This puppy counting picture is packed with adorable faces. You can spot floppy-eared spaniels, little dachshunds, smiling corgis, retrievers and terriers. The challenge sounds easy: how many puppies can you see? But some of the dogs sit closer together than others, and it is easy to skip one when you move from row to row.
Take a careful look at the whole image before reading further. Resist the temptation to guess a neat round number. These picture puzzles are easier when you use a method instead of relying on a quick glance.
How to count every puppy
Start at the top left and count across the first row. Move down to the next group and repeat. Pay particular attention to the middle of the illustration, where a small brown puppy sits between larger dogs. Keep track of each separate face rather than counting paws, tails or ears.
Different breeds can sometimes look like different sizes in the picture. A smaller dog still counts as one, just like its larger neighbor.
The answer: 17 puppies
There are 17 puppies in this image. Counting across the rows gives 4 in the top row, 5 in the second, 4 in the third and 4 at the bottom. The total is 4 + 5 + 4 + 4 = 17.
If you originally counted 16, check the second row. It has one more dog than the other rows, and that small difference is the heart of the puzzle.
Why animal counting games are fun
Counting picture puzzles are an easy activity to enjoy with family or friends. They encourage close observation without needing complicated rules. They are especially fun when the subjects are as lovable as these puppies.
What number did you get before checking? Challenge another dog lover to find all 17.
