How to Find Out My Dog's Breed for Cheap
Sometimes you can tell by the size, look, coat type and personality of a mixed breed dog what the predominant breeds are in its background. But often owners of mutts are baffled at what types of dogs got together to create this weird character, especially if they are first-time dog owners and unfamiliar with purebred dogs. If you're curious about your mixed pooch's ancestry, there are ways to make an educated guess.
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Instructions
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Review pictures and descriptions of dog breeds. The American Kennel Club, the largest purebred dog breed registry in the world, offers pictures and history, along with size, weight, color and other physical distinctions. It also describes typical temperament and behavioral traits of most breeds. Perusing the AKC website and comparing your dog to other breeds can help you determine the probable parentage of your mixed-breed pet.
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Ask your veterinarian. The next time you take your pet in for shots or a checkup, ask what the vet suspects could be the dog's breed makeup. The vet will know of physical characteristics and specific quirks of most dog breeds and will probably be willing to give you an educated guess.
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Take your dog to the local Humane Society or ASPCA shelter. Workers in shelters are familiar with the appearance and traits of most dogs through their work with great numbers of purebreds and mixed breeds. They should be more than willing to offer you an informed opinion.
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Get a doggy DNA test. If you're willing to shell out a few bucks, dog DNA test kits are available. DNA testers use a database of more than 300 breeds to test your dog's DNA and can pick out the predominant breeds in its background. DNA test kits cost about $80.
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