How to Find Out What Type of Breed My Dog Is?

Knowing the breed of your dog can help you understand why your pooch behaves a certain way or anticipate what health conditions she may be develop. Unfortunately, your dog can't tell you about her lineage. You will have to figure it out on your own. With the help of animal professionals, along with a little investigating, you can determine what your pup is made of.

Things You'll Need

  • DNA sample and testing company
  • Groomer
  • Veterinarian
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to a participating veterinary office for DNA testing or use an at-home testing kit, available at many pet supply stores and mail order catalogs. DNA testing companies can determine the significant, intermediate and minor breeds of your dog via a cheek swab. DNA is the only definitive method to determine the breed or breeds of a dog. In a few weeks, you will know exactly what breeds are in your pooch, which may help you determine nutritional and exercise needs and pinpoint why it displays certain behaviors, such as digging and herding.

    • 2

      Visit a dog groomer. Groomers are invaluable when it comes to identifying the breeds present in a dog. Groomers are surrounded by different dog breeds all day long. In fact, knowing dog breeds is part of a their job, as each breed requires its own specific cut. Simply ask a groomer about your dog's breed. Chances are she will be right on the money.

    • 3

      Take your dog to a veterinarian. Veterinarians and their staff are asked all the time to identify the breeds in a dog. They see many different dog breeds daily and will likely be able to identify what kind are in yours or at least get you started on the right track.

    • 4

      Observe your dog's features closely and compare it to other dog breeds. Measure how tall and long your dog is, along with the structure of its face, including the shape of its eyes, nose and mouth. If your dog has a pushed-in nose, for example, it may be part Pug. If it has long, droopy ears, it could be part Basset Hound. Examine the dog's feet. If they are webbed, it is probably part Retriever. In addition, note the shape and length of its tail, whether it's long and flat, short and wide, or curled. Compare your findings with the standards of all the dog breeds, and you will have a general idea of what your dog may be mixed with.