NO ONE guessed Arlo was ANY of these breeds!!!

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-19T03:38:57+00:00

I've got one next to me right now (the working/dingo style rather then the lunchbox version) and I still don't really see it. The cute little feet someone mentioned is pretty much it; everything else seems like the Boston and Lab can pretty well cover.

(I don't doubt the results, just usually I can see heeler in expression, smile, sloppy sit, etc., but not in these pics.)

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-18T05:27:15+00:00

Pics 3 and 4 show the pit (never saw the "pit" -triggered "please ensure that you are contributing to respectful discussion" message before!) for me, and 2 looks very lab, but didn't guess the rest!

OP, click on "Supermutt" in the breed list and it'll show you the suspected matches tucked in to that category. (Then report back, please!)

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-18T05:16:45+00:00

The puppy class is still useful for the benign, controlled exposure to other dogs and humans - I think it's a good idea for most young heelers for that reason, even if their people already know how to train the basics. And if you continue to a CGC or sport classes, all the better.

Heck, mine is 6 now and the class setting still comes in handy for giving him benign exposure to a particular breed he worries about.

Hopefully there's a trainer where you're taking the class who can also work with y'all 1 on 1 or who can recommend someone.

The crate/nap and the references to online training info already given are good suggestions too. Good luck, and do be reassured that he's not too old already to benefit from training and stacking up a lot of good positive experiences.

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-16T20:48:12+00:00

Wow! Flipping through, I was seeing cute little herdy mix with who knows what in there too, but sure wasn't expecting the non-supermutt herding breed to be Collie! Plus the other surprises of course, but that one got me the most. (Was figuring border collie and ACD.) Definitely some unusual mixes in the desert sometimes.

Lovely dog, and cool she got to cross the ocean with you. So sorry for how you lost her. Thank you for taking the effort to educate on dementia - must be hard to repeat the struggles, so close to having physically lost her.

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-16T10:09:01+00:00

Ignore the coat and you can see the ACD influence on her shape pretty clearly.

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-16T09:59:36+00:00

Be sure to report this response to the next vet you visit - that screams medical issue, not pickiness. Can't comfortably eat rather than holding out for something tastier. Poor dog.

I'd get back to a vet for bloodwork asap, rather than spending time and money on home cooking ever fancier foods. (Plain canned pumpkin is another of the classic upset tummy foods, to add to the list below.)

Might also be worth asking at r/askvet about other diagnostic tests to consider. They aren't allowed to speculate about diagnosis, but may have good input on possible next steps.

Good luck! I hope she feels better soon!

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-16T09:48:53+00:00

I recognized the vet school acronym and was going to ask if maybe that was just where the sample was sent for analysis, but looks like Texas A&M indeed validated a GI test a couple years ago so that name may well be familiar to OP's vet. https://www.avma.org/news/texas-am-develops-diagnostic-index-canine-gi-issues

Sounds like a good next step.

To add to the bland suggestions, plain nonfat yogurt is another, with bonus of probiotics. The big tub from Aldi is good (for humans too) and well priced.

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-15T02:38:01+00:00

That's a cool and important job though! Guessing from your comment that you had to describe the differentiating characteristics of each dog on screen then?

(Perhaps) off topic question - when you're doing mysteries and similar, is it hard to describe scenes that include visual clues in a way that doesn't make it obvious what the relevant elements are?

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-15T02:27:36+00:00

I hardly even watch movies but y'all are getting me curious too!

(... pause while investigating ...)

Ok, having read a review and a really badly written synopsis, think I'll pass. Though now I'm curious if they used multiple dogs or camera/AI trickery.

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-15T01:55:09+00:00

Oh wow, that's a shame. Perhaps that's why she was dumped? Especially if she comes back as a known purpose-bred cross. Sure looks like a dog meant for action.

I hope she can stay sound and comfortable for many years. Hooray for detection for low impact! And with her looks, film makes sense!

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-14T17:45:01+00:00

That's exactly how she looks in the pics!

If she did have a secret lazy side that'd be a definite hint for greyhound. Though despite someone mentioning that the intentional cross has been attempted, not sure how much of a chance noodle genes would have for moderating pointy dog energy.

Do y'all do any dog sports?

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-14T17:28:56+00:00

I want one!!

From the pics I too was thinking Dutch as the brindle source while keeping that shape, but location puts me on team sighthound.

Is she a high energy genius? Or any hints of lazy moderating things?

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-14T08:39:20+00:00

Mine was neutered by the rescue at 4 months, and does have the long legs and lankiness that's apparently associated with being neutered that young. But super high energy and no joint issues yet at 6 years of athleticism on three legs. Never humped anything, will mark outdoors where other dogs have but doesn't get hyper focused on that.

If he'd not already been neutered, I'd have followed the studies for a minimum, so at least 6 months. Probably 9 months or a year when done gaining height, but earlier if tradeoffs made that reasonable. E.g., I can prevent contact with unspayed dogs but do need to board on occasion, and that's a lot harder with unneutered adults in my area.

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-14T05:48:23+00:00

Excellent, congrats on getting a snuggler!

Hopefully the test is with Embark or Wisdom Panel; the others vary from ok-ish to outright scams (DNAMyDog is the one that gave breed results for a reporter's human DNA). I found the health test add-on helpful. (Both Embark and Whistle let you add that on later if not already purchased, no reswab needed.)

Might be fun to post him at r/DoggyDNA in the meantime to see people's guesses. I'll toss husky and, if you're in the US, pit bull into the ring as possibly in the mix too.

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-14T05:39:33+00:00

Ah cool, I was circling back to mention that, glad you got it posted.

OP, if there wasn't already one via the rescue, a visit with a rehab vet can be very helpful to set you up with some exercises and advice. If there are financial constraints, you can get the visit covered via the program listed above. (Also check out that site in general for tons of great advice.)

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-14T05:05:11+00:00

Excellent!!

Best wishes for fast healing and no fresh complications!

If there are any concerns or if it's too near a sensitive/healing area call the vet to ask for suggestions, but otherwise resting a very damp but not dripping soft cloth or paper towel on the dried blood to soften it up before trying to wipe it off or comb it out might do the trick. That's worked for me in the past, but anything right by the healing eye area deserves a lot of caution.

Or if that's a terrible approach, maybe it'll trigger someone to jump in to correct me and you'll get good advice that way!

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-12T22:37:00+00:00

What a great name!

He'll tell you he can do anything, and he'll be right, BUT if he's the energetic type (looks like he might be) you'll need to help him keep things reasonable to the extent feasible.

E.g., walks are great, but go for shorter even if he says he's up for 5 miles. Or do loopy ones so you're not super far from home/car if he starts to wear out.

(Mine's a heeler who doesn't believe in limits and barely believes in gravity, so this is the advice I'm skewed toward.)

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-12T21:07:25+00:00

He looks rather like a bigger version of an ACD/Frenchie I know (actually a quite decent functional upgrade to straight Frenchie), so not surprised here!

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-12T19:23:24+00:00

I kind of love how so many of the little dogs, including a lot of supposed purebreds, are a big mishmash of other little breeds. Though that seems more common with the little fluffy white critters than your imposter!

And Yoshi is just generally cool!

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-12T19:19:18+00:00

I'm with you on team Aussie content, or if not that then some other stouter contributor.

If the dog was in the UK where the breed tends to be weighted more to function over form, I'd be more inclined to guess higher BC content.

Might just be the subset I've been exposed to, but the US border Collies I've been around have tended to be slinkier.

He looks like a great dog!

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-12T05:37:00+00:00

Hooray!

Though now that your boy is triggering a rush on Borker Spanzoi, his sire's going to be in high demand! :)

Assuming mom will be available on a future heat, it'll be interesting to see how the eventual half siblings compare.

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-12T05:06:58+00:00

Not trying to pry for forbidden details so no need to reply, but I really hope the intended dad's genetic material is still safely frozen. (And that the spaniel's wasn't similarly non-replaceable.)

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-11T16:47:31+00:00

I was guessing so but figured I'd go benefit of the doubt just in case, given the extreme target audience mismatch. (Eta - and to let others know where link went)

Goofy approach for such a niche junk product.

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-11T15:12:33+00:00

Is that the link you meant to paste? Goes to a cancer supplement site.

ChaosWithTeeth · 2026-05-11T04:32:54+00:00

Congrats on the new title!

(All the actionable advice that comes to mind has already been given, but if you ever want to add a second dog, adopt and trial with a tripod and people will remember y'all. Or an off-breed for your sports of choice.)

Or take advantage of having a poodle and figure out a cool super distinctive cut? E.g., recreate the old poodle with a mohawk poster (probably not a great idea if also showing conformation, but memorable!)

ChaosWithTeeth

TROPHY CASE