Dog Furiendly
As a board gamer who also happens to adore dogs, there’s nothing more thrilling than combining two passions into one. Whether you’re gathering with fellow dog lovers or just looking to infuse a bit of canine cheer into your game nights, the world of dog-themed board games has much to offer. From strategy-packed adventures to light-hearted fun, here’s a rundown of some tail-waggingly good games that every dog-loving gamer should check out.
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Dog Park
Dog Park stands out with its stunning watercolour artwork and engaging gameplay. Created by the dynamic duo of Lottie and Jack Hazell at Birdwood Games, this game invites 1-4 players to step into the shoes of a dog walker aiming to be the best in town. With 163 unique dog cards featuring breeds recognised by the Kennel Club, it’s a delightful exploration of canine diversity. The game is ingeniously divided into four phases, mirroring the real-life process of caring for dogs, from bidding for new furry friends to taking them out for a walk in the park. Each playthrough is a new adventure, filled with competition and admiration for the beautiful breeds that grace the game.
Spots
For those who relish the thrill of dice games combined with a hearty dose of canine charm, Spots is an unbeatable choice. This game is a barrel of laughs and fosters a spirit of friendly competition as players endeavour to match their dice rolls with the spots on their adorable dog cards. What makes Spots stand out is its simplicity, merged with the depth of strategy it offers. Each turn is an exercise in risk-taking and decision-making, as players weigh the odds and decide whether to push their luck or play it safe. Beyond the mechanics, the theme of dogs runs delightfully throughout the game, making every moment engaging for dog lovers. The artwork adds a whimsical touch, depicting a range of dog breeds in various playful poses, making each roll of the dice not just a game move but a story unfolding. Whether it’s a casual game night with family or a competitive gathering of friends, Spots promises a fun-filled time, packed with strategic choices and the joyous unpredictability of rolling dice.
Dog Crimes
Thinkfun Dog Crimes is the perfect blend of mystery, logic, and a love for our four-legged friends. This game is an exceptional choice for those who enjoy putting their detective hat on and diving into a world of brain-teasing puzzles. Suitable for solo players, it invites you into a series of canine capers where deductive reasoning is your best tool to untangle the mysteries. Each challenge presents a unique scenario involving doggy suspects with distinct characteristics and traits, making every puzzle a delightful narrative to unravel. The game is designed to stimulate the mind, with challenges that range in difficulty, ensuring that players of all ages can test their logic and problem-solving skills. The inclusion of beautifully designed components, such as the game board, dog tokens, and crime tokens, enhances the immersive experience. Thinkfun Dog Crimes is more than just a game; it’s an educational journey through the intriguing world of logic puzzles, wrapped up in a package that dog lovers will find irresistible.
Forever Home
Forever Home captures the essence of compassion and the joy of giving shelter dogs a new lease on life. This game is an emotional journey that combines the strategic elements of tile placement and drafting with the heartwarming goal of caring for and rehoming as many dogs as possible. Players step into the shoes of shelter workers, where they are tasked with the noble challenge of ensuring each dog finds its perfect forever home. The game beautifully balances strategy with its thematic goals, as players must make thoughtful decisions about which dogs to bring into their shelter, how to train them, and ultimately, how to match them with the ideal family. The competitive element of vying for reputation points adds a layer of excitement to the game, pushing players to not only be efficient but also considerate in their choices. Forever Home shines a spotlight on the important work done by animal shelters and the difference a loving home can make in a dog’s life. With its engaging gameplay, Forever Home is not just a game but a tribute to the bond between humans and their canine companions, making it a deeply fulfilling experience for anyone who holds dogs close to their heart.
Canine Kleptomaniacs
Next up, Canine Kleptomaniacs takes inspiration from the cheeky thieving habits of spaniels, thanks to the creative minds at Golden Ginty Games. This card game is all about strategy and fun, as players bluff, pilfer, and trade their way to victory, making it a perfect pick for game nights. It’s also travel-friendly, making it an excellent companion for dog friendly staycations where you can play while your furry friends snooze nearby.
Ten Bone Bowling
Ten Bone Bowling elevates the concept of family game night by inviting your four-legged family members to join the fun. This game ingeniously combines physical activity with strategic play, as participants predict how many pins will be toppled when their dog chases a ball down the makeshift alley. Whether played in a spacious backyard, a park, or a corridor at home, it’s designed to be inclusive, making sure everyone from toddlers to grandparents, and especially the family dog, can participate. What sets this game apart is its philanthropic heart; a portion of every sale goes directly to Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity. Playing Ten Bone Bowling is not just about enjoying quality time with your loved ones and pets; it’s about contributing to a good cause, making each game feel even more rewarding.
Pass The Pugs
Pass the Pugs takes the familiar excitement of dice games and infuses it with the undeniable charm of pugs. This portable game packs a lot of fun into a small case, making it an ideal travel companion or a quick-play option at home. The simplicity of tossing pugs and the anticipation of how they land—aiming for those perfect “double faceplants” or “puppy love” positions—create an engaging and humorous experience. This game is a wonderful gift for pug aficionados and dice game enthusiasts alike, providing a compact yet utterly adorable gaming experience that captures the quirky essence of pugs in every roll.
Dog Lover
In Dog Lover, players dive into the rewarding world of dog rescue and care. Each turn, you’ll find yourself making decisions that mimic the responsibilities of real-life dog ownership—from rescuing dogs of various sizes and breeds to teaching them new tricks and ensuring they’re well-fed. The game beautifully balances strategic depth with the heartwarming theme of caring for dogs, making each playthrough not just a competition for victory points but a reminder of the joys and duties of pet ownership. With its blend of strategy, education, and empathy, Dog Lover stands out as a deeply engaging game that celebrates the bond between humans and their canine companions.
Good Puppers
Good Puppers is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a delight to play, thanks to its gorgeous watercolour illustrations of dogs. This game focuses on amassing a collection of dogs to bury bones, which are worth points at the game’s end. The simplicity of the gameplay, coupled with the strategic depth of breed-specific abilities and bone-burying tactics, makes it accessible for players of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re looking for a game to enjoy with family or friends, Good Puppers promises a casual yet captivating experience, celebrating the playful and loyal nature of dogs in every round.
Nuts About Mutts
Nuts About Mutts takes the universally loved gameplay of Uno and reimagines it with a canine twist that will have players of all ages howling with laughter. As you play your hand, trying to be the first to get rid of all your cards, you’ll encounter a variety of dog breeds and playful action cards that add a layer of strategy and unpredictability to the game. It’s fast-paced, easy to learn, and offers a perfect blend of competition and fun, making it an excellent choice for family game nights, parties, or casual gatherings. Nuts About Mutts proves that a simple concept, when themed with dogs and infused with creative twists, can become an instant classic in any game collection.
Fort Cats & Dogs Expansion
Fort is a charming card game for 2-4 players, centred around the whimsical concept of being a kid again – building forts, growing a circle of friends, and gathering pizza and toys to become the coolest in the neighbourhood. While the base game of Fort doesn’t include dogs, the creators have introduced a delightful expansion: Cats & Dogs. This expansion adds a layer of fun and strategy by incorporating pets into your fort-building adventures. Dogs in the expansion are loyal and stay in your doghouse if their needs are met, offering points at the game’s end, whereas cats add a layer of unpredictability with their fickle nature, moving between players based on certain conditions. Although dogs are not part of the original game, this expansion brings them into play, allowing players to experience the joy and challenges of pet ownership alongside their fort-building escapades.
Bark Avenue
Bark Avenue takes you on a strategic adventure through the streets of New York City, challenging you to master the art of dog walking in a bustling urban environment. Players must carefully plan their routes, manage the needs and preferences of their furry clients, and use the city’s transportation to their advantage, all while competing to become the most reputable dog walker on the block. The game combines route optimisation, time management, and strategic planning, offering a rich and thematic experience that appeals to dog lovers and board gamers alike. Bark Avenue not only captures the challenges and rewards of dog walking but does so with a level of depth and strategy that keeps players engaged and entertained from start to finish.
Do You Have Any Favourite Dog Themed Board Games?
Each of these games offers a unique way to celebrate our love for dogs through the medium of board games. Whether you’re in the mood for a strategic challenge or simply looking to enjoy some light-hearted fun with friends and family (both two and four-legged), there’s a dog-themed game out there for you.
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