So you know you can tell a poodle from a collie and you think you can tell a corgi from a dachshund, but how well do you really know dog breed characteristics? And how good are you at determining the possible breeds for a mutt?
DNA testing for dog breeds is becoming increasingly popular. Mutt owners have always been curious about their dog’s unknown ancestry and modern technology has made it possible and affordable to see just exactly where Fido’s genes might have come from.
I think this also has important implications for shelters, city pounds, dog owners and really anyone who comes into contact with mixed breed dogs. Plenty of people have deeply ingrained prejudices about different breeds of dogs, some of which are true and some of which are not true.
For instance, when looking for a vet for their Brittany Spaniel, my parents called one clinic that was very negative about Brittanys. The vet said that they make horrible family dogs and he recommended that they pick another breed. Needless to say, my parents found another vet.
If we let breed stereotypes based merely on appearance influence the way we interact with dogs or the decisions we make about care, training and treatment, rather than looking at the personality and history of the individual, we could end up making false assumptions or wrong decisions.
Just because a dog looks like a certain breed doesn’t mean she is that breed. Also, even if she is a certain breed it doesn’t mean she’s going to exhibit all of the characteristics you associate with that breed.
This post originally linked to a really interesting interactive quiz from USA Today, which is no longer available.
One dog featured in the quiz was Ellie — she’s primarily Siberian Husky, with some German Shepard, Newfoundland, pug and wire fox terrier. From the small picture given in the test, she could probably pass as a full-blooded Border Collie. Just goes to show that when you start mixing and matching breeds (whether on purpose or not…) you never know exactly what you’re going to end up with.
The puppy will need to be taken to the potty area every few hours until at least 16 weeks of age. This is because they have little control over their bodily functions, just like a human child. After eating, drinking, napping, and playing, in addition to the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. Even after house training the puppy still needs to have access to the potty area at least three times a day.