Breed Identification Tests

For almost twelve years now, I have wondered what breeds my dog, Chewy, is mixed with. He seems most certainly to have German Shepherd in him, but the rest? I've considered a number of breeds: Labrador Retriever, Doberman, some sort of hound, greyhound, etc. My best guess today is that he is a German Shepherd/Doberman cross. He has obvious shepherd characteristics: his coloring and build and general appearance as well as his sensitivity and intelligence. When I look at Doberman Pinschers, I consistently see my handsome Chewy in their faces and bodies.

 Chewy does not have the slanted back-end like most shepherds. He has long back legs and a relatively small, sleek head. His ears are down, like Dobermans' are naturally. Regardless of my beliefs, most of my conversations about him with other people regarding his breed end in, "Well, I guess I'll never know."

 Maybe not! Now there are breed tests you can do to identify what breed mix your dog is. There is one called the "Canine Heritage Breed Test" in which you swab the inside of the cheek of the dog-in-question and send the sample back to their lab. Four to six weeks later, Voila! You get your results.

 There are a couple of catches to this one. As of now, the test only identifies 38 breeds, making up 75% of the United States' canine population. "If your pet's composition contains non-validated breed(s), the test may identify a breed earlier in your dog's ancestry. This may cause identification of apparent unlikely breeds for your animal's composition", according to the "Canine Heritage Breed Test FAQ."

 There were other criteria as well and it seems pretty risky to invest in finding out your dog's breed mix only to have it incorrect!

The "Wisdom Panel MX Mixed Breed Analysis Test" is another dog breed identifier. Where the Canine Heritage Test only detects 38 breeds, the Wisdom Test identifies about 130 different breeds. This test requires some help from your veterinarian, as it involves a blood draw instead of a cheek swab. The wisdom panel test is more precise, but costs about twice as much as the Canine Heritage; about $150 compared to about $75.

In addition to satisfying curiosity, the breed test may help people understand their dog's behaviors and tendencies better, as well as clue them in to potential health predispositions. Purebred dogs are generally more susceptible to health issues, but mixed breeds can develop common purebred issues, like hip displasia and heart disease.

There is no doubt that I am very curious as to what my dog's breed mix is. As I consider the breed tests for myself, and my beloved, I can't help but notice that I feel a little nervous to find out for sure. What if he is not a German Shepherd mix at all? Would I be disappointed after twelve years of relating to him as a German Shepherd? Maybe a little...but he would still be my handsome boy who I love with an intensity that impresses me every day. He would still be 100% perfect!