Mixed breed dogs are presumably the most popular variant of dog in the world. [1] With a vast amount of purebreds potentially in their lineage, mixed breeds come in all shapes and sizes with many possible coats and personalities. Thus, it may seem that they have very little in common. However, many do have a few similarities, and by learning more about these typical shared traits, this wikiHow will help you identify a mixed breed dog.

1

What is a mixed breed dog?

  1. Purebred dogs are dog whose ancestors all derive from the same breed, and mixed breed dogs are the opposite. Mixed breed dogs can be divided into different categories, including mutts and designer dogs.
    • "Mutts" are dogs that are likely a mix of a large number of different and unknown breeds, usually from unintended breeding. [2] These are also called "mongrels" and "indigenous dogs". [3] [4]
    • "Designer dogs" are dogs that are intentionally crossed between breeds, typically having a parent of one breed and another parent of a different breed. [5] These are also called "hybrids" or "crossbreds", though a true hybrid dog is the cross between a dog and a feral animal, such as a wolf. [6]
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2

No two mixed breed dogs look exactly alike.

  1. They may have any mix of facial features and any type of build. A mixed breed may have a coat that is short, long, straight, wavy, curly, and any type in between. [7] Because the appearance of a mixed breed dog is unpredictable, avoid assuming that a dog is a mixed breed based on appearance alone.
    • Keep in mind that though a mixed breed may have any combination of features, many have less exaggerated features than many purebreds. It is not common to see a mixed breed with abnormal features like a Dachshund's very long body or the flat muzzle of a Pug. [9]

    Tip: If the dog is a designer dog, however, their appearance may be more predictable. For example, Poodles are a common breed used in the making of designer dogs, and many Poodle mixes, such as the Aussiedoodle, often have curly coats that do not shed. [8]

3

Many mixed breeds are medium-sized.

  1. A mixed breed dog's size may range from smaller than 10 pounds (4.5 kg) to greater than 150 pounds (68 kg). [10] However, many mixed breeds fall into the moderate size category of somewhere near 30–60 pounds (14–27 kg). [11] Most mixed breeds have a combination of sizes in their genes from small to large that even out.
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4

Dogs that are mixed breeds have moderate temperaments.

  1. Just as many dogs are mid-range in size, many are moderate and less strong-willed in temperament. [12] Because one factor that goes into breeding purebred dogs is giving them an appropriate temperament for their purpose, many purebreds are strictly bred for certain behavioral traits, such as independence, a high prey drive, or excessive energy, but due to the combination of breeds in mixed breeds, overly strong temperaments are less likely to be prominent. [13]
5

Mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier than purebreds.

  1. Purebred dogs inherit the same or similar genes from both parents, putting them more at risk for breed-specific medical problems, while this is much less of a concern in mixed breeds. [14]
    • An exception to this would be if several breeds prone to the same health issues are bred together. [15] However, this would mostly apply to designer dogs as true mutts are crossed with many breeds, and designer dogs are usually bred with health in mind to avoid inheriting similar medical issues from both parents, so this possibility is not too likely.
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6

Some mixed breeds resemble purebreds.

  1. Considering the dog's size, structure, coat, and temperament and how these relate to those of purebred dogs, think about which breeds may possibly be in the dog's genes. Some mixed breeds may highly resemble certain purebred dogs, whether accurately or otherwise.
    • Understand that some mixed breed dogs that look like a purebred dog may do so without actually being related to that breed at all. [16]
7

DNA testing will give you a definitive answer.

  1. [17] Some DNA tests also tell you about the dog's health and information about its genetics, which can also be used to help determine its breed. [18] If you would like, order a DNA test and follow the directions to swab the dog's cheek and mail the sample to the company or a lab for testing. You should receive results within a reasonable amount of time.
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8

The dog's owner may know their breed.

  1. Most people will be happy to tell you the breed of their dog, and if their dog is a mixed breed, they may know which breeds make up its genes. Some owners adopt designer or other mixed breed dogs that were intentionally bred between two or more breeds, and others that have mutts may have already had a DNA test performed.
9

Many mixed breeds come from shelters.

  1. It is unlikely that they will know with certainty, but the workers may offer suggestions about the dog's breed if this is where it came from. A dog raised by a breeder, on the other hand, should have a known genetic makeup as dog breeders selectively breed certain dogs to sell. Ask the breeder about the dog's breed if this is where the dog was originally purchased or received from. You can ask to see any documentation about the dog's breed for a guaranteed answer.
    • If the dog is coming from a breeder but is not a purebred, it is likely a designer dog.
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10

A veterinarian may recognize their breed.

  1. Not all vets are trained in identifying breeds, but from their experience with a variety of dogs, they may be able to offer some advice, such as some breeds that the dog resembles. They may also give you some tips about learning the dog's breed, including having a DNA test performed.

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  • Question
    How can I know if a mixed breed dog is hypoallergenic?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, dogs that are reported to be better for people with allergies tend to shed minimally or not at all. Additionally, hairless dogs or dogs with single coats rather than double coats seem to work well for allergies.
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