Different breeds of dogs have different strengths and weaknesses and thrive in different situations. For example, huskies are very strong and energetic and can thrive in colder climates, whereas pomeranians are good indoor companions. What would it be like if you could mix two different breeds of dogs together?
Well, that’s what happens when dogs of different breeds mate and have puppies: genetic characteristics from each parent are passed on to the puppies. This creates a mixed breed that will hopefully inherit the best traits from both parents! While breeding specific traits in puppies is a lot more complicated than this in reality, this is basically how it works.
The activity outlined here will help you think through what characteristics of different breeds of dogs help them to thrive in different situations, and let you imagine a new mixed breed!
For this activity:
- Choose two dog breeds. Consider breed-speicific traits and how it is an advantage to each of them.
- Identify one trait from each breed (i.e. size, colour, ears, sense of smell) and consider how each trait has allowed that breed to thrive in their environment, or what the breed may be good at because of the trait.
- Draw your mixed breed pup! Ensure that the dog you draw has traits that it inherited from each of their parents.
- Give a two minute presentation describing the breed that you chose and why, the traits you chose and why they are important, and most importantly- show off your atwork!
- Bonus: come up with a fun name for your mixed breed (i.e. a spotted labrador = “Spotsador”
Additional Resources:
Play a classroom KAHOOT based on the topic of breeding: Click here!