Dog Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

two brown poodles wearing sunglasses

1: What is the scientific name for domestic dogs?

A: Canis lupus

B: Canis familiaris

C: Felis catus

D: Bos taurus

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The scientific name for domestic dogs is Canis familiaris, although they are also considered a subspecies of the gray wolf, Canis lupus familiaris.

2: What animal is the closest living relative to the domestic dog?

A: Domestic cat

B: African wild dog

C: Gray wolf

D: Snow leopard

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The gray wolf is the closest living relative to the domestic dog.

3: Roughly how many years ago did humans domesticate dogs?

A: 5,000 years ago

B: 10,000 years ago

C: 15,000 years ago

D: 20,000 years ago

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Experts estimate that dogs were domesticated by hunter-gatherers more than 15,000 years ago.

4: What type of diet have dogs adapted to due to their long association with humans?

A: Carnivorous diet

B: Herbivorous diet

C: Starch-rich diet

D: Algae-based diet

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Dogs have adapted to thrive on a starch-rich diet due to their long association with humans.

5: What was the first species to be domesticated by humans?

A: Sheep

B: Dog

C: Horse

D: Cow

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The dog was the first species to be domesticated by humans.

6: Which famous scientist gave domestic dogs the species name Canis familiaris in 1758?

A: Charles Darwin

B: Isaac Newton

C: Carl Linnaeus

D: Gregor Mendel

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Carl Linnaeus classified the domestic dog as Canis familiaris in 1758.

7: Which dog breed is known for assisting police and the military?

A: Beagle

B: German Shepherd

C: Poodle

D: Chihuahua

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: German Shepherds are commonly used to assist police and the military due to their strength, intelligence, and trainability.

8: What term is often used to describe the strong bond between humans and dogs?

A: Man’s best friend

B: Furry friend

C: Human’s helper

D: Animal ally

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Due to their loyalty and companionship, dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend.”

9: In which publication did Carl Linnaeus first list the domestic dog’s scientific name?

A: Origin of Species

B: Systema Naturae

C: Principia Mathematica

D: On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Carl Linnaeus listed the domestic dog’s scientific name, Canis familiaris, in his publication “Systema Naturae.”

10: Which body part helps dogs maintain balance and communicate their emotional state?

A: Ears

B: Tail

C: Nose

D: Paws

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: A dog’s tail helps them maintain balance and communicate their emotional state.

11: What is a unique feature of dogs that distinguishes them from other canids according to Linnaeus?

A: Upright ears

B: Clawed feet

C: Upturned tail

D: Spotted coat

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Linnaeus distinguished dogs from other canids by their upturned tail, which he noted was not found in any other canid.

12: Which gene study suggested the domestic dog’s origin from the gray wolf?

A: Genome-wide association study

B: Mitochondrial DNA study

C: CRISPR gene editing study

D: Human Genome Project

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: A study of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) indicated that the domestic dog may have originated from the gray wolf.

13: What type of skull shape is seen in breeds like mastiffs?

A: Dolichocephalic

B: Mesaticephalic

C: Brachycephalic

D: Scoliosis

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Mastiffs have a very short and broad brachycephalic skull type.

14: How many globally recognized dog breeds are there approximately?

A: 150

B: 250

C: 350

D: 450

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: There are around 450 globally recognized dog breeds.

15: Which ancient period did the domestic dog originate according to DNA evidence?

A: Neolithic

B: Bronze Age

C: Paleolithic

D: Iron Age

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: DNA evidence indicates that dogs were likely domesticated during the Paleolithic era.

16: For what purpose have dogs not been bred?

A: Hunting

B: Herding

C: Pulling loads

D: Flying

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Dogs have not been bred for flying.

17: Which breed of dog is often used for retrieving game during hunts?

A: Bulldog

B: Labrador Retriever

C: Dachshund

D: Pug

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Labrador Retrievers are frequently used for retrieving game during hunts.

18: Which structure in dogs works like scissor blades to help them eat meat?

A: Carnassials

B: Incisors

C: Molars

D: Canines

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The carnassials are specialized teeth that work like scissor blades to cut meat.

19: How do dogs typically communicate with each other?

A: Whistling

B: Tail wagging

C: Writing

D: Singing

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Dogs often communicate with each other through tail wagging.

20: What condition was the earliest known domesticated dog found in Bonn-Oberkassel, Germany suffering from?

A: Rabies

B: Canine distemper

C: Arthritis

D: Mange

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The earliest known domesticated dog found in Bonn-Oberkassel, Germany died of canine distemper.

21: About how old are the earliest generally accepted domesticated dog remains?

A: 5,000 years

B: 10,000 years

C: 14,000 years

D: 20,000 years

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The earliest generally accepted domesticated dog remains are dated to approximately 14,223 years ago.

22: How many vertebrae do dogs naturally have in their tails?

A: 5

B: 15

C: 20

D: 26

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Most dogs naturally have 26 vertebrae in their tails.

23: What type of coat do dogs originating from colder climates typically have?

A: Single coat

B: Double coat

C: Woolly coat

D: Feathered coat

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Dogs originating from colder climates typically have double coats, consisting of a coarse guard hair and a soft down hair.

24: Dogs are most likely to align their spines in which direction when defecating?

A: East-West

B: North-South

C: Northeast-Southwest

D: Southeast-Northwest

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Dogs prefer to defecate with their spines aligned in a north-south position in calm magnetic field conditions.

25: Which common kitchen ingredient is toxic to dogs?

A: Carrots

B: Onions

C: Potatoes

D: Tomatoes

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Onions are toxic to dogs and can cause thiosulfate poisoning.

26: On average, how many puppies are in a typical litter?

A: 2

B: 4

C: 6

D: 8

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: An average litter consists of about six puppies.

27: What is a dog’s dewclaw?

A: A sharp tooth

B: A claw on a dating app

C: An extra digit on the forelimb

D: Part of the tail

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: A dog’s dewclaw is an extra digit found on their forelimbs, sometimes also on their hind legs.

28: How long do dogs usually bear their litters after fertilization?

A: 28-38 days

B: 58-68 days

C: 78-88 days

D: 98-108 days

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Dogs bear their litters roughly 58 to 68 days after fertilization, with an average of 63 days.

29: Which sensory ability allows dogs to detect changes in the Earth’s magnetic field?

A: Vision

B: Hearing

C: Magnetoreception

D: Taste

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Magnetoreception allows dogs to detect changes in the Earth’s magnetic field.

30: What is one major benefit of neutering in female dogs?

A: Increased aggression

B: Tendency to escape

C: Reduced risk of mammary gland cancer

D: Increased fat storage

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Spaying female dogs reduces the risk of mammary gland cancer.

31: What condition causes dogs to wag their tails forcefully, sometimes injuring themselves?

A: Tick fever

B: Happy tail

C: Docked tail syndrome

D: Tail rot

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Happy tail is the condition where dogs wag their tails forcefully, leading to injury.

32: About how many minutes can dogs be coitally tied after mating?

A: 5-10 minutes

B: 20-40 minutes

C: 45-60 minutes

D: 70-90 minutes

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: After mating, dogs can be coitally tied for around 5-30 minutes.

33: Which dog breed is most prone to suffer from respiratory disease?

A: Greyhound

B: Bulldog

C: Dalmatian

D: Husky

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Bulldogs are more prone to respiratory diseases than other breeds.

34: What is coprophagy in dogs?

A: Swimming ability

B: Barking excessively

C: Eating feces

D: Digging holes

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Coprophagy is the term for dogs eating feces.

35: What type of visual world do dogs experience?

A: Full color vision

B: Reds and greens only

C: Yellows, blues, and grays

D: Black and white

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Dogs have dichromatic vision and see the world mostly in yellows, blues, and grays.

36: Around what percentage of dogs can swim without a trainer?

A: 20%

B: 36.5%

C: 63.5%

D: 85%

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Around 63.5% of dogs can swim without a trainer.

37: How many bones are in a dog’s skeletal structure?

A: 100-150

B: 200-250

C: 300-350

D: 400-450

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: All healthy dogs have an identical skeletal structure with the exception of the number of bones in the tail, roughly totaling around 206 bones in large breeds.

38: Which trait in certain dog breeds evolved to facilitate running and stealth?

A: Short legs

B: Long necks

C: Larger ears

D: Long tails

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Dwarfism resulting in short legs has been selectively used in breeds like dachshunds and corgis for running and stealth.

39: How long is the median lifespan of a dog?

A: 8.7 years

B: 10.7 years

C: 12.7 years

D: 14.7 years

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The median lifespan of a dog is approximately 12.7 years.

40: What percentage of the global dog population lives as pets in developed countries?

A: 10%

B: 20%

C: 30%

D: 40%

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: About 20% of the global dog population lives as pets in developed countries.

41: A dog’s skeletal system adapted for running includes which enhanced muscle group connections?

A: Epaxial and hypaxial muscles

B: Deltoid muscles

C: Trapezius muscles

D: Gluteus maximus muscles

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Dogs’ skeletal systems adapted for running include enhanced connections for epaxial and hypaxial muscles in their neck and back.

42: What is the domestication pathway most likely taken by dogs?

A: Commensal pathway

B: Prey pathway

C: Direct uptake pathway

D: Symbiotic pathway

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Dogs likely traveled a commensal pathway into domestication, benefiting from living close to human camps.

43: How many vertebrae can naturally short-tailed dogs have?

A: 2

B: 5

C: 13

D: 20

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Dogs with naturally short tails can have as few as three vertebrae.

44: What percentage of dogs could detect subtle ergonomic changes before an epileptic seizure in a study?

A: 20%

B: 30%

C: 50%

D: Over 75%

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: A study found that some dogs showed attention-getting behavior to their handlers before an impending seizure, although the exact percentage wasn’t provided, it indicates they had this ability.

45: Who is known as “man’s best friend”?

A: Cat

B: Horse

C: Dog

D: Parrot

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” due to their loyalty and companionship.

46: Which item is NOT toxic to dogs?

A: Chocolate solids

B: Grapes

C: Onions

D: Carrots

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Carrots are not toxic to dogs and can be a healthy treat.

47: What can an enlarged violet gland cause in dogs?

A: Happy tail

B: Bald spot on tail

C: Overactive thyroid

D: Decreased appetite

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: An enlarged violet gland can cause a bald spot on the dog’s tail from hair loss.

48: Which dog role does NOT involve assisting humans by performing physical tasks?

A: Guide dog

B: Therapy dog

C: Police dog

D: Show dog 

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Show dogs participate in breed-conformation shows rather than performing physical tasks.

49: What breed-specific behavior can reduce fear and anxiety in children with conduct disorders?

A: Playing fetch

B: Snuggling

C: Agility training

D: Dog-assisted therapy

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Dog-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce fear and anxiety in children with conduct disorders.

50: From what period do most modern dog breeds derive?

A: Medieval period

B: Victorian era

C: Renaissance

D: Ancient Greece

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Most modern dog breeds were derived during the Victorian era through directed human selection.

51: What does a “double coat” in dogs consist of?

A: Two separate skin layers

B: A coarse guard hair and a soft down hair

C: Long hair and curly hair

D: Straight and wavy hair

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: A double coat consists of a coarse guard hair and a soft down hair, typical of dogs from colder climates.

52: How do dogs primarily communicate their mood or intent?

A: Vocal language

B: Ear movement

C: Tail position and movement

D: Blinking patterns

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Dogs primarily communicate their mood or intent through the position and movement of their tail.

53: How many amino acids are common to all life forms that dogs cannot synthesize?

A: 5

B: 8

C: 10

D: 12

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Dogs cannot synthesize ten amino acids that are common to all life forms.

54: What type of drive is typically evaluated in dogs for work-related purposes?

A: Prey drive

B: Sleep drive

C: Drink drive

D: Jogging drive

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Prey drive is often evaluated in dogs for work-related purposes like hunting and herding.

55: What weight-related factor negatively affects dogs’ longevity?

A: Malnutrition

B: Obesity

C: Vegetarian diet

D: Over-hydration

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Obesity correlates negatively with dogs’ longevity.

56: Which dog-related injury is common among hunting breeds?

A: Ear infections

B: Paw fractures

C: Back problems

D: Tail docking injuries

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Injuries related to tail docking are common among hunting breeds, often done to prevent tail injuries in the field.

57: What is traditionally one of dogs’ special uses, notably documented in numerous cultures?

A: Yoga practice

B: Weight training

C: Guarding and protection

D: Wilderness survival

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Dogs have been traditionally used for guarding and protection in numerous cultures.

58: How do modern breeds primarily display more diverse features than ancient canids?

A: Supernatural abilities

B: Artificial selection by humans

C: Natural genetic mutations

D: Dietary changes

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Dogs have undergone rapid phenotypic change and display extreme diversity due to artificial selection by humans.

59: What is the base coloring phenomenon involving an early onset in dogs linked to stress and anxiety?

A: Premature graying

B: Spotting 

C: Albinism

D: Sequential shedding

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Premature graying in dogs as early as one year of age is linked to impulsive behaviors and anxiety.

60: When did the South Korean parliament pass a law banning the distribution and sale of dog meat to take effect in three years?

A: 2018

B: 2020

C: 2024

D: 2023

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: On 9 January 2024, the South Korean parliament passed a law banning the distribution and sale of dog meat, set to take effect in three years.

Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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