Try our printable Dog Matching Game and match over 80 dog-themed cards!
Dogs are a remarkably diverse species in size, colouration, and even temperament! Compare a tiny Chihuahua with a giant Mastiff, a sturdy Pug with a long-legged Afghan Hound! Playing a Dog Matching game, players will match dogs of the same breed, learn about different dog breeds, and improve their memory and cognitive skills.
This game is perfect for dog lovers of all ages and comes with 80 cards featuring different dog breeds and levels of complexity, so it can be easily adapted to suit various age groups. A matching game can be enjoyed by individuals or groups, making it an excellent activity for families, classrooms, or even a dog-themed party. Our Dog Matching Game packs into a nice stack of cards that you can also give away as a gift.
The Dog Matching Game is divided into two parts – “Dogs and Puppies” and “Breed Variations.” The first part involves matching adult dogs with puppies of the same breed. The second part of the game introduces variations within the same breed – like the Blue Heeler and Red Heeler forms of the Australian Cattle Dog – adding an extra challenge to the game.
Dogs and Puppies Matching Game
The resemblance between puppies and their adult versions varies from breed to breed. While some puppies retain a striking similarity to their grown-up versions, others undergo a significant transformation during their growth. Ask any Mastiff or Great Dane owner!
This game requires players to match puppies with their adult counterparts and vice versa. This offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about different dog breeds and their unique growth patterns.
This game includes the following dog breeds: Afghan Hound, Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Border Collie, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, Mastiff, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Old English Sheepdog, Pomeranian, Poodle, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Saluki, and Siberian Husky.
Altogether, there are 48 cards! Each card has a watercolour illustration, the name of the breed, and a short description, characterizing this breed in three words. The descriptions are taken from the AKC website. A Dalmatian, for instance, is characterized as “Dignified, outgoing, smart,” while a Chihuahua is described as “Lively, graceful, sassy.”
Using them, you can start by playing a memory matching game with just a few pairs…
Eventually, you can work your way up to a colossal Dogs and Puppies matching game that features all 24 pairs!
There are two sets of cards provided: one with the dog breeds pictured and labelled and another more challenging set with just illustrations and no text.
Breed Variation Matching Game
Some breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Great Dane, are known for their wide range of coat colours, which are accepted as part of the breed standards. Other breeds, such as Chihuahuas, have noticeable variations in the length and properties of their coats. As a result, even dogs of the same breed can look surprisingly different!
In this game, players will match the dogs with variations that belong to the same breed.
This game includes dogs of the following breeds: Afghan Hound, Australia Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dachshund, English Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Labrador Retriever, Pomeranian, Poodle, Bull Terrier, Chinese Crested, Siberian Husky, Collie, and Shi Tzu.
Altogether, there are 36 cards in this version of the game.
As in the previous version, there are two sets of cards provided: one with the dog breeds pictured and labelled and another more challenging set with just illustrations and no text.
How to Play the Dog Matching Game
There are several ways you can play the Dog Matching Game using the same cards.
Sorting Game
Thoroughly shuffle all the dog cards and place them face up on a flat surface. Two players take turns looking for matching pairs as quickly as possible. The game ends when all the dog cards are matched, and the player who finds the most pairs emerges as the winner.
Memory Game
Depending on the number and age of the players, you can choose to play with a few pairs of cards (4-5) or use all of them to create a larger memory game.
Arrange the face-down cards in a rectangular grid on a table. Players take turns flipping over any two cards of their choice. If the cards match, the player gets to keep them and continue revealing two more cards. If the cards do not match, the next player takes their turn. The player with the most pairs at the end of the game wins.
Add Extra Challenge
You can simplify the game by selecting cards with text or increase the difficulty level by opting for cards without any text. For an added challenge, include breeds that may appear alike, such as Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd, Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher, Dalmatian and German Shorthaired Pointer, Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Chihuahua.
More Animal-Themed Activities
Dog Guess Who is a variation on the classic board game that involves guessing the identity of a secret character by asking a series of “yes” or “no” questions. Instead of focusing on appearances, though, the Dog Guess Who game focuses on traits.
Nature Trivia game is an excellent game for nature enthusiasts to share what they already know and learn new fascinating facts about the fantastic world around us!
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