Things You'll Need
- Paper and pen
- Comprehensive list of dog breeds with pictures
Instructions
Take notes on the size and conformation of your dog: is the general constitution bold and muscular, lean and wiry, squatted or short? Measure the length of the dog's legs as well; different breeds have different lengths.
Feel the coat of the dog and write down the adjectives that come to mind. Some breeds have long, silky hair while others have short, coarse hair. Also take note of the color of the coat, length of hair, and markings. Some breeds are known for a solid coat while others have spots, patches, or distinctive markings.
Note the characteristics of the dog's tail: is it short or long? Curly or straight?
Observe the dog's head and face shape. Some breeds have distinct, angular, wolf-like features, while others have square, stout faces. Faces run from small and oval to large and triangular. Some breeds are known for pointed, foxy faces while others have soft, delicate features.
Check the ears. Some breeds have long drooping ears; others, tall and pointed ones; some have very small ears, distinctively shaped. Note whether the ears are curved or straight, fold or stand up, or are flat against the skull or floppy.
Consider the dog's personality, which varies widely from breed to breed. Some have a low level of energy, preferring a sedentary lifestyle; others are energetic, even hyper if they don't get enough exercise. Some dogs are friendly; others only want to interact with one person and are aloof to others. Some dogs are very territorial and will vigorously guard their boundaries, while others may invite in strangers.
Cross-reference the dog's traits with a database of breeds to get an idea of what kind of breeds comprise your dog.