After six months and two samples and a lot of time in transit, I finally got the genetic analysis of my Jay!
Just as a refresher: the shelter I got him from had posted his photo three different times before he chose me; on one they suggested he was a shepherd mix, another a lab mix, and another an Africanis. When I got him, the woman said she guessed he was a shepherd basset cross, which would explain his shepherd coloring and short legs. The vet seconded this guess, so it’s what I’ve been going with. Until now.
Drumroll please….
Yep, he’s a real mutt. The ‘supermutt’ category said he’s probably got a dozen more slivers of various breeds, but very likely some collie, Doberman pinscher, bulldog, and bull terrier.
I was surprised to see so many breeds, and no basset! The terrier accounts for his short legs, but I never would have guessed boerboel, they are huge! One woman who I met suggested Ridgeback when she saw his forehead crinkle up, I guess that’s a ridgeback trait. And I wondered Rottweiler because of his eyebrows.
They can call him my supermutt… I will just call him super.
p.s. I got his DNA kit through Amazon, by a company called Embark. They kept me updated all along the journey, with notifications when they received the samples, how long it would be, etc. I also got a report on various health and genetic conditions I should share with my vet, possible relatives (he has some American cousins!) along with the in-depth breed profile. I’d def recommend their service to anyone!
Let us begin 