Using this Dog Breed Game, players will learn about the diversity of the dog world, in particular, twenty-four unique breeds! A spin-off of the classic guess-who game, it will make an excellent gift for dog lovers of all ages.

Printable Dog Breed Game for Kids

Do you know which are the heaviest dogs in the world? English Mastiffs take the prize. These gentle giants can weigh up to 230 pounds! That’s like having a miniature horse in your house. The world record for the heaviest dog ever was held by an English Mastiff named Zorba, who weighed 343 pounds (156 kg).

What is the most ancient recognized dog breed? The Saluki is considered to be the oldest known breed of domesticated dog, with roots dating back to ancient Egypt around 7000 BCE. So, if you want a dog that has truly stood the test of time, the Saluki is a perfect choice!

And what about the most intelligent dog breed? That’s a harder one to answer, but Border Collies often come on top of that list. These dogs are known for their exceptional problem-solving skills, ability to learn quickly, and impressive memory. One Border Collie named Chase knew over 1,000 words!

Learn more about these and other dog breeds while playing our Dog Breed Guess Who Game.

With over 400 breeds to choose from, there are many fascinating specimens. From tiny Chihuahuas to massive Mastiffs, from relentlessly energetic Labrador Retrievers to laid-back Basset Hounds – there is surprising diversity in dog breeds. While this game cannot cover them all, it will introduce players to some of the most striking differences in size, shape, and temperament.

About the Dog Breed Game

The Dog Breed Game is a variation of the classic Guess Who game. In this game, players will become doggy detectives searching for a mystery mutt. How? By asking the right kind of questions!

A classic guess-who game focuses on the appearance of characters, but this guess-who game offers in-depth trait profiles of each dog character. A quick look at a card will tell you all you need to know about a dog’s size, original breeding purpose, aptitude for learning or guarding, playfulness, exercise needs, mental stimulation needs, and many more.

This information is taken based on the AKC website. While these descriptions provide a general idea of what may be expected from each breed, there is a note of caution in the game that each individual dog is unique, and that is absolutely true! For instance, I read that poodles are considered to be pretty vocal dogs, but our standard poodle only ever barks to alert. Still, general breed descriptions give a good general idea about breeds.

Dog Breed Card Descriptions

With every question, you’ll be one step closer to identifying the mystery mutt and winning the game!

Will you be the top dog in this game of wits and wills, or will you end up barking up the wrong tree? Play the ultimate game of doggy deduction and find out!

Who Should Play This Game?

The Dog Breed Game is an excellent game for those…

…who love dogs (this game is full of love for dogs)…

…who want to learn more about dogs (there are plenty of educational facts packed in the dog descriptions)…

…who are considering getting a dog and want to turn their research into a game (while every dog is a unique individual, breeds have tendencies that are helpful to know)…

…who like a classic guess-who game (this game is similar but has a more educational twist, with a few bonus rules)…

…who enjoy activities that involve sorting and classifying (this game is just right for scratching that itch).

My kids loved playing this Dog Breed Game!

Would you like a different dog-themed game? Try Dog Bingo – with over 20 cards and 50 dog breeds!

Dog Bingo Game

How to Play the Dog Breed Game

In our Dog Breed Guess Who game, players are presented with a set of twenty-four dogs. They aim to use their deductive skills to identify their opponent’s secret breed. They take turns asking cleverly crafted yes or no questions, such as “Is your dog breed small?”, “Does your dog breed have high exercise needs?” or “Is your dog breed known to be vocal?” to eliminate some breeds and narrow down their guess.

In the picture below, the player on the left asked, “Is your dog breed medium-sized?” The player on the right has the Pug card, which is considered to be a small breed, so the answer is “no.” The player on the left turns over all the medium-sized breeds.

Dog Guess Who: Game Setup

As players receive answers to their questions, they can eliminate more cards and eventually make a guess. The one who guesses their opponent’s secret breed first becomes the round winner.

For an additional difficulty level, you can use optional rules that let you select two unknown breeds instead of one, exclude certain types of questions, or even permit deception – in some specific situations!

Would you like to play in a classroom setting? While the basic Dog Breed game has rules for two players and small groups, the full version of the Dog Guess Who game includes posters allowing this game to be played in a classroom.

Dog Guess Who Game: Full Version comes with posters

The Full List of Dog Breeds in the Game

The game includes cards for Mastiff, Labrador Retriever, Great Dane, Chihuahua, Saluki, Standard Poodle, German Shepherd Dog, Basset Hound, Greyhound, Pug, Bulldog, Old English Sheepdog, Beagle, Dachshund, Rottweiler, Border Collie, Yorkshire Terrier, Siberian Husky, German Shorthaired Pointer, Dalmatian, English Cocker Spaniel, Saint Bernard, Doberman Pinscher, and Papillon.

It was hard to narrow down the breeds in the game. Dogs are so interesting and diverse! In the end, I decided to focus on the breeds that are well-known and show conspicuous individuality in appearance and behaviour. Chihuahuas, for example, are incredibly small, while Great Danes tower above the rest; Labrador Retrievers are known for their high energy and endless drive for games, while Basset Hounds prefer to relax.

Dog Breed Game includes 24 breeds

Don’t see your favourite breeds? Look below!

Make Your Own Cards

Are you looking for a way to spice up your Dog Guess Who game? Have you played so much that you’re ready for new breeds, or do you want to add your favourite dog to the mix? Maybe you’re using the game as a learning tool and want to create custom cards for your students.

Whatever the reason, you can make your own cards using the available templates. Just fill them in, and you can have your next game with your very own custom cards!

Make Your Own Cards for the Dog Guess Who Game

Get the Dog Guess Who Game!

You can get the basic version for two players or the full version to use in a classroom setting.

Dog Breeds Game, a variation of a classic Guess Who Game

Other Animal-Themed Projects

Try our printable Dog Matching Game and match over 80 dog-themed cards!

Dog Memory Matching Game

Animal Trivia is a printable educational game that introduces players to the fantastic animal diversity on our planet. Challenge each other to a battle of wits and learn together!

Animal Trivia Game

Following these animal drawing prompts, discover fun animal facts and create fifteen science-themed pictures!

Animal Drawing Prompts