Smooch's family tree

A few weeks ago, I saw a $10-off promotion for the Wisdom Panel Insights dog DNA test. It was all the incentive I needed to finally get an answer to one of the great unsolved mysteries in my life (and one of the most-often-asked questions on this blog): "What kind of dog is Smooch?"

I ordered the test kit online, and a few days later it arrived in my mailbox. The timing was perfect, as my houseguest was here. She was able to assist put Smooch in a headlock as I twirled a small bristle brush inside her cheek for 15 seconds to collect the DNA sample. I mailed the sample back to the lab and have been anxiously awaiting the results, which arrived in my e-mail inbox on Friday.

So, Smooch, who's your daddy?

As I've long suspected, Smooch comes from a distinguished line of other mutts, 

or as the report says, "Smooch's mixed-breed ancestors go beyond three generations back." 

The test did not detect any significant breeds. To qualify as significant, 

at least 50% of Smooch's DNA would have had to match.

However, at least 25% of Smooch's DNA did match this breed – 

the Australian Cattle Dog, aka Red Heeler, aka Queensland:

The physical resemblance is crystal clear. As far as matching the behavioral traits
of an Australian Cattle Dog, the report asked me if I recognized any of these in Smooch:

Intelligent? Check.

Active? Check.

Energetic? Check.
Watchful? CHECK!!!

Now here comes the surprise.
The report indicated that another 25% of Smooch's DNA matches this breed:

Smooch is one-quarter Chinese Shar-Pei. Who woulda thunk? 

There is no physical resemblance, but she's certainly got the behavioral traits of a Shar-Pei:
 intelligent, independent, and alert dog with a reputation of being loyal to the family.

Smooch, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter what kind of dog you are. 

You are the very best ranch security system money could never buy 

and my life would not be the same without you.