Humane Education Lesson Plans and Activities | Find more at www.nhes.org
How to Strike a Match
Goal: Students will understand how breed plays a role in choosing a dog as a companion.
Grade Levels: 1st grade – 9th grade
Time: 20 minutes
Audience Size: 15-20 students
Objectives:
1. Students will name the two trait types that make up a breed: physical and behavioral traits.
2. Students will name one trait that is desirable to one owner, but not a good fit for another.
Materials (one for each group):
 Dog cards (included in lesson plan)
 Owner cards (included in lesson plan)
 Chalkboard, dry erase board, or easel
Introduction:
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes over 150 different dog breeds. An infinite number
of breed combinations are possible within mixed-breed dogs. Breed traits were not chosen by
forces of nature to help dogs survive. Instead, people created dog breeds based on traits they
thought would be appealing or useful. Many of the breeds we know were first developed in
ancient times. Sometimes, traits chosen by breeders are bad for the dog’s health. For instance,
some early dog breeders thought a flat face was cute, so breeds like the pug were developed to
have a flat face. Unfortunately, pugs and other flat-faced breeds have a higher risk of
developing breathing problems and other maladies. Humans have also created certain dog
breeds to express certain behaviors. Through selective breeding, humans have created dog
breeds that, from birth, have instincts to chase, herd, hunt, or protect – all according to what
humans once desired. Because breed plays an important role in a dog’s behaviors, a potential
owner will need to learn about a dog’s breed or breeds before bringing a new dog home. A
home that is suitable for one breed of dog may not be a good fit for another breed. A dog’s past
experiences, age, gender and health also shape a dog’s individual personality.
Procedure:
1. Divide students into groups of 4-5 individuals.
2. Give each group one of each card.
3. Instruct each group to work together to read each card and to match each dog breed with
the ideal owner.
4. After each group has matched up their cards, draw a simple chart on the chalkboard
showing which dog breed the groups chose for each fictional family.
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Summary:
Speaking together as a class, ask why they thought a particular dog breed would be
compatible with the family they chose.
What might have happened if:
 the stay-at-home apartment dwellers chose an energetic 90-pound Labrador?
 the rabbit owner chose a Rat Terrier?
 the rambunctious children chose a Pekingese?
*EXTENSION: A great resource for children to learn about dog breeds is Dogs 101 on
Animal Planet. Short, three-minute clips detailing common breeds can be found on
Youtube.com.
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RAT TERRIER
TERRIER GROUP
ROUGH COLLIE
HERDING GROUP
Breed History: The rat terrier was bred in
America in the 20th century to kill rats that
were attracted to grain in and around barns.
This breed is sleek, agile, intelligent, and
tenacious.
Breed History: The rough collie originated in
England where the breed was used to herd
and guard flocks of sheep.
Physical Traits: The rat terrier is a small,
compact dog weighing between18 to 22
pounds. The rat terrier has a smooth, short
coat.
Behavioral Traits: Rat terriers need regular
exercise. They are athletic and fast. Because
of the breed history, rat terriers may be
inclined to kill small and furry animals in and
around the house. However, these dogs also
have a calm side and tend to enjoy rides in
the car.
Physical Traits: Collies have a long, double
coat that requires daily brushing. The dog
typically weighs between 35 and 75 pounds
depending on the individual and gender. The
dog has long legs and graceful movements.
Behavioral Traits: Rough collies are devoted
to their families and while they may bark at
strangers, they are usually friendly. Collies
often enjoy children and look after them
attentively. They are moderately active but
also enjoy relaxing in the house.
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Lifespan: 18-22 years
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PEKINGESE
TOY GROUP
Breed History: Pekingese are one of the
world’s oldest breed of dog. They were
developed in ancient China as companions
for royalty.
Physical Traits: Pekingese have a long,
double coat, blunt face, and very short,
bowed legs. They require regular grooming
to keep their skin and coat healthy.
Pekingese cannot run long distances due to
their short legs and may be skiddish with
children.
Behavioral Traits: Pekingese are playful and
friendly. However, they are not tolerant of
rough play. These dogs enjoy being the
center of attention.
Lifespan: 12-15 years
LABRADOR RETRIEVER
SPORTING GROUP
Breed History: The Labrador retriever was
first bred in Canada as a hunting companion.
A hunter would shoot a bird, and the
Labrador’s job was to retrieve the bird for
the hunter.
Physical Traits: The maximum weight for a
Labrador is about 70 pounds for females and
90 pounds for males. Because these dogs
were bred to enter the water, they have a
slightly waterproof double coat, webbed toes
for swimming, and a sturdy build. These dogs
shed heavily.
Behavioral Traits: Labradors tend to be
gregarious, loyal, and playful dogs. They
enjoy activity in and out of the water. To this
day, they love to retrieve objects just as their
ancestors retrieved ducks. Most Labradors
enjoy long games of fetch.
Lifespan: 10-12 years
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Mr. and Mrs. Pennington
Description: Mr. and Mrs. Pennington have
been married for thirty years. They enjoy
good health, lots of free time, and are
looking for a dog to dote on.
Housing: The Penningtons live in a twobedroom apartment in Ohio. Thankfully,
their apartment community is pet-friendly.
Hobbies: They have a lot of leisure time and
enjoy cooking, puzzles, and the occasional
round of golf.
Annie
Description: Annie has taken care of her
grandparents’ dog in the past. She is turning
eleven years old and would like a dog of her
own. Her parents would also like to have a
dog join their family.
Housing: Annie lives with her mom and dad
in a three-bedroom rancher. They have a
large plot of land in a rural residential area,
most of which is fenced in.
Hobbies: Annie loves kickball, helping
animals, and playing outside with her friends.
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Mr. and Mrs. Atal
Stephanie Sayers
Description: Mr. and Mrs. Atal have been
married for three years. They don’t have any
other pets and are searching for a dog who
enjoys outdoor recreation and movie nights
at home.
Description: Stephanie Sayers lives on a large
property near Lake Michigan that her family
has owned for decades. Currently, her only
pet is a rabbit who lives primarily in her
room. She would really like to have a dog
who fits her active lifestyle.
Housing: The Atals live in North Carolina in a
single level home with a fenced in yard.
Hobbies: The Atals love hiking, biking, and
taking after-dinner walks through their
neighborhood. They also make frequent trips
to her mother’s house two hours away.
Housing: The family farm is 15 acres of
pasture, field, and forest. She lives in an old
farm house that is orderly but nothing fancy.
Hobbies: Stephanie visits the lake every
weekend during the summer and would like
to take her dog along.
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