dog of choice for several royal figures like Queen Victoria. Its name is a direct reference to the Pomerania region in Central Europe (located in north-east Germany and north-west Poland).

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Shiba Inu
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Which of these breeds ranks as the number one companion dog in Japan?
Canaan Dog
Pharaoh Hound
Finnish Lapphund
Shiba Inu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Shiba Inu is one of the most iconic breeds of dog that is native to Japan. This breed was originally bred for hunting, and they are primarily known today for their boldness and independent nature.

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Rottweiler
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Do you know the name of this strong and hard working dog from Germany?
Skye Terrier
Rottweiler
Curly-coated Retriever
Jamthund
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Rottweiler is a breed of large dog that initially originated from Germany. Historically, they were primarily used to herd livestock and sometimes pull carts, but today they can be found as police dogs and guard dogs.

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Border Collie
Hillary Kladke/Moment/Getty Images
The title of "most intelligent" belongs to which breed of dog?
Lowchen
Border Collie
Scottish Deerhound
American Water Spaniel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Originating in the Scottish Borders, the Border Collie is an energetic breed of dog that was originally used to herd sheep and other livestock. This specific breed of dog is notable for being considered by many expert sources to be the most intelligent in the world.

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Boxer
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Do you know the name of the strong-jawed dog that was bred from the Old English Bulldog?
Irish Water Spaniel
Ibizan Hound
Plott
Boxer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Boxer is a breed of working dog that originated in Germany and ranks within the top ten most popular dogs in the United States according to the American Kennel Club. It is primarily known for its robust build and its powerful bite.

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Bernese Mountain Dog
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A large Swiss dog that is at home at "high elevations," do you know the name of this breed?
Pumi
Sussex Spaniel
Komondor
Bernese Mountain Dog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bernese Mountain Dog is notably one of the four breeds of dog that belong to the Swiss Mountain Dog grouping. It originated as a breed of farm dog and is still used as such to this day; however, it is also kept as a family dog as well, especially in German-speaking countries.

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Labrador Retriever
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This friendly large dog is instinctively good at fetching things. What is its name?
Kuvasz
Labrador Retriever
Greyhound
Wirehaired Vizsla
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Labrador Retriever is a large breed of dog that is notable for being extremely popular in the United States and Canada. Not only are they used as hunting and sporting dogs, they are also used in law enforcement and for disability assistance.

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Beagle
Manuel Breva Col=meiro/Moment/Getty Images
Snoopy from the "Peanuts" franchise is depicted as which of these notable breeds of dog?
Tibetan Mastiff
Bedlington Terrier
Beagle
Swedish Vallhund
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Beagles are primarily known for their impressive sense of smell and its intelligence. Its name is a direct reference to its original occupation, which was to hunt hares, an activity known as beagling.

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Great Dane
Image by Erin Vey/Moment/Getty Images
The largest dog in the world belonged to which of these breeds?
Great Dane
Sealyham Terrier
Affenpinscher
Berger Picard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Great Dane is a breed of large dog (also known as the German Mastiff) that originated from Germany. The breed is well known for its massive size, with the current record holder for "tallest dog" being a Great Dane.

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German Shorthaired Pointer
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Which athletic European dog is known as "Vorstenhhund" in its native language?
Field Spaniel
Xoloitzcuintli
Puli
German Shorthaired Pointer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a breed of large hunting dog that originated in the 19th century. It has a distinctly athletic body and strong legs, often being considered to be one of the most energetic breeds of dog.

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Weimaraner
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This German breed of dog is nicknamed "Grey Ghost," but what is its formal name?
Icelandic Sheepdog
Beauceron
Weimaraner
Clumber Spaniel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Weimaraner is a hunting dog from Germany that has a slender but powerful body that is built for speed. Its name is a direct reference to the city of Weimar in Germany.

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St. Bernard
Purple Collar Pet Photography/Moment/Getty Images
What is the name of the breed of massive dog that is named after an Italian monk?
St. Bernard
Redbone Coonhound
Lakeland Terrier
German Pinscher
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The St. Bernard is a that originated in the Alps and it is know for its massive size and friendly demeanor. It was bred to be a rescue dog around the Great St Bernard Pass.

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Bullmastiff
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This breed of guard dog is a molosser dog from the UK. What is its name?
Australian Terrier
English Toy Spaniel
Bullmastiff
Manchester Terrier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bullmastiff is a breed of large domestic dog that was developed as a working dog and guard dog. It is a descendant of both the Old English Bulldog and the English Mastiff.

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Bloodhound
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The canine acquaintance of Sherlock Holmes belongs to what breed?
Bluetick Coonhound
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Bloodhound
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bloodhound is a breed of dog that was bred for hunting purposes and for tracking humans as well. It is distinguished from other breeds by its keen sense of smell.

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Basset Hound
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What short-legged breed of dog takes pride in its keen sense of smell?
Basset Hound
Briard
Bearded Collie
Boerboel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Basset Hound is a breed that falls into the scent hound category of dog. It is notable for its powerful sense of smell, in terms of its ability to ground-scent, the Bloodhound is the only one that ranks above the Basset Hound.

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French Bulldog
Purple Collar Pet Photography/Moment/Getty Images
Do you know which short and wrinkled European dog is nicknamed "Frenchie"?
Golden Retriver
French Bulldog
Saluki
Tibetan Spaniel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The French Bulldog is a breed of small dog that has a stocky build and is a descendant of English bulldogs and French ratters. They are incredibly popular, ranking as one of the top ten most popular breeds in the US, UK, and Australia.

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Siberian Husky
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The Russian working dog that is at home in the cold goes by what name?
Belgian Sheepdog
Lagotto Romangnolo
Bulldog
Siberian Husky
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Siberian Husky is a breed of dog that belongs to the Spitz family. The breed traces its history back to Northeast Asia (specifically Siberia) and unsurprisingly they are well adapted to working in cold environments.

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Italian Greyhound
Fernando Trabanco Fotografia/Moment/Getty Images
This slender European dog is sometimes referred to as the "Iggy," what is its formal name?
Japanese Chin
Italian Greyhound
Kishu
Shar Pei
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Italian Greyhound is a breed of small dog that is notable for its distinctive slender body and pointed face. While they are not as fast as the larger English Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound still ranks as one of the fastest breeds of dog in the world.

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Cane Corso
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Do you know the formal name of the dog that is sometimes also known as the Italian Mastiff?
Cane Corso
Welsh Terrier
Spinone Italiano
Neapolitan Mastiff
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Cane Corso is a breed of large dog that originated in Italy where they were initially used to guard livestock and property. The "Corso" in its name is derived from the Latin word "Cohors" which means protector.

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Dalmatian
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What is the name of the spotted firehouse dog that originated in Europe?
Irish Terrier
Dalmatian
Gordon Setter
Belgian Tervuren
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Dalmatian is a breed of dog that is perhaps most notable for its iconic spotted coat. In popular culture it is heavily associated with firefighting and the film One Hundred and One Dalmatians.

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American Cocker Spaniel
D Trocio Photography/Moment/Getty Images
This fluffy sporting dog has an "English" sibling, which breed is it?
Borzoi
Miniature Bull Terrier
Leonberger
American Cocker Spaniel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The American Cocker Spaniel is notable for being the smallest sporting dog that the American Kennel Club recognizes. It is a close relative of the English Cocker Spaniel.

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Newfoundland
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Do you know then name of the large working dog that shares its name with a Canadian province?
Newfoundland
Boykin Spaniel
Flat-Coated Retriever
Brussels Griffon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Newfoundland is a breed of large working dog that originally worked alongside fishermen and they are also skilled water rescue dogs. It shares its name with its place of origin, the province of Canada that is known as Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Golden Retriever
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What is the name of the "metallic" dog that originated in Scotland?
Pekingese
Afghan Hound
Norwegian Elkhound
Golden Retriever
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Golden Retriever is an energetic breed of dog that has a light golden to dark golden coat. Its friendly nature and resilience makes it a popular choice when it comes to disability assistance, detection, and search and rescue.

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Miniature Schnauzer
Muoo Photography/Moment/Getty Images
This spunky German dog is notable for its iconic bushy mustache and beard, what is its name?
Miniature Schnauzer
Dingo
Basenji
Pharaoh Hound
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is the Miniature Schnauzer, a breed of small dog that initially originated in Germany. It ranks within the top 20 most popular breeds of dog in the United States and is the most popular Schnauzer.

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Havanese
Hans Surfer/Moment/Getty Images @
The national dog of Cuba is know by what formal name?
Chinese Crested
Russel Terrier
Havanese
Lhasa Apso
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Havanese is notable for its small stature and its thick and silky coat. It is the national dog of Cuba and its shares its name with the country's capital Havana.

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Shih Tzu
Fiona McAllister Photography/Moment/Getty Images
This Chinese toy dog has a name that is derived from the word for "lion." What is its name?
Shih Tzu
Akita
Italian Greyhound
Irish Wolfhound
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Shih Tzu's name is derived from the Mandarin word for lion, which is a reference to its appearance. It is thought to have originated somewhere around the Tibetan Plateau and it is often referred to as the "Chrysanthemum Dog."

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Maltese
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What is the name of the toy dog that derives its name from a Mediterranean island?
Miniature Pinscher
Old English Sheepdog
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Maltese
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Maltese is breed of small dog that is usually sought after for its cute appearance and manageable size. This breed is distinguished by its long, straight silky coat and the fact that on average they weigh less than seven pounds.

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Shetland sheepdog
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Do you know which Scottish dog breed was once known as a "Collie" but had its name changed to avoid controversy?
Dogue de Bordeaux
Shetland Sheepdog
Great Pyrenees
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Shetland Sheepdog is a breed of dog that—as their name suggests—were primarily used to herd sheep. The breed's name is a direct reference to the Shetland Islands where it originated.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Kiatanan Sugsompian/Moment/Getty Images
The short-legged cattle herding dog from Wales goes by what name?
Chinese Shar-Pei
Dalmatian
Whippet
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a breed of short working dog that was originally intended to primarily help to herd cattle. It is a close relative to the similarly named Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

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Doberman Pinscher
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This German dog is stereotyped as being overly aggressive, but it is actually an extremely loyal hard worker. Can you name it?
Doberman Pinscher
Malamute
Samoyed
Sulimov dog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Doberman Pinscher is a relatively large breed of dog that originated in Germany in the latter part of the 19th century. These dogs are known for their high level of intelligence, their athleticism and also their loyalty, making them excellent guard animals.

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Rhodesian Ridgeback
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Which breed of dog earned the impressive nickname "African Lion Dog"?
Portuguese Water Dog
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Papillon
English Cocker Spaniel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog that originated in Southern Africa. The nickname "African Lion Dog" is reference to how the dogs were able to keep lions away from homesteads.

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Australian Shepherd
u.s.fotografie/Moment/Getty Images
What breed of herding dog from the United States has a misleading name and a confusing history?
Bullmastiff
Bloodhound
Australian Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog that is known for its intelligence and energetic nature. While its name may at first glance suggest that it originated in Australia, the breed actually has its origin in the United States.

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Alaskan Malamute
Alan Tunnicliffe Photography/Moment/Getty Images
This aptly named dog is at home in its frigid native region, what is its name?
Shiba Inu
Akita
Belgian Malinois
Alaskan Malamute
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Alaskan Malamute is a breed of large working dog that was specifically bred with strength and intelligence in mind. As the name suggests, the breed originated in Alaska and they were originally used to haul heavy loads and also pull sleds.

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Dachshund
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Do you know the formal name of the breed that is often referred to as the Wiener Dog?
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Basset Hound
Border Collie
Dachshund
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Dachshund is a breed of short-legged dog that is best known for its distinctive long body. Due to its iconic appearance, it has earned itself loving nicknames like Hotdog, Wiener Dog, or Sausage Dog.

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Yorkshire Terrier
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Which small British dog shares its name with the largest county in the UK?
Cane Corso
Newfoundland
Weimaraner
Yorkshire Terrier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Yorkshire Terrier is a breed of small dog that usually weighs 7 pounds or less. It originated in England and its name is a direct reference to the prominent county of Yorkshire in the country.

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Belgian Malinois
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What breed of dog is used by the Secret Service to guard the White House?
Maltese
Belgian Malinois
Chihuahua
Pug
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As the name suggests, this working dog, the Belgian Malinois, originated in Belgium. Today it is used as both a guard dog and for the detection of scents by law enforcement agencies.

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Boston Terrier
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This American bred dog is very intelligent and is often used as a therapy dog, what is its name?
Boston Terrier
Poodle
Pomeranian
Great Dane
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Boston Terrier is a breed of relatively small dog that originated in the U.S. in Boston (hence the name). They are very intelligent and over the years the breed has earned the nickname "American Gentlemen."

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