How can I determine the breed of dogs?

Currently, there are at least 400 dog breeds officially in the world, each of which is distinguished by its appearance, character, service and decorative qualities. Taking into the house of a vending stranger, you should always be well aware of how an animal will grow, and what can be expected from it. To do this, it does not hurt to learn the basic methods for determining breed.

Determining whether puppies or adult animals belong to pedigree dogs may be necessary in several cases.

1. This is important when there is a suspicion of the origin of the animal in its selection and purchase. It is no secret that even exclusive puppies in infancy can resemble their homeless cousins, while outbred cubs sometimes look like expensive dogs. An unscrupulous breeder may not necessarily be able to sell to the inexperienced dog breeder of the street Bobik, but if he lacks the relevant documents, this may well be a half-breed.
2. Quite often, the owner finds a future pet on the street. And outwardly, he may have some similarities with a purebred dog. Understanding the difference between domestic and elite animals, a person no longer needs to spend time turning to experienced dog breeders or veterinarians, and he can immediately begin domestication and fostering a found one.
3. Knowledge of the characteristics of mongrels and dogs of good origin is also necessary if an animal that does not correspond to the claimed breed has already been taken into the house. In any case, the owner needs to know how to maintain it, what to feed, because for different dogs there are different conditions for a normal life. In addition, it is necessary to know the nuances of character, to understand the purpose and the main points of dressure, if it is a service dog.

Regardless of whether the dog was bought from the hands, or pity forced me to take a homeless puppy, the ability to figure out which breed the animal belongs to. it is important already because the owner receives maximum information about him:

• preferred type of diet;
• ability to learn;
• the temperament of the dog and its physical characteristics;
• suitable climatic conditions;
• opportunities to interact with adults, children and other animals;
• hereditary diseases that largely determine the duration of life.

In some cases, probably it is necessary to turn to professionals or at least to a veterinarianwho understands different types of animals, and will be able to clarify the origin of the dog.

Any dog ​​can be primarily attributed to a certain type, and only then go deeper into the study of the characteristic and uncharacteristic signs of breed or out-of-proportion.

In total there are three types: half breeds, mongrels, thoroughbred.

They are a cross between a titled and purebred animal. The genotypes of several breeds may be present in their blood, and outdatedness may occur later. One parent of such puppies can be breeding or also a half-breed, while the second one is a purebred “nobleman”.

An animal is called a phenotype, in its external image and description it fully corresponds to the appearance of an elite dog, however he does not have a passport or documents of noble birth.

Pedigree purebred dog - an animal with a pedigree, a stigma and the presence of an electronic chip with a number. The purebred puppy has a puppy passport with his nickname, date of birth, and information about the breed and color. From the age of 6 to 15 months, the pet receives a document about the pedigree, which contains information about its ancestors, parents and owner. All information about such dogs can be obtained in the club of dog breeders or a veterinary clinic.

Often, it is difficult to recognize the breed of a found puppy due to the lack of stigma and chip, and the description of the standards of a purebred dog applies only to adults, though at about 5-12 months the puppy hair in an infant changes to an adult.

Learn about the origin of the animal by examining its appearance. To do this, determine the size and weight of the individual, the type of body, the shape of the head and ears, tail features, quality, structure and length of hair.

Consider important criteria when determining breed.

This is what should be repelled, studying the other characteristics. And you can install it in the teeth of the animal.

therefore Only the age from 4 to 7 months can be reliably determined, when the teeth of the children in the dogs are replaced by the primary ones.

Unfortunately, the size of puppies is difficult to judge about the size in adulthood, especially since their body in infancy is not proportional.

But this is possible, if judging by the form, the age of the dog has passed for 1-1.5 years and older:

• dogs of dwarf breeds have a height of no more than 30 cm and body weight, rarely reaching 5 kg;
• parameters of small breed dogs - 30-40 cm (height) and weight from 5 to 12 kg;
• medium-sized animals weigh from 12 to 22 kg, height at withers - 40-55 cm;
• large dogs are considered to be from 56 to 65 cm in height and weighing 20-30 kg;
• very large can grow up to 70-75 cm and weigh 40-50 kg;
• giant rocks are also found - their height can exceed 75 cm, and their weight - more than 50 kg.

Comparing the new pet with photos of potential "relatives", it is possible to understand what kind of dog it is. To do this, you need to make measurements of the length and width of the body, chest, back, legs and pelvic region:

• dogs with a wide bone, developed sternum, muscular paws in most cases have large dimensions, and in the presence of long hair with thick undercoat may belong to the Central European and Caucasian shepherd dogs;
• with medium parameters, the width of the chest is the same as the pelvis, or slightly wider, the overall harmony of the body and different types of hair (short and long), the animal most likely belongs to different service dogs, and the list is quite large;
• if the individual’s bones are narrow, the size of the pelvis and sternum are almost identical, and the legs are long, we can assume that this is a running breed.

Other important features of some pedigree animals can help identify existing breeds.

• Animal posture - his back may be slightly sloping, descending or straight. Sagging it happens in patients and elderly animals, because of malformations it can subside even in a puppy.
• The skin in the form of folds, or tight to the body.
• Ears, different in shape and fit, standing, hanging, cropped.
• Wool is found short, long, not counting naked dogs. Some species are identified by the presence of long whiskers, eyebrows, and beards.
• The tail can be short and long, fluffy and hard-haired, curled, rising above the spinal column, docked.
• A peculiar color can also tell what kind of animal it is.

Based on the behavior of the pet, you can detect his professional qualities.

If the puppy belongs to the watchdog, he will constantly warn the owner with barking if there is a stranger next to the house.

Another sure way to learn about the animal belonging to a certain group of breeding dogs - DNA test, which is carried out in the veterinary clinic. The doctor himself will take the necessary samples from the pet and will give an answer within 2-3 weeks. And although many consider such testing to be one hundred percent, the probability of an error is still there, since the database on the genetics of various purebred species is not yet extensive enough.

However, you should not be upset if the dog was not at all a representative of the famous breed - sometimes the mongrels are much smarter, more devoted, and the health of their titled kinsmen. And they are on a par with them worthy to have their own home and loving owner.

For the most common breeds of dogs, see below.