Unfortunately, many dogs do not come with birth certificates that states what breeds their parents are. This can make things quite difficult if you are attempting to determine the breeds that make up your pooch. However, with a discriminating eye, an understanding of dog breed standards and a little piece of your dog's DNA, it is possible to determine your dog's mix.
Instructions
1. Look at your dog's features. Note the shape of its head, the length of its nose and the size of its jaw. Study the length, texture and color of its hair, the shape and length of its tail and the appearance of its feet.
2. Compare your dog's features to different types of breeds. While this isn't always definitive in determining the breed of your dog, it can give you a starting point. For instance, if your dog has webbed feet, it probably has some sort of retriever in its bloodline. If the dog has a squished nose, perhaps one of its parents is a pug. Though not scientific, feature comparison is often a useful tool in diagnosing a dog's biological make-up.
3. Obtain the advice of an animal professional. Groomers, veterinarians and veterinary technicians are surrounded by dogs all day and are usually well-versed in breed standards. Take your dog to one of these professionals and ask for his opinion. While not definitive, it can give you an idea of your dog's composition.
4. Perform a DNA test on your dog. DNA testing is typically accurate and definitive in determining the breeds of a dog. Either allow your veterinarian to obtain a sample, or send away for an at-home kit. Saliva is usually all that is needed to check the DNA, and results typically come back in a few weeks. If you are serious about knowing your dog's breed, this is the most accurate method to use.
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