Vulnerable Breeds of the UK and Ireland Quiz

Answer: Otterhound

The otterhound is a large dog that was originally bred to hunt otters in packs. When otter hunting was banned in the UK in 1978 these packs were broken up and demand for puppies dropped. Otterhounds need lots of exercise and can easily get frustrated if they do not get enough.

Answer: Bloodhound

Breeding of bloodhounds in the UK is first mentioned in writings from the 14th century. They were originally bred to track deer and wild boar for hunting but have also been used to track people as they are able to smell human scent over long distances. Because of this ability they have often been used by police and other law enforcement agencies to find missing people and criminals.

The bloodhound was once known as the 'sleuth-hound' in Scotland due to its ability to track thieves.

Answer: Shepherd's dog

Both the original name and the now used Old English sheepdog reference the original purpose of this breed which was to herd farm animals - particularly sheep. In some countries, including the UK and Australia, the Old English sheepdog is popularly known as a 'Dulux Dog' as they have been featured in the adverts and on the cans of the Dulux paint company.

Answer: A character in a novel by Sir Walter Scott

The character Dandie Dinmont appears in the novel 'Guy Mannering' by the Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. Scott based the character on his neighbour James Davidson who bred small terriers. The breed was granted permission in 2015 to wear the black and white Sir Walter Scott tartan meaning it is the only dog breed allowed to wear an official Scottish clan tartan.

Answer: Irish red and white setter

Setters were originally bred to show hunters where game birds were located. The name setter refers to the stance the dog takes when it locates birds which is a sort of crouch called a 'set'. The English setter was developed by Edward Laverack. The Irish red and white setter is named after the colours of its coat.

Answer: Miniature bull terrier

The miniature bull terrier should be smaller than 14 inches and was first recognised as a breed in its own right by the UK Kennel Club in 1943. The breed was developed through breeding together smaller examples of the standard bull terrier.

Answer: Norwich

The Norwich terrier was first recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 1932 and originally could have either pricked up ears or dropped ears. However, in 1964 the drop eared variety became a separate breed called the Norfolk terrier after the English county where Norwich is located.

Answer: Clumber spaniel

The Clumber spaniel is named after Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire which was the home of the 2nd Duke of Newcastle who developed the breed. A 1788 painting by Francis Wheatley shows the Duke of Newcastle with a number of dogs some of which are Clumbers. The Clumber spaniel is the heaviest of the spaniel breeds and was used for flushing game out of thick bushes.

Answer: Ireland

The Glen of Imaal is located in County Wicklow in Ireland and the dog named for it was originally developed for hunting badgers. The breed was first recognised by the Irish Kennel Club in 1934 although terriers of this type had been bred in the Glen of Imaal area since the 17th century.

Answer: Herding cattle

The Lancashire heeler comes from the county of Lancashire in the north west of England and was originally bred as a dog that could help farmers drive and herd cattle. It is believed that the breed was developed as a cross between the Welsh corgi and the Manchester terrier.