Can you guess the dog breed based on its puppy picture?

Do you even need to know the breed to fall in love with those dreamy eyes and curly, long ears that accentuate a darling sweet fact? But if you must, this is the smallest breed of the sporting group (35 to 38 centimetres tall and nine to 14 kilograms). They were bred to hunt woodcocks with paws that are defined as “cat paws,” compact and round in shape that are ideal for endurance and stability when hunting in fields.

Cocker Spaniel

An intense gaze is a hallmark for this breed and its extreme intelligence gives it the capability to learn numerous words and commands, which is why it’s a star of the silver screen. The bi-colour coat is another trait, but more telling is that its predominant ear always matches the primary body colour. And it’s a perfect medium size at 46 to 56 centimetres tall and 14 to 25 kilograms.

Border Collie

Admit it: You would quit your day job if you could snuggle and play with this happy-go-lucky pup every day. The gold wavy, lustrous coat is oh-so-huggable, and the broad head with the ever-present smile are hallmark traits of the breed. As an adult, it looks longer than it is tall and it will have a strong back that is slightly rounded over the rear. It’s the perfect size to ride in a canoe (it loves to swim!) standing at 56 to 61 centimetres and weighing 25 to 34 kilograms.

Golden Retriever

You might say the ears on this pup look tulip-shaped or like bat ears and they’ll always stand out, even as an adult – just like the wrinkles on its head and muzzle and those big, wide-set eyes on its square head. They’re all accessories that offset the compact, muscular package that’s just 30 centimetres tall and nine to 13 kilograms.

French Bulldog

Are those speckles or freckles? Whatever you call them, they are distinctly cute on this little pup. The coat may have a lot of variations with its patches of solid colour and speckling, but the colours can only be liver and white. Its coat is short and thick and feels a little rough, which is ideal because this breed points to a gun dog heritage.

German shorthaired pointer