Find Out Your Dog Breed

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Crossbred Dogs Get All The Cool Names

Which dog breed should I get? Find out which dog group best fits your lifestyle!

You’re probably familiar with one ever-so-popular designer dog or hybrid canine, the Goldendoodle. In case you missed it, “golden” + “oodle” = Golden Retriever and Poodle . Two standardized purebred parents were bred to produce a 50/50 blend. If the genetic lottery plays out correctly, your Goldendoodle will be blessedly affectionate, intelligent, and sociable, and will have inherited the best traits of both parents.

How Accurate Is The Test

The breed signatures have been generated from over 20,000 known pure breed dogs. The manufacturers are confident that the breed signatures are an accurate representation of the breeds they claim to detect. The databases and breed signatures are being continually updated with new breeds and additional reference samples so that they can continue to provide clients with the most accurate results. Currently, they proudly maintain greater than 95% accuracy for all test results.

Type Of Your Dogs Coat Texture And Colouring

There is a wide range of textures as well as the length of dogs coats. They include short hair , wiry , long hair , and curly hair .

Your dogs coats also are available in a variety of patterns. They include bi-coloured and spotted pattern, merle or dappling, the tri-colour pattern, and a beautiful array of colours.

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How Accurate Are Dog Dna Tests

No genetic test is perfect. In general, however, most providers of canine genetic testing claim to be over 95% accurate. This is great, but some false identifications can occur. Review your results critically, in order to make sure they make sense for your dog.

When canine genetic testing was first introduced in 2007, those of us working in practices that offered the service often saw results that made little to no sense: large-breed patients who were supposedly 50% Chihuahua, stray dogs that supposedly contained extremely rare breeds , and other results that seemed nearly impossible.

Over time, however, these tests have become far more reliable. While we still encounter the rare surprising result , most results nowadays make sense, given the dogs appearance and the prevalence of breeds in our geographic area.

Research Your Dogs Physical Characteristics

How to find out what breed your dog is?

The way a mixed-breed dog or puppy looks can be a big indicator of their lineage. In fact, shelter staff often make educated guesses about a mixed-breed dogs makeup.

To start, make a list of your dogs physical traits:

  • Body: How big is your dog? Are they short or tall? Thick and muscular or slender and long?
  • Muzzle: Does your dog have a short, average or long face?
  • Tail: Is their tail docked or bobbed? Long, short, curly, pointy?
  • Ears: Does your pup have floppy or erect ears? Long or short?
  • Coat: What color or pattern is your dogs coat? Is their hair or fur soft or wiry? Long, medium or short?

Once you have a list of your dogs characteristics, you can begin researching and connecting the dots between your dogs traits and common breed attributes.

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What Breed Is My Dog #: Dog Dna Tests

Wisdom Panel, Embark DNA and DNA My Dog are the three most popular dog DNA test brands available in the market. The DNA test uses a swab of the dogs mouth to extract genetic information and compare it the database of other American Kennel Club dog breeds. These services can break it down the breed identification to a percentage ex. 16 percent German Shepherd, 12 percent Bernese Mountain dog, 30 percent Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and 40 percent Border Collie.

While there are multiple options, Embark provides the greatest accuracy in results. They test the highest amount of genetic markers and ensure you arent just going to get a response of unknown origin.

German Shepherds, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, and Border Collies are herding dogs. Bernese mountain dogs are working dogs. A dog made up of these breeds will enjoy activities like agility, a frisbee to satisfy the Shepherd, herding instinct and weighted exercise or specific jobs like bringing the newspaper in.

Why Are There Levels Missing From My Dogs Test Results

It is important to know that the reported breeds in the results will add up to 100% of the dogs genetic makeup. Now, if there are more breeds present in the dog, which means that each breed represents a small amount of the DNA, the lower the levels will be. For example, a mixed breed dog may not have a Level S or a Level 1 breed. On the other hand, a purebred dog may not have breeds reported at the other levels. This is why your dog may not have all breed levels present on its certificate.

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Why Dog Breed Identification Is Important

There are many reasons why its good to know your dogs genetic background and genealogy, including:

  • Understanding Behavior. Much of a dogs personality traits and little quirks can be explained by their doggy genealogy. Whether your dog likes to bark, dig, or herd, many behaviors can be better understood with dog breed identifier tests.
  • Weight Prediction. Dog breed identity testing can help predict the adult expected size and weight of your puppy. This allows you to plan ahead and better understand what your dog will need for the future, as well as what a healthy size will be.
  • Prevent Inbreeding. For purebred dogs, dog breed identifier tests can help prevent inbreeding and ensure genetic diversity.
  • Health. Dog breed identifier tests can help you better understand your dogs genetic composition, as well as what health risks your dog may be at risk for due to his genetic makeup. Some breeds are much more prone to certain diseases and sicknesses than others. Knowing your dogs breeds can help you become proactive in preventing possible health threats and ensure you dog stays healthy.
  • For Fun: Lastly, understanding your dogs genetic identity can be tons of fun! Of course you love your mutt regardless, but its still interesting and amusing to discover your canines great grandparents and understand his or her family tree!

How To Figure Out What Breed Your Dog Is: 6 Methods

Top 10 Easiest Dog Breeds To Own

Kelly is a former Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, and Poodle breeder and specialized in handling Toy and Non-Sporting group breeds.

Learn about our Editorial Policy.

How do I figure out what breed my dog is? This has to be one of the most common questions asked by dog owners. While it may not always be possible to determine a particular dog’s breed heritage, it is getting easier.

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What’s The Difference Between Purebred And Crossbred Dogs

This is easy to rule out. If you acquired your dog from a certified registry and source, such as an American Kennel Club breeder or a breed-specific rescue, you most likely have documentation of your dog’s pedigree or a firm idea of what your dog is comprised of, and hooray, you scored 100%. Yes, your dog is purebred. Your feathery Golden Retriever’s parents are, you guessed it, Golden Retrievers.

What’s in a Name?

Portmanteau Naming: A linguistic blending or the combination of multiple words and their sounds to create a new word.

Stumped Consider A Dog Dna Kit

If all else fails, your veterinarian and veterinary team will have a good idea of what your dog is. Many individuals in the veterinary community see hundreds of dogs weekly, and it is likely that they will be able to narrow down your dog’s breeds.

Still not satisfied? Opt for a dog DNA test. Embark DNA and Wisdom Panel are commonly recommended dog DNA test kits. They have been recommended to me by colleagues. As with all DNA tests, there is room for error and results aren’t always conclusive.

Certain crossbreeds have been established for centuries and are often mistaken for purebreds.

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Why Test Your Dogs Dna With Embark

Breed is just the beginning. Well give you more info about your dog than anyone else, all backed by serious science.

You swab your dog

Who knew your dogs drool contained so much incredible information? In less than 30 seconds, our soft swab collects enough saliva to analyze 230,000 genetic markers.

We crunch the data

Our scientists analyze more genetic information than other companies, and we test for each health condition multiple times. In case you were wondering: yes, we do wear lab coats.

Results you can use

Breed breakdown. Genetic health risks. Canine relatives. Ancient ancestry. Theres so much juicy info in an Embark report, we cant fit it all here.

Find Out What Breed Is Your Dog Now

Pet Dog Quiz: What is my Dog Breed?

So you are thinking about adopting a dog! Have a lot of questions like you dont know anything about dogs? Or thinking What kind of dog should I get? And most importantly, What dog breed is best for me? Well, there are many dog breeds that you would love, and only in USA there are 190 dog breeds. Each dog breed has its particular attributes and if you are still confused, then take pet dog quiz to find out What dog breed you should get.

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Character Traits And Breed

Certain breeds are related to a particular character trait, aptitude or temperament. Thats why you can consider your dogs reaction as well as his behaviours in different situations. Each breed has a lot of appearance and behaviour. All breeds exist both sides of a spectrum. If you have a mixed dog breed, he will come with a special look or behaviour. Their parents are of different breeds.

Take A Dog Breed Identification Quiz

Dont have time for all the research required by the first approach? Online dog breed quizzes take most of the legwork out of visual identification. After answering a few simple questions about your dogs appearance and traits, youll get a list of possible matches.

Like the option above, quizzes rely on visual cues. So, they probably wont get the ancestry 100% rightespecially if several breeds make up your mix. Still, theyre pretty fun to take.

Many quizzes like this exist. But as the worlds leading dog DNA service, we decided to make our own! Its shortyou just have to answer three questions about your dogs ears, tail, and head shape.

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Genetic Or Dna Testing

The best way to determine the genetic makeup of your mixed-breed dog is with the use of genetic testing. These tests examine your dog’s DNA, looking for the presence of specific DNA sequences that are associated with certain breeds.

All domesticated dogs have nearly the same genetic material. A Great Danes DNA is nearly identical to a Yorkshire Terriers DNA. However, there are small genetic differences that have been identified and associated with specific breeds. These differences form the basis for genetic testing.

Companies that perform canine DNA testing have tested thousands of samples, from dogs of known breeds. This testing has allowed them to accurately identify small genetic sequences that are associated with specific breeds. When your dogs DNA is analyzed, similarities to these identified, breed-specific DNA sequences can be used to identify your dogs breed.

While there are many different genetic testing providers, Wisdom Panel and Embark are two of the most popular options.

Dna Testing To Identify Breed

People Are Throwing Dog DNA Parties to Find Out Their Pup’s Breeds

Most Dog DNA tests consist of taking a cheek swab from your pooch and sending it for analysis. Tests generally cost around $60 dollars or more and can be done in the comfort of your own home.

There are a range of companies who offer Dog DNA testing, generally the more expensive the test, the more dog breeds the company have in their database. As with all database systems, accuracy will improve as companies collect more data. They will have more DNA strands to compare samples to.

Once you have ordered your DNA sample kit, you will take a swab from the inside of the cheek of your pooch. You will return the sample, as per the instructions in the kit and within 2-4 weeks you will have your results. The test will identify, where possible how much of a particular pure-breed exists in your dog.

Despite there not being any solid numbers stating how accurate dog DNA testing is, there are concerns that if a dataset just doesnt exist in the database where the sample is being tested, then the information just wont show up. In short, if your dog has a rare breed in them rare enough to not be in the database, youll never know.

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Cross Jack Russell Terrier

You can determine the Jack Russell through their white coat with patches of black, erect ears, fawn and rust head, the straight upright tail, tail with harsh fur, and small height. In addition, they are in medium size. In some case, you can identify the other dog breed without investigating further.

Which Dog Breeds Are Easy To Maintain

The top 15 dog breeds that are relatively easier to maintain and groom are: Basenji, Vizsla, Whippet, Boston Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, Toy Manchester, Manchester Terrier, Pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Weimaraner, Xoloitzcuintli, German Pinscher, Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, and Miniature Pinscher.

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Questions Comments And Doggy Stories Welcome:

M & M on July 09, 2020:

We know my dog is a Pomeranian mixed with…something. We just dont know what. We know nothing about my dogs parents so that makes it harder. She has been with me since I was a baby shes turning 12 in October. Well wish me luck…

Kathleen Nicholson on July 05, 2020:

I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy. The mother was called a Cavalier but had a very pointed nose. The father was definitely typical cavalier. My puppy is long legged with almond shaped eyes, and a nose more like a cocker spaniel than a cavalier. What could be in the mother’s ancestry to give her a pointed nose, like a border collie?

Fred230085 on May 05, 2020:

I have a purebred Cane Corso mixed with a purebred French mastiff. What would she be called?

Lance Perkins on May 01, 2020:

I have a 75 Percent America Staffordshire mix with 25 bull dog so what do u think I have?

S w on February 29, 2020:

Hi I am wondering what type puppy I have with ears go up lay down and tail pointing up and forward

Shontel Morrison on December 11, 2019:

Hi everyone. My, what we think 4 month old puppy, has brown eye brows, mostly black with a white chest, big paws that are black and brown, droopy ears, licks and chews on everything.

Any ideas of what he might be?

Concerned dog owner on November 16, 2019:

Sarah on September 27, 2019:

Without a dna test where can i find an expert to tell me if my chihuahua os mixed with lab?

Tommi Grace from Woodward on September 10, 2019:

Amy on September 07, 2019:

What Breed Is My Dog

best dog for my family, Choosing the Right Dog, choose a breed of dog ...

Eager to figure out which breeds make up your mystery mix? Here are the pros and cons of four common breed identification methods.

Have you ever wondered, What breed is my dog?

From satisfying your curiosity to better understanding your pet so you can provide tailored care, there are several benefits to figuring out which breeds make up your mystery mix.

Your veterinarian may offer ideas about your pups ancestry. But when judging by visual cues alone, even experts misidentify a dogs breed about 75% of the time.

So, in this post, youll learn four methods for discerning your doggos breed.

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The Best Method For Dog Breed Identification: Dog Dna Tests

When it comes to truly understanding your dogs genetic background, your best option is a dog DNA test.

Thankfully, dog breed identifier tests dont cost a fortune and are easy to do in your own home!

Buy a kit from a reputable dog DNA test lab like Wisdom Panel 2.5, and theyll help you with everything you need to do.

1. Purchase Dog DNA Identification Kit. Purchase a dog breed identification test kit .

2. Get Dog DNA Sample . Once youve placed an order, youll receive a test kit in the mail. Youll need to get a small DNA sample from your dog to send to the lab. This is really quite easy just use the simple cheek swab kit included in the package .

3. Return DNA Sample to Lab. Seal up the cheek swab DNA sample and send it back to the lab.

4. Receive Dog Genealogy Report. Within a few weeks, youll get a full report on your dogs DNA and genealogy!

To learn more about the kind of information and data you can expect to receive about your dog, check out our review of Wisdom Panel 2.5 .

We hope this article has helped you better understand dog breed identification and how you can find out the genetic makeup of your mixed breed dog!

Why Is It Important To Know A Mixed

An estimated half of all dogs are mixed-breed, and each of these breeds is characterized by unique behavioral traits. When training or trying to solve behavior problems, knowing what breed characteristics influence your best friend’s behavior can help you and your trainer leverage those characteristics to produce a more pleasant household environment.

Additionally, when taking your dog to the vet, informing the doctor of your dogs breed makeup will help them tailor the correct diet, exercise and preventive medicine regimen. All of this leads to a more informed owner and a healthier and happier dog.

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