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Wolves and Dogs: Fact and Fiction

Wolf pups at play Think you know where dogs came from? How much they have in common with their ancestors? Or what they're really trying to tell you when they bark? Take this quiz and find out.


  1. Dogs are descended mostly from wolves, jackals, and coyotes.
    True | False

  2. The dog was the first animal to be domesticated by humans.
    True | False

  3. The dog was first domesticated in the early 1500s.
    True | False

  4. There are about 40 species in the dog family, Canidae.
    True | False

  5. About 80 breeds of domesticated dogs exist today.
    True | False

  6. An adult dog and wolf of the same weight will have different-sized heads.
    True | False

  7. Dogs and wolves bark for some of the same reasons.
    True | False

  8. Dogs and wolves rely equally on visual communication.
    True | False

  9. Wolf hybrids must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies.
    True | False

  10. You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
    True | False

References

Photos: Lynn and Donna Rogers, North American Bear Center, Ely MN.

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