How To Tell What Breed My Dog Is

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Breed Labels Assigned To Dogs Of Unknown Origin Are Often Inaccurate And Observers Don’t Agree On Visual Breed Identification

Every Dog Breed Explained (Part 1) | WIRED

Research has consistently shown that visual breed identification is very often inaccurate1,2,3,5,8, and scientists have known for decades that even first generation crossbreeds usually look dramatically different than either parent6. Moreover, recent research also indicates that even experts have very little agreement when visually determining breed2,4,5.

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A second study2 by Dr. Voith and colleagues looked at both the validity of visual breed identification and inter-observer reliability, even among experienced canine professionals, using the same dogs as the above-referenced study. Both were very low. Fewer than half of the 923 participants visually identified breeds that corresponded with the DNA analysis for 14 of the 20 dogs.

For only 7 dogs could even 1/2 the observers agree on a predominant breed. Moreover, for 3 of those dogs, the predominant visual breed identification did not match any DNA breed identification.

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For additional information, please see: How long before we discard visual breed identification?

For additional information, please see: National Canine Research Council Summary & Analysis: Inconsistent identification of pit bull-type dogs by shelter staff

For additional information, please see:

Incoherent Definitions Confound Attempts to Label Dogs as Pit Bulls

Funny Crossbreed Dog Names

Do keep in mind, however, that not all purebreds or crossbreeds will exhibit the desired traits or temperament of their parents. Breeding always incorporates the risk of inherited breed-specific health issues and similar negatives attached to concentrating a genetic pool. Traits like aggression and genetic malformations can be more common in intentionally bred dogs if not done responsibly.

Purebreds, crossbreeds, mixed-breedsall dogs are deserving of love.

Try A Dog Dna Testing Kit

For the most accurate guesstimate on what breed your dog is, the best way out of all three of these that gives you close to complete certainty is to pay for a dog DNA test kit. This can be done at some vet clinics but the test may cost quite a bit of money.

RELATED: 9 Wolf-Like Dog Breeds Know the Difference and Choose Wisely

The good news is that you can order your own in-home dog breed DNA test online for a lot cheaper and do this breed assessment by yourself .

Usually, dog DNA test kits can cost anywhere from $70 to $90 depending on where you get them and what kind of test you buy.

There are a few tested and proven ones on Amazon. The most popular four are:

  • DNA My Dog Breed test
  • Collecting the DNA sample of your dog is as easy. You just swab your dogs cheek with a cotton swab, as Angela has mentioned in her Wisdom Panel DNA test kit review.

    Then all you have to do is seal the swab inside the container that was provided, and mail it to the lab.

    Once the lab analyzes the sample, they will email you a report telling which breeds were detected in your dogs DNA.

    The results can take a few weeks to get back, but then you will know for certain what breed of dog you own. This is hands down the best way to find out which breed your dog is.

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    The Best Way To Figure Out Your Dogs Breed

    To demonstrate the differences between these four approaches, lets use Koda, the pup pictured above, as an example.

    Like most dog owners, Kodas parents first used visual and behavioral cues to guess his breed background. They predicted he was a mix of:

    • Labrador Retriever
    • German Shepherd

    Next Kodas parents took the Whats my dog? quiz, which returned the following breed results:

    • Miniature Schnauzer
    • Chesapeake Bay Retriever
    • Labrador Retriever

    As you can see, things are already getting a bit inconsistent! But waitit gets better. The Dog Scanner app predicted Koda was a mix of:

    • Perro de Presa Mallorquin
    • German Shepherd

    Eager for a more definitive answer, Kodas parents finally used a Wisdom Panel Premium dog DNA test. And after evaluating his genetic profile, the test revealed Koda was part:

    • Norwegian Buhund

    As you can see, each of the visual identification methods guessed some breeds correctly. But they several missed others or even wrongly predicted a few.

    However, the dog DNA test provided the most complete, most accurate picture of Kodas breed backgroundallowing his parents to understand him better. Suddenly, it was clear where Kodas protective tendencies came from . And his dense coat was no longer a mystery .

    As added benefits, Kodas DNA test ruled out life-threatening genetic health conditions and gave his parents ideas for activities and training techniques hed enjoy.

    Dog Breed Identification Quiz

    Pet Dog Quiz: What is my Dog Breed?

    There are seven major dog groups: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding.

    Dogs are assigned to these groups under various criteria that can include their size, temperament, purpose and origin. Dogs within the same category do not all necessarily look alike.

    Think you can guess which dog breed falls into each category?

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    Why You Should Trust Us

    Im Wirecutters pets writer, and Ive covered everything from the best automatic litter boxes to the top questions to ask your vet. Im also a lifelong pet owner whos curious about the truth behind pet DNA kits.

    In researching this guide, I spoke with Dr. Brenda Bonnett, a veterinarian and the CEO of the International Partnership for Dogs, an organization dedicated to scientific collaboration in the canine research community and the standardization of genetic testing for dogs. I attended a webinar and discussed the validity of genetic testing with Dr. Jessica Hekman, a veterinarian and postdoctoral associate at the Karlsson Lab at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, who specializes in the genomic behavior of dogs. I also consulted experts at two leading dog DNA test companies: Dr. Angela Hughes, a veterinary geneticist at Wisdom Health at the time, and Adam Boyko, PhD, co-founder and chief science officer of Embark Veterinary and an associate professor at Cornell Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences. And I spoke with Leslie A. Lyons, PhD, the head of the Feline Genetics and Comparative Medicine Laboratory at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Shes a leader in feline genetics and often consults on consumer cat genetic test kits. She was also part of the original team at the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory that pioneered DNA-based ancestry tests for animals.

    Should You Try Dog Dna Testing

    If you own a purebred dog, their physical appearance and behavior is often all you need to identify their breed. Dog scanner apps and online quizzes can make this task easier.

    Mixed breed owners will have a tougher time just going by features. If you happen to be one, then you may want to consider testing your dogs DNA.

    While dog DNA testing requires more time, effort, and money than an app or quiz, its the only way to be more certain of your dogs genetics.

    Not only does it satisfy your curiosity, DNA testing also has other benefits such as:

    • Learn your dogs temperament. If your dog has some Labrador in it, you may need to give it more exercise.
    • Provide the appropriate diet for your specific breed of dog. Certain breeds need more protein due to their high activity levels.
    • Reveal your dogs potential health risks. A lot of illnesses are due to genetics, and your dog may require additional care.

    Knowing your dogs breed will help you give them better care.

    Know Your DNA Reviews

    The Best Dog DNA Test

    We review the top 4 best dog DNA tests so you can find out more about your best friend.

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    Personalising Your Dna My Dog Breed Test Certificate

    Our customer support team is always on hand to answer any queries you may have, and ensure that every DNA My Dog Breed Test is completed successfully and without delay. You will receive a confirmation email as soon as we receive your samples and your results certificate and Breed Determination Report will follow 2-3 weeks later.

    If you wish, you may send us a photograph of your dog to include on the certificate. This is entirely optional and the photograph is not provided to the laboratory in advance of the testing so it does not influence results in any way.

    Knowing your dogs breed composition, genetic health concerns, predisposition to disease, and its unique personality traits is an invaluable tool when it comes to being proactive about its health. Order your canine DNA test today, to help your dog live a happier and healthier life.

    Find Which Group Your Pup Belongs To

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    Your dogs behavioral and physical traits have made it easier for the AKC to group breeds into specific categories. Each category theorizes what your dog should be best at doing and also some of its main physical features.

    Each group has been categorized by their ancestry as well. So, new mixes are constantly being recognized and added to the index at the AKC. This means you have a greater chance of finding your puppys breed by honing in on a specific group.

    There are seven different categories as follows:

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    What Will A Dog Dna Test Tell You

    A dog DNA test reveals the likely breed composition of your mutt, with some companies reporting results that go down to 1% of your dogs genetic code. They can also discern between lineages and provide a DNA tree from both the sire and dame . For an additional fee, you can learn about any hereditary conditions that may be worth bringing up to your vet so you can be better prepared for potential ailments as your pet ages. But dont rely on these at-home tests to make life-altering decisions for your pet, as they merely provide a potential statistical likelihoodnot an actual diagnosis. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.

    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.

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    Is Knowing The Breed Really That Important

    So, how do you figure out what breed your dog is? There is more than one answer to that question, and you may never receive an answer that is 100 percent accurate. In the long run, it may be best to just accept your dog for who they are and not worry about their breed heritage. After all, dogs love you no matter who their parents are, and that’s a wonderful gift to receive.

    Final Say On Dog Breed Identification

    How To Tell Wat Breed A Dog Is

    There you have it there are many ways to identify your dog. The most reliable would be to check with your vet, who usually knows what theyre talking about. If you would like to do your own research, check with various apps and be sure to keep an eye out for specific behaviors and physical features.

    No matter what your pup is, getting to know them and their personality is vital, so be sure to read up on everything you can about their breed to ensure the best care.

    I covered all of the costs associated with writing this post on what breed is my puppy. However, it does contain affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in this article and end up making a purchase I may receive a small commission. It wont affect the price that you pay. Just wanted to let you know.

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    Is Dna Testing Necessary

    Theres no denying the fact that DNA testing plays a vital role in determining health conditions and your dogs genetics, but its not mandatory.

    If you have a strong appeal to knowing more about your dogs breed, go for it. It helps to stay on a safer side.Feel this will indulge your fido in unnecessary testing? No need.

    However, you must seek professional help every time the need arises thats necessary.

    Why Is My Customer Id Not Found

    Ensure that you are entering your customer ID number correctly. Please make sure that we have your email address in your account. Sometimes, the code is not recognized. In this case, please contact us so we can properly register your dog.

    If you are not sure about your customer ID, cannot see it online, or shows a different sample status, please contact us.

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    Can This Test Confirm If My Dog Is Purebred

    Unfortunately, the DNA My Dog Breed Test focuses on identifying breeds found in mixed breed dogs. If the test results indicate that only 1 breed is present in the dog, it may mean that the dogs parent was a mixed breed, but the tested dog only inherited one particular breed. It does not mean that the tested dog is purebred.

    Why Should You Know Your Dog’s Breed

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    Many canine breeds are predisposed to common health conditions. Some are more prone to developing cancer or heart conditions, while other breeds are more likely to have issues with arthritis or hip dysplasia. Certain breeds have more energy than others and some are very prone to anxiety issues.

    RELATED: Should You Breed Your Dog?

    While it’s not vital, it’s definitely advisable to find out what breed your dog is. Knowing exactly the breed or breeds of your pet can help you identify some potential health problems before they become a major issue and take preventative measures. You can also accommodate your dog’s requirements for exercise and diet better, too.

    For example, if you know your canine’s breed is more prone to dog arthritis, you can talk with your vet about joint supplements for dogs to help prolong their joint health well in advance, and you can be on the lookout for early warning signs and respond accordingly. Knowing your dog’s breed can be beneficial in many ways for both you and your canine companion.

    Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.

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    Limitations Of The Dna My Dog Breed Test

    The DNA My Dog Canine Breed Determination Test is designed for the sole purpose of identifying breeds found in the genetic composition of dogs.

    It cannot determine whether or not a dog is purebred it can merely identify DNA that matches the validated breeds that make up the database.

    Your analysis will be compiled based on the results obtained from your DNA sample submission, and will be processed with a reasonable amount of certainty. It is possible that there have been some random changes within your dogs DNA which may affect the results. The testing procedures and database are designed to recognise that this may happen and minimise any effect. It is understood that no analytical test is 100% accurate. DNA My Dog are not responsible for any inferences made about any individual dog based upon the provided information.

    The test is based upon a database of recognised breeds. If your dog contains other breeds, not in the database, it may give rise to the identification of breeds earlier in your pets history and may therefore provide a seemingly unlikely result for your dog. It is important to understand that each dog is uniquely individual. Two dogs with the same breeds detected in their DNA may exhibit drastically different physical traits. In terms of behaviour and personality, while certain traits may generally be associated with specific breeds, behavior will also be influenced by environment, training and handling.

    How The Dna My Dog Breed Test Works

    Every dog has its own unique DNA profile, and collecting its DNA only requires a simple and painless cheek swab, which takes less than a minute. We provide the sterile mouth swabs, and all you need to do is gently rub the swab around the inside of your dogs mouth, flush with one of their cheeks. To ensure we obtain the most accurate DNA test results for your dog, please ensure they do not eat or drink anything before you take the cheek swab. Keep them away from food and water bowls used by other dogs, as well as toys and bones, to reduce the chance of cross contamination.

    You then return the swabs to us and the laboratory will extract the DNA and compare it against their database of 102 certified dog breeds. It really is that simple, and we provide you with easy to understand results, detailing the breeds found in your dog. These results are key to pet wellness and allow you to care for your canine friend in a way that maximises its health.

    Please click on the image below to view the full list of breeds or visit our DNA My Dog Test Certified Breeds page.

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    How To Identify A Mixed Breed Dog

    The truth is, appearance is not reliable for identifying a dogs breed.

    Many owners will attempt to decipher their dogs breed identify through visual cues whether cocked ears, fluffy tails, or snout shape. But ultimately, visual identifiers cannot be trusted.

    Even vets who have years of experience cannot properly identify a dog based on physical traits alone. In fact, studies have shown that visual identification of breeds in dogs is only accurate about 25% of the time!

    Just as a small child can look more like his grandparents than parents, dogs can inheret visual attributes of breeds that dont necessarily correlate with their closest relatives.

    Let me explain why

    You see, when it comes to your dogs physical appearance, theres much more happening under the hood than you may think.

    The problem with visual identification is that some breeds have physical characteristics that exist largely as recessive traits. For example, Yorkshire Terriers have many recessive traits. So even if a mixed breed dog has mostly Yorkshire Terrier DNA, he may end up looking like a completely different breed, even if the other breed makes up only a small part of the dogs DNA compared to a Yorkshire Terrier.

    Other breeds have traits that are more dominant. Irish Wolfhounds have dominant traits, so your dog could end up resembling an Irish Wolfhound, even if he has only a small amount of Irish Wolfhound DNA.

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