Dog's care

"How do I identify my dog" or "what dog breed do I have", are common questions amongst dog owners. Different breeds of dogs were created by man by methods of selective breeding and through geographical isolation of the animals. They were generally domesticated to do his bidding. This practice has led to the evolution of numerous breeds of dogs. Generally DNA testing can identify the breed of a purebred dog, with 99% accuracy. Other conspicuous physical factors and personality traits can also help in identifying the breed of your dog. Let us learn how we can tell the breed of a dog by noticing certain prominent characteristics in his body.

How to Tell the Breed of Your Dog

• First determine the vital statistics of your dog. Carefully measure the height of your dog, till his weathers. Also take a note of his weight. Keep in mind that there are variations in height and weight between the males and females of the same breed. For e.g. a standard male German Shepherd may stand tall at 24" to 26", but a female German Shepherd may reach to a height of not more than 22".
• The next step is to carefully note his facial structure and the structure of the head. Look at his eyes, ears, nose and shape of his muzzle and teeth structure. See if his ears are pointed or droopy; feathery or clear. These facial markings are different for different breeds and can be good indicators for determining your dog's breed. For e.g. a pug has a stout face, whereas dogs of the Spitz breed have pointed and foxy faces.
• Now, feel the fur of your dog. Does he have a short or a heavy coat? What is the texture of the hair? Is the hair straight, wavy or shaggy? Now, make a careful observation of the coat's color. See if it is uniform and single colored or is multi-colored, with patches. For e.g. dogs like Labrador and Boxer are short-coated, whereas Spitz and Terrier breeds are famous for their fine and silky coat.
• Never underestimate the tail of a dog. A tail tells a lot. See if your dog has a plumed tail or a wiry tail. Breeds like Terrier have a flowing and feathery tail, whereas some breeds, like the Dalmatian, have a straight and thin tail, without much hair. Yet other breeds, like Stumpy-tailed Cattle dogs, have a naturally short tail. You can get a good idea of a dog's breed by carefully observing the structure and the density of hair in his tail.
• One of the most important marks of determining the breed of your dog is his temperament and psychological make-up. Some dog breeds are innately even tempered and have a mild demeanor. They can be easily trained as good house dogs. On the other hand, some breeds are ferocious and wild, which is a hereditarily acquired disposition. The energy level your dog displays during physical activities can also be a strong factor in determining his breed.

Try these key steps easily at home if you are having problems in determining your dog's breed and see how good an observer you are.