One wonderful thing about mutts is the guessing game for what breeds they might be. Based on the physical characteristics and personalities of my girls, I made some guesses. Here are some descriptions from PetMD:
Border Collie
If you are looking for the perfect companion to play beach Frisbee with, the Border Collie is for you! The Border Collie is characterized by its incredible agility, high level of energy, intelligence, obedience, and incredible sense of loyalty to his master. Its training ability and responsiveness to praise, meanwhile, are due to its eagerness to please.
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog with a body that is a bit longer than it is tall. Always alert and aware of its surrounding, the Border Collie has an intelligent expression. When a Border Collie has short hair, its coat remains smooth; as it grows longer, however, the texture of the coat becomes to slightly wavy to rough.
The Border Collie dog appears in many different colors and color combinations, including solid color, bi-color, tri-color, merle, and sable. Random white patches are occasionally found scattered on the dog's body or head, but are usually clear white or ticked. Because of its strong bones, the dog is able to run gracefully and have a tireless gait, changing direction and covering ground almost effortlessly. The Border Collie's stamina and agility also allows it to remain active for long periods of time. - PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT. Highly energetic and enthusiastic, the Border Collie is intelligent, obedient, and loyal towards its master(s). Eager to learn, the Border Collie is most in its element when challenged with difficult tricks and tasks. A lack of activity, conversely, may lead to frustration in the breed. The Border Collie often keeps its distance from strangers, displaying a guarding instinct. It also has a tendency to stare at other animals and chase them.
- CARE. Although the Border Collie can live outside, it prefers be indoors, spending time with its family. The breed is generally not suited for apartment living and should be given regular access to the outdoors. To avoid having a frustrated or ill-mannered Border Collie, provide it plenty of physical and mental exercise daily. An occasional brushing of the hair is recommended, as the Border Collie's coat may become tangled with dead hair.
Manchester Terrier
Manchester Terriers are sleek, short-coated dogs with a black and mahogany coat. Compact and muscular, they are bred to kill vermin and course small game.
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. This breed combines agility and power to track and kill vermin and small game. It is said that the raciest and the sleekest of terriers is the Manchester Terrier, with its compact, smooth, slightly long, and muscular body and an arched topline. The dog’s gait is effortless and free, while its expression is alert and keen. It has a very glossy and smooth coat.
- PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT. The Manchester Terrier shows a more responsive nature than other terriers and is a very well-mannered house dog (although some have been known to dig incessantly). As it is reserved with strangers, independent, impeccably clean, and sensitive, this terrier is often described as "catlike." It shows utmost devotion to its family, and loves to sleep beside its favorite person. On other occasions, it is rambunctious, looking for a game or adventure
- CARE. Minimal coat care is required for the Machester Terrier. It is an active and alert breed that should be led on moderate on-leash walks, off-lead outings in safe areas, or fun romp in the garden. Although it likes to spend the day in the yard, it should not be allowed to live outdoors and it needs a soft, warm bed.
So, of course, it was entertaining to do the cheek-swab DNA test. These results make me wonder what they were smoking in the lab.
Sadie: Bichon Golden Boxer
I suppose with the brindle and fluff, I can see the overlap with Boxer and Golden. But the Bichon? I'm not buying it.
Maddox: BostRottPyrChiDalstiff
Um, really? Also known as 'coconut retriever', 'heinz 57', and 'fabulous mutt'!
