How to Figure Out Your Dog’s Breed

Ever look at your adopted dog and think, “Man!  I wish I knew what breed you are!”  This post has the solution for you.  I am thrilled to partner with Wisdom Panel® Canine DNA tests and show you how cool science can be.

My Story

Ten years ago, my husband and I moved into our first house with a yard.  After years of apartment living, this move excited me more than anything because it meant that my search for a dog could begin.

I checked the pound and all the local rescue sites for a Boxer mix puppy.  Boxers enthralled me with their lithe bodies, high energy and cute, smooshy faces.  After weeks of searching, one finally appeared in a city 100 miles away.  A couple had found a pregnant – what they believed to be – Boxer/ Pointer mix at an animal shelter.  They adopted her, brought her home to their farm and there she delivered 12 perfect puppies.

Immediately, I sent off a frantic email, “Are any of the puppies still available for adoption?”

Yes! came the reply, but only one is left.

The next day, I jumped into my car and drove up to meet my new puppy.  She was six weeks old at the time and completely perfect.  Two weeks later, we took her home and named her Lily.

We took her to puppy class, walked her around the park and had her tag along on drives down to visit my parents in Tucson.  Everywhere we went, someone would always comment, “That’s a cool dog!  What is she?”

“Ummm… Boxer/Pointer we think and whatever jumped over the fence.”

I had no idea!  Sure, we had plenty of theories.  The ridge on her upper skull suggested Labrador one parkgoer informed us.  Her face looks like she could be a Pitbull, said many others.  But seriously, we had no clue.

Lily turns 10 years old this month.  Since she is now a senior dog, I want to keep on top of her health.  Knowing her breed makeup – besides for sheer curiosity – will help me and her vet stay aware of any disease that may target her specifically.

And I found out!  I now know Lily’s exact breed.  Want to know how?

Wisdom Panel

To say I jumped out of my chair when I saw this sponsored post opportunity is an understatement.  I may have screamed a little in excitement when I learned that I could give Lily a DNA test and find out her exact breed makeup.  This is something I have wondered about for 10 years!

Wisdom Panel® Canine DNA Test  gives pet owners accurate and reliable information because the test draws from a large breed database, a wide set of markers for testing and a sophisticated algorithm for assigning a family tree. This is important because knowing the breeds in your dog can help you proactively plan for their individual health, nutrition, and behavioral/training needs.

I found it relatively easy to give her the test.  Yes, I made her pose with it.  She looks thrilled, right?

I rolled a little brush between her cheek and gum line for 15 seconds.  Getting Lily to sit still was a little bit of an issue, but we accomplished it. I inserted the brushes into tubes and mailed them back to the lab.  Within a few weeks, I received an email to view Lily’s results.

Lily’s breeds

She is not a boxer nor a pointer.  At least, neither of those breeds show up as a majority.

Ready for this?

Lily is predominantly American Staffordshire Terrier.  Looking at pictures of this breed, I have no idea why we didn’t see this before.

She is also a mix of Dalmatian – explains the spots on her paws, Rottweiler, German Shepard and Alaskan Malamute.  I could have never guessed these breeds!

Here’s the breakdown that we got from Wisdom Panel.

We also received a family tree, a breakdown of her individual traits and a description of each of her major breeds.

Her results reaffirmed some of the things we knew about Lily. All of her major breeds are awesome family dogs, intelligent and for the most part, calm.  

I was surprised that many of the breeds enjoyed agility exercises and obstacles – which is so NOT Lily.  That must have gotten lost in the family line.

Overall, her DNA test showed no immediate health worries to watch out for which is a relief.

My curiosity is finally satisfied.  Every time someone asks me what kind of dog Lily is, I can immediately respond:

“Well… she is an American Staffordshire Terrier/ Dalmatian/ Alaskan Malamute/ German Shepard/ Rottweiler mix.”

Now, that’s a mouthful.  But, at least now I know I’m correct.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mars Veterinary.

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