So many dogs are adopted with unknown or mixed backgrounds. While we may not always know a dog’s exact genetic makeup, we can learn a lot by observing their behavior patterns, energy levels, and how they respond to the environment.
Start by asking:
What was this dog bred to do, even if we don’t know exactly?
Are they naturally demonstrating any of the following behaviours:
1. herding
2. guarding
3. scenting
4. retrieving
5. digging
What behaviors seem to show up without any training? For example, are they naturally alert to movement, super nose-driven, or prone to vocalizing?
Sometimes a DNA test can help fill in the gaps, but I always recommend watching the dog first. Their actions usually tell you what job they were built for. From there, you can design training and enrichment that meets their genetic needs—even if you don’t know the exact breed.
The beauty of training a mixed-breed dog is this: once you understand the dog in front of you, you can meet them with more clarity and compassion, no matter what their ancestry is.
One of my SAR teammates had a 'mutt' that was a great cadaver dog. There's likely a shepherd in the mix, but it didn't matter because we focused on the dog's skills and what made her come alive.
Let me know if you want help decoding your own dog’s drives or behaviours. It could be a fun project!
Love this answer and you're right, so many factors come into play, I'm sure.
I did a DNA test on Dezi and German Shepherd was the first on the list. Then came Malamute, Pitbull, and Rotti (all in super small doses). Then the test said 53% Supermutt, meaning indistinguishable.
I would say scent is her strongest driver. She either has her nose to the ground hunting mice, or she's actively sniffing the air. We back onto a forest and she always detects deer or coyotes before she sees them. It's pretty cool.
I would welcome a fun decoding project if you ever have time!
That’s such an interesting mix—Dezi sounds like a powerful blend of brains, nose, and instinct.
Given her strong scent drive and natural alertness, you could lean into breed-specific activities such as:
1. Tracking games (hide people, or toys in the yard/forest). Mantrailing or tracking clubs are fun to work with.
2. Scent work or nosework classes
3. Urban mushing (kick sled) or canicross (a nod to her Malamute side)
4. Structured protection-style games (for the GSD/Rotti traits—more about engagement and control than actual guarding). Playing tug and incorporating bite work (with a trainer) into the routine is a lot of fun!!
5. Long-line exploration walks to fulfill that "hunt and detect" instinct safely. Find a field (Fish Creek Park or Nose Hill Park) and use a 20-30 foot long line so Dezi can explore.
With the right outlets, Dezi’s instincts become assets, not challenges. She’s not just a supermutt, she’s a super dog with a story worth honoring through play, purpose, and partnership.
An obvious question might be this: How do people who rescue and adopt mixed-breed mutts know which genetics are most at play?
I love this question Kristi!! I’m finishing my break now and will respond on my afternoon break. I have many thoughts on this!
Awesome! No rush, enjoy your breaks when you get them! But yah, I'm curious.
That’s such an important question Kristi!
So many dogs are adopted with unknown or mixed backgrounds. While we may not always know a dog’s exact genetic makeup, we can learn a lot by observing their behavior patterns, energy levels, and how they respond to the environment.
Start by asking:
What was this dog bred to do, even if we don’t know exactly?
Are they naturally demonstrating any of the following behaviours:
1. herding
2. guarding
3. scenting
4. retrieving
5. digging
What behaviors seem to show up without any training? For example, are they naturally alert to movement, super nose-driven, or prone to vocalizing?
Sometimes a DNA test can help fill in the gaps, but I always recommend watching the dog first. Their actions usually tell you what job they were built for. From there, you can design training and enrichment that meets their genetic needs—even if you don’t know the exact breed.
The beauty of training a mixed-breed dog is this: once you understand the dog in front of you, you can meet them with more clarity and compassion, no matter what their ancestry is.
One of my SAR teammates had a 'mutt' that was a great cadaver dog. There's likely a shepherd in the mix, but it didn't matter because we focused on the dog's skills and what made her come alive.
Let me know if you want help decoding your own dog’s drives or behaviours. It could be a fun project!
Love this answer and you're right, so many factors come into play, I'm sure.
I did a DNA test on Dezi and German Shepherd was the first on the list. Then came Malamute, Pitbull, and Rotti (all in super small doses). Then the test said 53% Supermutt, meaning indistinguishable.
I would say scent is her strongest driver. She either has her nose to the ground hunting mice, or she's actively sniffing the air. We back onto a forest and she always detects deer or coyotes before she sees them. It's pretty cool.
I would welcome a fun decoding project if you ever have time!
That’s such an interesting mix—Dezi sounds like a powerful blend of brains, nose, and instinct.
Given her strong scent drive and natural alertness, you could lean into breed-specific activities such as:
1. Tracking games (hide people, or toys in the yard/forest). Mantrailing or tracking clubs are fun to work with.
2. Scent work or nosework classes
3. Urban mushing (kick sled) or canicross (a nod to her Malamute side)
4. Structured protection-style games (for the GSD/Rotti traits—more about engagement and control than actual guarding). Playing tug and incorporating bite work (with a trainer) into the routine is a lot of fun!!
5. Long-line exploration walks to fulfill that "hunt and detect" instinct safely. Find a field (Fish Creek Park or Nose Hill Park) and use a 20-30 foot long line so Dezi can explore.
With the right outlets, Dezi’s instincts become assets, not challenges. She’s not just a supermutt, she’s a super dog with a story worth honoring through play, purpose, and partnership.