| Volunteering for the Chihuahua and Small Dog | | | | breed that is 75% or more present in Leon, Level |
| Rescue has made it clear that sometimes it's | | | | Two is any breed or breeds that is 37%-74% |
| very difficult to determine what breeds have | | | | present in Leon all the way down to Level Four. |
| combined to make some dogs. Until recently, a | | | | We were sure that he is mostly Chihuahua, but |
| guess was all that could be done. | | | | very curious to see what other breed or breeds |
| Dog Breed Testing kits are now readily available | | | | could be in his ancestry. |
| and are more affordable than ever before. | | | | We took the cotton swab and ran it inside his |
| Why is it so important to know the breeds | | | | mouth for the determined amount of time and |
| present in a dog? Dog Breed Testing can tell you | | | | were careful not to contaminate the evidence as |
| how big or small your dog might be. It might help | | | | we shipped it back to the laboratory. |
| you determine grooming for your dog. It can | | | | Two weeks later, we got a letter in the mail |
| even determine what illnesses and diseases your | | | | stating that there weren't enough cells to test and |
| dog might be prone to, due to genetics. | | | | they asked for another sample. |
| The most important reason is to help you | | | | We thought that this was due to his small size |
| determine your dog's potential temperament. | | | | and did another sample, but using his gums to get |
| Temperament is like the character of your dog. | | | | the sample, instead of the inside of his cheek. |
| It's what has been handed down from generation | | | | Two weeks later, the packet came in the mail |
| to generation to make a breed what it is. | | | | and it was proven that there were only two |
| Temperament is why Border Collies like to herd. | | | | breeds present in his little lineage. He was |
| Temperament is why Labradors like to retrieve. | | | | Chihuahua in Level Two and he was poodle in |
| Temperament helps determine if a dog is going to | | | | Level Three. |
| be good with children, or if they are going to like | | | | We decided that this meant that one of Leon's |
| to running with you. It can help you understand | | | | grandparents was a poodle and that one of his |
| your dog and its behavior. | | | | parents was half poodle, half Chihuahua. |
| We have a little 5 pound dog named Leon. He is | | | | After knowing what dog breeds make up little |
| black and tan, similar to a Doberman. We were | | | | Leon, there are a few things about him that now |
| told when we got him at 7 weeks, that he was a | | | | make sense. |
| Chihuahua and we had no reason to think | | | | His large ears that stand straight up are clearly |
| otherwise. | | | | the end result of a poodle that has large ears that |
| As he grew, we noticed that his head wasn't as | | | | lay down and a Chihuahua that has smaller ears |
| round as a Chi's and he was rather lanky to be a | | | | that stand up. |
| pure Chihuahua. | | | | His small frame and skinny body are clearly that |
| Temperament wise, he was mostly Chihuahua, | | | | of a Poodle, while his coloring is obviously from |
| although he seemed to tolerate strangers better | | | | the Chihuahua breed. |
| and he learned things very quickly. It took him | | | | Understanding his temperament is the most |
| only five minutes to learn the command "sit" | | | | valuable information stemming from the results of |
| when he was only 9 weeks old. | | | | the Dog Breed Test. |
| We thought that this was due to the fact that | | | | Taking after his Chihuahua side, Leon is very |
| we took him everywhere and that we used | | | | entertaining and lively. He is very playful and has |
| positive training methods. As an adult, he is a | | | | lots of energy. He has bonded closely with one of |
| very well adjusted dog and he is even registered | | | | his owners and cries if she leaves. He very tough |
| as a therapy animal. | | | | and is an excellent watch dog. |
| Everywhere we went, people would always ask | | | | On the other hand, he loves to play with dogs of |
| what he was, even though Chihuahua owners | | | | all different sized and shapes and he meets most |
| always knew he was a Chi. Most people focused | | | | strangers with a friendly wag of his tail. He is |
| on his coloring and guessed he was a Miniature | | | | extremely intelligent and he is really easy to train. |
| Pinscher. | | | | These are the traits of the Poodle Breed. |
| When we noticed an advertisement for a Dog | | | | Having the Dog Breed Test done on Leon has |
| Breed Testing Kit, just had to see for ourselves | | | | helped us to understand is behavior better and |
| what genetics had made this wonderful dog. | | | | helps us to keep him happy. |
| The kit came in the mail and was self explanatory. | | | | If you ever have a chance to use the Dog Breed |
| There are levels to each breed present that | | | | Testing Kit, we don't think you should hesitate |
| make up Leon and they will be indicated in | | | | one bit. It was an interesting and informative test |
| descending order. For instance, Level One is any | | | | that has brought us closer to our Leon. |