Random Dog Breed Generator

How the random dog breed generator picks a breed

The page holds a list of 40 well-known dog breeds, from Akita to Yorkshire Terrier. Each press of the button picks one of them at random, with a chance of 1 in 40 (2.5%) each. Picks are independent, so the same breed can come up again.

The draw uses the browser's cryptographic random generator, as described in how our randomness works. Over many presses every breed comes up about equally often, though which one leads changes from run to run.

The tool shows the breed name only. An earlier version added photos and figures for size, lifespan and exercise needs; they were removed because most of the photo links had stopped working and the figures had no source. For reliable breed information, look the breed up with a national kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club or The Royal Kennel Club.

Example: a breed-guessing round

Four friends take turns. The player whose turn it is presses the button, keeps the screen hidden and describes the dog without saying its name: size, coat, ears, what it is known for. The first to name the breed scores a point.

For a round with all kinds of animals, use the random animal generator, which picks from 57 animals in five groups.

Ways to use a random dog breed

• Drawing practice: pick a breed and sketch it from memory, then check a photo. The art prompt generator adds a style and a mood.
• Quiz rounds: one player picks a breed and describes it; the others guess.
• Story prompts: give a character a dog without spending ten minutes choosing one.

The list is a selection of common breeds, not a register of all recognised breeds, and it is not advice on which dog suits a household.