Missy's DNA Results Are Here!

What do you get when you cross generations of lab mixes? A fuzzy, 30-pound Missy—apparently!

We were quite surprised to see how much lab showed up. And imagine our disbelief when the test showed that, with varying degrees of certainty, there might be skye terrier, cairn terrier, cocker spaniel, and basset hound in her. (Okay, I was pretty sure there was cocker in her to begin with.)

I might think this test is a hoax if I didn't know people who had results that actually resembled their dogs. But it gives me 100% proof that the next time someone asks, I can say Missy is a purebred mutt. Alright, honestly, it was just plain fun to do.

I've included the results here. We used Wisdom Panel Insights. We received their kit in the mail, swabbed Missy's cheek, then dropped it back in the mail. The results came in about 3 weeks later. I'm not endorsing them; I choose this test because a friend recommend it. (Oh, and it was on sale.)

Have you had your dog DNA tested? Were you surprised by the results?

Missy's DNA

People constantly approach us on walks and ask what Missy is. Every time I settle on a breed I think she looks like, someone sways me. When I'm convinced she's a spaniel mix, a passerby says, "Wow, she must be a border collie mix." (I assure them she has nothing close to the energy level of a border collie.) Then, when I'm sure she's got some spitz in her, I see a similar dog on Petfinder labeled as a flat-coated retriever. And so on...

The ambiguity of her breed is one of my favorite things about her. I hate the idea that a dog is supposed to look like something. After all, who really cares what's in our dog's DNA? At the vet's office, I identified her as "mixed breed" on their paperwork. When the receptionist questioned me, I asked her to take her best guess. The receptionist looked down at Missy, shrugged, and said, "Mixed breed it is."

But a homeowner's insurance company pushed me over the edge. When we were applying to a new company, the representative asked if we owned a dog and if so, what breed. He wouldn't accept "mixed breed" for an answer. He needed to write something down in the file. Forget about the fact that we had a flooded basement that caused tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. These people were willing to cover us as along as we don't have a bully breed living in our house. (Click here for more about breed-specific practices by insurance companies.) "Is she a pit bull?" the representative asked. And we said, "She's small and black and fluffy. Just put spaniel mix."

After that conversation, I caved and bought a DNA test for Missy. People need labels for everything, it seems. We can make our best guesses about what she is based on what she looks like, but what's in her DNA could be very different. Some friends also pointed out that it's good to know what breeds could be in the mix for medical purposes. And plus, it will just be fun to know. So we shelled out $50, ordered a test, and swabbed her cheeks. We dropped the samples in the mail this evening and should receive a copy of the results in 2-3 weeks. Stay tuned.

Do I think the results will be the end-all, be-all answer to what makes our dog supremely awesome? No. Will I be surprised or angry if it comes back as mostly "mixed breed?" Not at all.

In the end, she's our Missy, a purebred Missy.

What Is She?

This is a question I’ve been asked numerous times over the past two weeks while out on walks with Missy. My answer is always the same, “She's a purebred dog.” But seriously, what breeds came together to make this super cute, medium-sized love of a dog?

Missy is about 30-35 pounds. Her legs are short, and her body is “stocky.”  She has long, soft fur, small triangle ears and a big, fluffy tail. Her head is pretty small in proportion to the rest of her body.  (Okay, disportionately small.)

In the end, she’s just a mutt, and I love that. Will I do a DNA test that reveals her “true” heritage? Maybe if I’m curious enough and have extra cash to blow on something like that. But in the mean time, I’ll go off of your thoughts—what do you think Missy is?