Dog Breeds Coloring Domino – Fun and Educational Game

Dog Breeds Domino – A Calm Coloring & Matching Game for Elementary Students

This printable domino game is a quiet and creative way for students to explore different dog breeds while practicing matching skills and early reading. The cards are all black and white, so students can color them themselves – something my third graders always look forward to. It gives them a sense of ownership over the material and creates a nice break from more structured tasks.

The idea is simple: each domino shows either a dog breed name or a drawing, and students have to find the correct pairs. The illustrations are clear and recognizable, even without color, so they work well for younger learners or students still developing their vocabulary. The breed names are printed in an easy-to-read font, which helps build confidence in early readers.

I’ve used this activity in a few different contexts:
– as a quiet task for early finishers
– in small group centers
– during indoor recess on rainy days
– or as part of a broader unit on animals and pets

It also opens up room for short, low-pressure conversations – for example, “Which one do you think is the fastest?” or “Would you want a dog like that at home?” If you work with a therapy or school dog, like I do, it’s a great way to bring that connection into the classroom without needing a full lesson plan.

The file includes 20 domino cards that you can print and cut out. I recommend using heavier paper or laminating the cards if you plan to reuse them. Depending on the group, you can let students color all the cards first or wait until they’ve completed a match.

This is one of those activities that feels more like a calm puzzle than a “game” – which is exactly what some students need in a busy school day.

💛 Warmest wishes,
Heike from Lernfitness & Happy Joe 🐶✨

Did You Know?

I teach with my certified therapy dog Happy Joe, and together we focus on creating a positive and inspiring learning environment.