Figuring Out Your Dog's Breed

It's easy to love shelter dogs, but it's not always easy to classify their breed. Your dog has an adorable face, but what dog breed does that face belong to? Here are some ways to determine what breed (or combination of breeds) your dog is. 

Browse Breeds

If you want to try to take a guess at your dog's breed yourself, try to browse some breeds to figure it out. Websites like AKC.org have an extensive and informative listing of dog breeds. Your dog's ears, muzzle, and tail are often telling about what type of dog they are. 

Ask Your Vet

As you probably already know, your veterinarian is a doggy expert! Vets have knowledge about a variety of dog breeds, and will be able to give you some insights on what they think your dog is. While they can't guarantee you they're correct, they're on-hand experts that are only a phone call away. 

Doggy DNA Tests

If you want to know your dog's exact genetic makeup, there are tests for that! There are multiple DNA testing services for dogs, but WisdomPanel.com is a reputable source that requires some of your dog's cheek skin cells. Your kit contains results and the website has a large database of over 250 breeds. 

Fetch! App

Fetch! is a downloadable iPhone app that lets you upload a picture of your dog and then uses that picture to find your dog's breed. Don't bet on this working perfectly, however. It's an educated guess from a picture, but might not be totally accurate. 

The only surefire way to pinpoint your dog's genetic makeup is DNA testing, but if it's also fun to try to determine your dog's breed yourself! Whatever breed your dog is, you should be proud you have a mutt.