Dogs are love and the companionship they provide is unparalleled! However, a lot of times, people may not have the right information about the breed of their dog. It might be because the dog was adopted or rescued, and they may not have an idea about the breed. Knowing the breed of your dog can help you understand their specific nature, care, and behavior as every breed has unique traits, needs, and challenges that come with it. Identifying the breed of your dog is thus a crucial puppy parenting task!
Physical Characteristics to Determine Your Dog’s Breed
Every breed has a specific set of physical features that can determine their identity. Understanding these characteristics can help you identify dog breeds with confidence. Here are some of the physical characteristics you should look out for:
Size
The size of the dog can help you determine the breed, which also gives a rough estimate on how big they will get. Here are the categories of dog sizes:
- Toy: Height less than 12 inches (31cm) and weight less than 12 pounds
- Small: Height up to 15 inches (38cm) and weight 15 – 35 pounds (7-16kg)
- Medium: Height 15 – 22 inches (38-56cm) and weight 35 – 65 pounds (16-29kg)
- Large: Height 22 – 27 inches (56-69cm) and weight 65 – 90 pounds (29-41kg)
- Giant: Height over 27 inches (69cm) and weight over 90 pounds (41kg)
Coat
The coat of the dog can also help identify the breed as each dog has a specific coat type. Here are different types of dog coats:
- Short-haired
- Long-haired
- Curly-haired
- Wire-haired
- Double-coated
- Single-coated
- Smooth-coated
Color
Color can be an essential element in differentiating dog breeds. Here are some of the colors observed in dogs:
- Black
- Brown
- White
- Grey
- Golden
- Yellow
- Red
- Brindle
- Sable
Behavioral Characteristics to Determine Your Dog’s Breed
Behavioral traits can also help identify a dog and its breed. Here are some of the common behavior traits:
Temperament
A dog’s temperament is the way it typically interacts with people and other animals. The following are different temperament types:
- Aggressive
- Shy
- Protective
- Outgoing
- Calm
- Fearless
- Happy-go-lucky
- Sociable
Trainability
The trainability of a dog can help identify the breed as some breeds train easier, while others are difficult to train. Here are the dog breeds ranked in order of trainability:
| Rank | Dog Breed |
|---|---|
| 1 | Border Collie |
| 2 | Poodle |
| 3 | German Shepherd |
| 4 | Golden Retriever |
| 5 | Doberman Pinscher |
Activity Level
The activity level of a dog can help identify the breed, as some breeds are known to be high energy, while others are less energetic. Here are some of the different activity levels observed in dogs:
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very High
Identifying Breed through DNA Testing
If you are still not able to identify the breed of your dog based on their physical and behavioral characteristics, DNA testing can be an option. It is a simple and straightforward process where you can take a sample of your dog’s DNA through their saliva, blood, or cells. The sample is then sent to a lab where it is analyzed, and you get the results in a few weeks. Although DNA testing can be expensive, it can give accurate results and help you determine your dog’s breed with just a swab.
Breed Identification through Experts
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of DNA testing, there are breed identification experts that can help. These experts can identify the breed with a high degree of accuracy based on your dog’s physical and behavioral characteristics. You can take photos of your pet and give the expert a description of their personality to help narrow down the breed. Expert help isn’t always necessary, but it can be a good option if you are struggling to identify the breed.
Conclusion
Identifying the breed of your dog can help you understand their unique characteristics, care, and behavior. By analyzing physical characteristics, behavioral traits, DNA testing, or seeking expert advice, you can determine your dog’s breed with ease. Knowing your dog’s breed provides you with more information that can help you provide better care, cater to their specific needs, and live a healthy life together!
The Most Commonly Asked Questions About Dog Breeds
- What is the best way to determine my dog’s breed?
The best way to determine your dog’s breed is by analyzing their physical and behavioral characteristics, DNA testing, or seeking expert advice. - Why is it important to know my dog’s breed?
Identifying the breed of your dog can help you understand their unique characteristics, care, and behavior. - Can I determine my dog’s breed through DNA testing?
Yes, DNA testing is a simple and straightforward process where you can take a sample of your dog’s DNA and send it to a lab for analysis. - Can an expert help me determine my dog’s breed?
Yes, breed identification experts can help you identify your dog’s breed based on their physical and behavioral characteristics. - Is it necessary to identify my dog’s breed?
Although it’s not necessary to identify your dog’s breed, it can be helpful for providing better care, catering to their specific needs, and living a healthy life together.
References
- “Dog Breeds Ranked By Intelligence, Obedience, And Trainability.” Science Daily, Science Daily, 5 Sept. 2019, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190903102551.htm.
- “Taking Your Dog’s DNA: What You Need to Know.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/discover/dog-dna-testing-everything-you-need-to-know/.
- “How to Determine Your Dog’s Breed.” PetMD, 26 Oct. 2020, www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-determine-your-dogs-breed.