Jenny adopted “Stetson” from an animal shelter in North Carolina. The adoption was a surprise for Jenny. Stetson, originally believed to have been a Labrador Retriever/mix found near a local high school as a street dog, changed drastically in appearance, leading Jenny to question his breed.
Jenny embarked on an adventure of discovery when she ordered a DNA test for Stetson. The test revealed a mixture of breeds with 58% German Shepherd DNA, 18% (without specifying type) Retriever, and 10% Chow Chow. Unexpectedly, no Labrador Retriever was present.
Jenny did not feel disappointed by the news and instead took positive steps. Jenny said that the results did not change our feelings about him. Then we hired a trainer to train him at home and took the puppy to classes. We knew his energy would be higher than usual. It is a good example of responsible dog ownership. The owner has taken into account the needs specific to German Shepherds or Chow Chows.
Jenny’s TikTok video that shared Stetson’s captivating story sparked lively conversations amongst viewers. A commenter noted that “You’ve got yourself a little sheppie!” One commenter jokingly called Stetson “my FAV” while another referred to him as a purebred boy! Stetson has received positive feedback for its unique mix of breeds.
Jenny, an animal advocate who is passionate about animal rescue, stressed that she never intended to criticize shelters for animals. Jenny clarified that she was not criticizing animal shelters for their adoption efforts. We’ve always adopted or rescued our pets, and we will continue to adopt them. It is an affirmation of her support for animal adoption, and responsible pet ownership.
Stetson is a very special dog for Jenny and her family. Sandy, Jenny’s previous rescue dog who was a Yellow Labrador/Labrador Mix, died tragically the summer before. Later, they discovered that Stetson and Sandy shared the exact same birthday. This confirmed their belief that Stetson had been meant for them.
Stetson’s case is similar to other cases where shelter dogs have been misidentified. In a similar way to the Labrador Pit Bull whose appearance changed and left its owner feeling “scammed,” pet owners now use dog DNA kits to discover their canine companions true heritage.
The increasing popularity of long-tail keywords regarding **dog breed identification and DNA testing** reflects a growing interest in understanding canine genetics and responsible pet ownership. The use of dog DNA tests can be used to discover hidden breeds and help owners customize their dog care, training and nutrition to their pet’s needs.