Our Little Bits’ dog DNA test results are in, and I must say we were quite surprised! I received a dog DNA test from Embark Vet for review purposes. I’m also an affiliate, but all opinions are my own.
A Little Background About The Bits’ Adoption
The shelter had the Little Bits as a Boston terrier pug mix. We were the ones who took one look at her and said, “no way!” But, honestly, what the heck do we know about dog breeds?
Our vet also said due to her size, she looks more like a chihuahua pug mix. When we look at apple head chihuahuas, she looks so much like them. So, we decided to tell everyone she’s a chihuahua.
Let me tell you, every single person who meets her asks her breed. She’s that cute that people are curious. It turns out, we were quite a bit wrong!
As I’ve said many times — her breed doesn’t matter. We’d love her if she were part alien. However, it’s interesting to know. I did my own DNA test for ancestry, so I’m just into that sort of thing.
In my previous post, I talked about the process of the dog DNA test. It was easy and painless. After shipping it back, they keep you updated via email and text (your choice) throughout the process.
Before we go further, play the Breed Guessing game to see how you do!
What’s Included in the Dog DNA Results?
Predicted Weight
Based on a dog’s genes, Embark can estimate an approximate weight. This number is helpful for people with puppies and full-grown dogs.
If someone adopts a mixed breed puppy, they will want to know what size supplies to buy. For full-grown puppies, the weight is good to use as a guide for a healthy target weight.
The Bits’ report says her predicted weight is 11 pounds. Her last weigh-in at the vet was 6 pounds. The vet said her weight is perfect. So, now I know to make sure she never goes over 11.
Genetic Age
Reading about the way Embark estimates age is quite interesting. I’ll let you read about it in your own report.
Bits is estimated to be three years old, which is right on point with what the shelter told us.
Genetic Health Conditions
Embark tests for 171 health conditions and Bits didn’t test positive for any of them! Thank goodness.
Had she been a carrier for any genetic disease, we would have given the vet a head’s up. Thankfully, she got all green in that area.
Breed
Here’s the fun part and the section that blew our minds. As I said above, we aren’t qualified to guess breeds!
Shockingly, she’s more Boston Terrier than anything. And Shih Tzu? What? And, look at chihuahua way down the list. Pug and miniature pinscher are in there, too.
I guess she gets her apple head from the Boston Terrier and the color from the Pug. In any case, this mixture equals a beautiful little creature that we love so much.
Traits
The DNA test report includes coat colors and traits, as well as body size and features. They determine the likeliness of shedding and coat texture. Her report matched her quite well.
Relatives
Embark shows you other dogs in their system who share a percentage of DNA with your dog.
Benny the Pug shares 12% DNA with the Bits, and apparently, that’s like human first cousins! FUN!
Fun with Science
I enjoy these dog DNA results way more than I even thought I would. Embark includes so much information that I was blown away.
I had a dog DNA test done years ago from another company and literally got back one sheet that said The Grump was a Dalmatian and some other breed that was completely off the wall. It was super disappointing.
Either the tests have come a long way, or Embark just over-delivers. I think it’s a bit of both. But, I have pages and pages of data here to keep on file and share with our vet.
Embark Savings
Buy an Embark Vet dog DNA test now! Save using the coupon code below. Please let us know your results!
Giveaway – ENDED
One lucky winner will receive an Embark Vet Dog DNA test.
Winner = Marcus M.
Felissa says
Interesting that his muzzle is as long as it is with so many smooshy faces in his family tree. Guess those min pin genes are strong because he also has that signature tuck. I can’t see his front teeth, but it looks like he might have even dodged the dental bullet though something to keep an eye on.
One thing for sure, he is adorable.
Jennifer says
Her teeth are a little crazy. LOL The vet said they are okay, but definitely not straight. Something to watch for sure.
Emily E says
This would be so fun. Our dog is a total crap shoot to what he is since he was a random rescue from another state. Our best guess is poodle/schnauzer because he doesn’t shed and that’s what he looks like.
Amanda Alvarado says
OMG we could really use this! We adopted what was supposed to be a Chihuahua mix…a year later she is close to 50 lbs and definitely not a chihuahua! We’d love to know what kind of mix she is!
shannon zeidan says
This is such a great idea. i would love to do this with our two dogs.
Reesa LEWANDOWSKI says
I would have never guessed ShihTzu with that brindle coloring!
Thomas Gibson says
I think your dog has the best of each breed. Adorable little angel she is!
Edye says
I would love to see what my dog is! Thanks for the chance.
Harper's Mom says
I have always wanted a DNA kit to see what Heinz 57 combination makes up my rescue dog!
Jennifer says
LOL! Yes, it’s so fun to learn about! Let me know if you do one!
Stacie says
This looks so cool. We have a rescue and no one in the family agrees what breeds he could be. I would love to settle this debate once and for all to prove that I am right. LOL.
Laura Tveras says
Never imagined she’d have mini-pin genes! No matter what she is, she’s awesome and super adorbs. Wish I could have her clone!
Jennifer says
We were more shocked by the shih tzu!! Yes, we would clone the Bits for SURE!
cathy siedlecki says
I keep looking but see no shi ztu in your dog. I would have sworn he was a chihuahua!