Dog smarts needed

[aalomon]

However, I do have to agree that he certainly looks like a pit/boxer cross! And he may very well be. Have you seen the DNA kits you can get from the AKC? If you want to know for sure what he is, this is a really easy and relatively inexpensive way to find out. All you have to do is order the kit from the AKC and use the swab to collect a little saliva and skin cells from the inside of the dog's cheek. You send that off to the AKC and they send you back a certificate telling you what breeds and what percentages of those breeds are in his background. It's quite accurate!

Be careful with the DNA testing, they are far from accurate. Most vets/trainers/breeders (or at least the ones Ive talked to) say the test is a joke. I really looked into them a few years ago to see my dogs exact mix. Everyone I asked told me it was a waste of money.

[RetiredJedi]

Finally got him calmed down...hehehe:








While using tapatalk to share his pics on here.



Go Noles >>-----;;>>

[Evenstar]

Be careful with the DNA testing, they are far from accurate. Most vets/trainers/breeders (or at least the ones Ive talked to) say the test is a joke. I really looked into them a few years ago to see my dogs exact mix. Everyone I asked told me it was a waste of money.

The kits from the AKC are not a joke at all. A few years ago, there were some knock-off ones that were not as accurate - or the companies that would analyze them were less than legit. But the AKC is a huge organization that has been around since 1884. They use these kits to determine the questionable origin of registrable breeds of dogs to see whether or not the dogs can be allowed into the studbooks. They couldn't do that if the kits were not totally reliable. The AKC promotes the wellfare of dogs worldwide and supports a number of organizations dedicated to canine health and research including the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and Take the Lead.

One of these affiliations is the Canine Health Foundation which actively works towards developing significant resources for basic and applied health programs with emphasis on canine genetics to improve the quality of life for dogs. THIS is the organization that analyzes the AKC's DNA test kits - not some knock-off, questionable company.

I can understand your concern, and its true there are some kits that won't be worth squat, but I'm referring to the reliable kits offered by the AKC. Just like with anything, you have to consider the source....

[aalomon]

The AKC one WAS the one I was referring to. Again, when I did research on it I did not find anyone who recommended it. That's is just my personal experience.

The kits from the AKC are not a joke at all. A few years ago, there were some knock-off ones that were not as accurate - or the companies that would analyze them were less than legit. But the AKC is a huge organization that has been around since 1884. They use these kits to determine the questionable origin of registrable breeds of dogs to see whether or not the dogs can be allowed into the studbooks. They couldn't do that if the kits were not totally reliable. The AKC promotes the wellfare of dogs worldwide and supports a number of organizations dedicated to canine health and research including the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and Take the Lead.

One of these affiliations is the Canine Health Foundation which actively works towards developing significant resources for basic and applied health programs with emphasis on canine genetics to improve the quality of life for dogs. THIS is the organization that analyzes the AKC's DNA test kits - not some knock-off, questionable company.

I can understand your concern, and its true there are some kits that won't be worth squat, but I'm referring to the reliable kits offered by the AKC. Just like with anything, you have to consider the source....

[Lupe]

I work as an all-breed trainer for our area's kennel club and I've done so for nearly 16 years. I can tell you that just because a dog looks like he is part this or that, it isn't necessarily true. Genes blend to create certain characteristics that resemble those of specific breeds, but those genes don't necessarily come from those breeds. The broad skull of a pit bull can also be passed along by a rottweiler or some other bully breed. The raised ears could come from a terrier or a German Shepherd.

However, I do have to agree that he certainly looks like a pit/boxer cross! And he may very well be. Have you seen the DNA kits you can get from the AKC? If you want to know for sure what he is, this is a really easy and relatively inexpensive way to find out. All you have to do is order the kit from the AKC and use the swab to collect a little saliva and skin cells from the inside of the dog's cheek. You send that off to the AKC and they send you back a certificate telling you what breeds and what percentages of those breeds are in his background. It's quite accurate!

No matter what he is, he is absolutely adorable and I'd take him home with me in a heartbeat!! He looks like he has a great personality too! Pits are seriously under-rated - they can make really wonderful pets if treated right and Boxers are great with kids! He looks really happy with his new home!

Too true, I had a rott/chow/akita mix that looked like a lab/pit

[satomi325]

This handsome fellow looks really like a boxer-pit mix to me. Especially in that last photo you posted. You can definitely see similar markings and features in a boxer.

[Evenstar]

The AKC one WAS the one I was referring to. Again, when I did research on it I did not find anyone who recommended it. That's is just my personal experience.

When the DNA kits first came out, they were not as trusted - and with good reason - flaws were still being worked out in the analysis process. Many advances have been made in this area in the last couple years. Again, the AKC could not use unreliable materials with reference to their studbooks or genetics research. This is also based on numerous personal experiences - by myself and several other memebers of our kennel club. Not trying to argue with you - just providing a basis for my initial recommendation of the kits.

[aalomon]

I'm not judging your recommendation, but as I said I am speaking from my experience. As of the last time I looked into it, which was within the last year, I didn't find anyone I trusted that would recommend them.

[youbeyouibei]

Ya he looks like a lil pit. He's a lil cutie. I am going to look at a Belgian malinois this weekend and hopefully everything will go ok.

Phenomenal dogs! High-drive and like to go/work but if you get them trained and give them a purpose (Schutzhund, police work, protection, etc.), they are incredible. They also don't tend to have as many issues as do GSD's (German Shepherds) in terms of hip dysplasia and that sort of thing. I love both the Shepherds and the Malinois and you can't go wrong with either. Good luck and would love to see pics when you get him/her!