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What kind of dog is this?
MNN's science editor explores the mysterious world of dog DNA testing.
Thu, Nov 15 2012 at 4:07 PM
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Photo: Russell McLendon/MNN
Otis was labeled a "husky mix" at the animal shelter, which seemed plausible at the time. He clearly wasn't a purebred — and we were in the market for a mutt, anyway — but his thick fur, sturdy frame and bushy tail gave us little cause for skepticism.
That was two years ago, and while Otis has turned out to be a steal, his husky heritage has also grown increasingly dubious. Not only is he knee-high, brown-eyed and broad-chested, but he seems to have maxed out at about 45 pounds. None of this necessarily means he doesn't have Siberian blood, but it has raised questions.
So we did what any reasonable dog owners would do: We shelled out $80 for a dog-breed DNA test, swabbed Otis' cheeks against his will, and mailed off his skin cells to a laboratory 600 miles away. This was partly for practical reasons — to help us figure out how much exercise he needs, for example, and to anticipate any breed-specific health problems — but it was mainly just to satisfy our curiosity.
I'll share the test results in an upcoming post, but for now I want to give MNN readers a chance to guess Otis' origins. Based on my description and photos, what breeds do you think he is? Let us know in the comments section below.
UPDATE: See Otis' test results.
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I have and Akita/German Shephard mix and he looks just like this dog. He was about 55lbs in his youth, but is now 70lbs. His name is Houdini, I can send you photo's if you like. Did you ever find out what he is?
Angie
angiemohs@hotmail.com
shepard of some kind and chow
Thanks for guessing, everybody. See Otis' test results here: http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/blogs/dog-breed-tests-do-they-really-work
Judging by the tail, I'd say that Otis is part Basenji; by his coloring, part German shepherd.
I second Chihuahua/German Shepherd.
German Shepherd/Malamute mix
I JUST went through this with my dog whom I swore was German Shepherd/yellow Lab. WRONG! So I'm hesitant to try this. But....I think some spaniel for his sharp "stop" and big eyes, Husky or Mal for his tail and forward stance and markings and double coat
Shiba/Akita/GSD/Beagle
I am going to guess some Akita due to his tail curling over his rump, and maybe some german shepherd in there....something else as well but got me on what it is... :D (love that he is laying on the pillow in that chair...)
He's a doll! Looks to me like Akita family and maybe some German Shepherd with maybe a dash of Beagle for good measure. Reminds me strongly of my girl Luna. :)
He is a wonderful Mutt from a long line of wonderful Mutts .. don't worry, he looks healthy and very happy.
From a owner of a wonderful Mutt.
I KNOW!! Chihuahua and German Shephard!
I think Otis might be a Shiba Inu cross, perhaps with a side of German Shepard, but definitely correct in saying 100% adorable. Look forward to hearing the results!
I think it is part Rottweiler because of the coloring, and part Akita because of the shape of the tail.
His thick fur and markings point to some German shepherd, but his short-ish snout points in another direction entirely. Otis is 100% adorable, though.