Reading Comprehension Text and Exercises

Dogs

Our Loyal Friends, Part 3

See Dogs Our Loyal Friends, Part 1

See Dogs Our Loyal Friends, Part 2

Nobody knows exactly how many dogs there are in the world. Yet, one thing is for certain – the number keeps increasing. In the United States, more than 80 million dogs live as pets. In the European Union, the total dog population has gone up by six million in only a couple of years. Because dogs make our daily lives so much better, it is possible that soon there will be as many dogs as there are humans.

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Interesting Facts about Different Dog Breeds

• When they are born, Dalmatian puppies are completely white. Three or four week later, their unique black sports begin to develop.
  
  
  
• The only dog breed that cannot bark is the Basenji dog. Instead, they make a strange sound which resembles to yodeling (what Tarzan usually does).
  
  
  
• The Shar-Pei dog has a pretty unusual purple tongue.
  
  
  
• The fluffy Chow Chow, on the other hand, has a blue one.
  
  
  
• Those who own the Rhodesian Ridgeback know that these large dogs are fearless and incredibly good hunters. This should not come as a surprise, considering that they were bred to hunt lions!
  
  
  
• Dachshunds, also called "sausage dogs" because of their short and long bodies, were trained to fight badgers.
  
  
  
• There are many popular movies about dogs and their owners. The first dog which appeared on the big screen in 1910 was a Border Collie called Jean. Another famous character is the Long-Haired Collie Lassie.
  
  
  

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one the most popular pets around the world. People love these large yellow dogs because they are children's best friends. They are good-natured and love playing.

The name "'Retriever" was given to them because they were good at retrieving shot games (animals that people hunt like birds or ducks) undamaged while hunting.

These dogs simply love water – take them for a swim and see how much they enjoy it.

Because they are so friendly to everyone, they should not be relied on for guarding. Yet, the Golden Retriever is commonly employed as a guide dog for the blind. They have recently been labeled as therapy dogs – spending time with them helps those who are ill or recovering from trauma.

Poodle

Poodles are grouped in three different categories based on their size. Standard poodles are the largest, and they can be up to 24 inches (60cm) tall. Miniature poodles are between 11 and 14 inches (28-35 cm) tall, whereas the smallest ones, called Toy poodles, are usually around 10 inches (25 cm). Their elegant hair requires professional grooming every few weeks.

Due to their smaller size and long curly hair, they are not taken for hunters or guards. Still, the poodle is the second most intelligent dog breed of all, ranking just behind the Border Collie.

They frequently win dog competitions in all different disciplines. Being so clever, poodles love to learn and train, so they should not be left alone and bored.

The place of their origin is still disputed. Some say they came from Germany, but others believe their French name Caniche (from cane meaning female duck in French) means they were trained for duck hunting in France.

Cocker Spaniel

The spaniel is an old dog breed, mentioned for the first time in the 14th century French books. The name "cocker" was added much later when these dogs were trained to hunt woodcock birds in the United Kingdom, and later in the United States, too.

Today, their small size, long ears and cute faces lead many people to believe they could only ever be companion dogs. Yet, they are still very capable of bird hunting.

Cocker spaniels love their humans and always want to make them happy. This breed became really popular when the "Lady and the Tramp" Disney movie came out in 1955. It is a story about Lady, a house pet Cocker, and Tramp, a stray dog, who fell in love and had many puppies.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a toy dog breed, weighing merely 10-19 pounds. Their bodies are covered with long fur, which is often braided or decorated for shows.

It is believed that the Shih Tzu is one of the most ancient breeds, having first appeared in China and Tibet. In Chinese, their name means "lion dog", or "little lion". However, the Shih Tzu has nothing to do with lions, except maybe for the mane around its head.

Giving the Shih Tzu proper care includes having them stay in air-conditioned rooms over the summer because they can often have breathing problems. Don't be surprised if you hear your Shih Tzu snore like a human – that's quite normal for them.

Boxer

The Boxer is a medium-sized dog developed from the now extinct Bullenbeisser in the 19th century Germany. Of course, these dogs were never used for boxing, but only for hunting.

One of the possible reasons they are called Boxers is because it has been noticed that, while playing, they like to stand on their back legs and pretend to be "boxing" with their front paws.

They are large and quite strong, but they aren't really outdoors dogs. They have very flat faces and short noses, which makes them feel uncomfortable when the weather is too warm or cold.

Even though they can be hostile to other dogs, Boxers are actually very cheerful and get excited very easily. They will make sure to show you that with lots of jumping whenever they are greeting you.

See Dogs Our Loyal Friends, Part 1

See Dogs Our Loyal Friends, Part 2

Comprehension Exercises

Vocabulary Questions

1. What does "mane" mean?
1. loud roar
2. long, thick hair
3. short hair
   
   
2. What does "stray" mean?
1. successful at competitions
2. very stubborn
3. homeless, wandering
   
   
3. What does "hostile" mean?
1. unfriendly
2. welcoming
3. ignoring someone
   
   
4. What does "badger" mean?
1. martial arts instructor
2. professional fighter
3. mammal with black and white head
   
   
5. What does "trauma" mean?
1. severe shock, stressful experience
2. car accident
3. long journey

Collocation Questions

6. The cocker's cute face leads people to __________ they are not fierce.
1. suspect
2. conclude
3. believe
   
   
7. The Shih Tzu has nothing to __________ with lions.
1. share
2. make
3. do
   
   
8. "Lady and the Tramp" came __________ in 1955.
1. in
2. out
3. up
   
   
9. Golden Retrievers can help people __________ from trauma.
1. recover
2. heal
3. retrieve
   
   

10. Jean, a Border Collie, was the first dog to appear on the big __________.
1. display
2. screen
3. monitor
   
   

11. Poodles are not usually taken __________ hunters.

1. for
2. of
3. as
   
   

12. Shih Tzus can often have __________ problems.
1. respiring
2. puffing
3. breathing
   
   
13. While playing, Boxers __________ they are boxing.
1. pose like
2. pretend
3. make as if
   
   
14. In the movie, Tramp is a __________ dog.
1. stray
2. homeless
3. wandering
   
   
15. Golden Retrievers can retrieve shot games __________.
1. undisrupted
2. unspoiled
3. undamaged

Wh Questions

16. What makes the Shih Tzu look like a little lion?
1. their appetite
2. their bark
3. their hair
   
   
17. How do Dalmatian puppies look like when they are born?
1. they are white
2. they are black
3. they are white with black spots
   
   
18. Which dog breed is the most intelligent one?
1. German Shepherd
2. Border Collie
3. Poodle
   
   
19. Why does certain weather make Boxers feel uncomfortable?
1. because they originally lived in Siberia
2. because they are spoiled
3. because of their small noses
   
   

20. Where do poodles come from?
    
1. It is uncertain.
2. China
3. Italy

Evaluating Statements

21. Based on the information in this lesson, which statement is true?
1. The Basenji cannot make any sound.
2. The Basenji cannot bark, but they can make other sounds.
   
   
22. Based on the information in this lesson, which statement is false?
1. All dogs have pink tongues.
2. Dogs' tongues can be different-colored.

True or False?

23. Based on the information in this lesson, is the following statement true or false?
    
    "Golden Retrievers are not happy when they are in the water."
1. True
2. False
   
   
24. Based on the information in this lesson, is the following statement true or false?
    
    "Some dogs snore just like humans."
1. True
2. False

Answer Key

1. B | 2. C | 3. A | 4. C | 5. A | 6. C | 7. C | 8. B | 9. A | 10. B | 11. A | 12. C | 13. B | 14. A | 15. C | 16. C | 17. A | 18. B | 19. C | 20. A |21. B | 22. A | 23. B | 24. A

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