The Results are in....Finally.

NIKE:

I sent Nike's first DNA test off with much anticipation!  Only to find out that a determination of his breed(s) could not be made.  I was told that it was either because I didn't get enough DNA, or because he shares a water bowl...so a second DNA test was sent.  I kept Nike from drinking with the pack, and scraped those cheeks hard!

Meanwhile, we were running a contest to see if anyone could guess what Nike's two most prominent breeds are.....

Well, the results are finally in, and I was completely surprised!!!

One of Nike's parents one was 1/2 Tibetan Mastiff and 1/2 American Staffordshire Terrier.  Nike's other parent was 1/2 Doberman Pinscher and 1/2 Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a bit of Keeshond. 

WOW!

So what does all that mean??? 

 

The Tibetan Mastiff is the most expensive dog on planet earth! One sold recently in China for just over $1.5 million dollars!  They sell in the US for an average of $5000.00!

The Tibetan Mastiff is independent, strong willed and territorial, they are great guardians, have a tendency to bark at night, especially if left outdoors, and need an owner that will be a dominant pack leader to prevent behavior issues.   Hm....sound like someone I know!  Just this week Nike began barking at night!!

Look familiar?  The American Staffordshire Terrier was created when various breeds of terriers were crossed with the bulldog.  Colors can range from pure white to blue.  Nike's coloring is much like the picture above, but his ears have the blue hint which made many of us think he might be part Weimaraner, but no...he is more closely related to the Blue American Pitbull Terrier - no wonder he plays so well with Tuck and Maddy!!!

The AST are intelligent, hard-working and stoic dogs, they enjoy dog sports and agility - something Nike loves!  They are very loyal to family - We see this in Nike as well.  

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier also ranges in color from blue to fawn to white.  This breed, as well as the two previous breeds, typically has a white spot on the chest - which Nike does have.  The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was originally bred in England for dog fighting, when dog fighting was banned in England, the breed became a favorite working dog and demonstrated remarkable skills with children.  It is sometimes referred to as a 'nanny dog' because of this.  It does have stubborn tendencies, but responds well to positive reinforcement and treats or favorite toys (don't we all!).  They also enjoy sports and competitive obedience.  Nike seems to regard children more as toys....but we are working on that!

The Doberman Pinscher is widely used as a guide and therapy dogs, though it has gained a reputation as a guard dog.  These dogs are some of the most intelligent, obedient, energetic and watchful dogs - Wow that does describe Nike, with great strength and endurance - no wonder Nike loves to run.  They also enjoy sports and are eager to learn.  They respond well to obedience training.  They are protective of their family around strangers. That would be Nike for sure! My friend Karen learned this recently when she left my house with ice on a bruise Nike gave her.  :(

Due to their desire to obey and their strong desire to protect, three of the above breeds can be trained to be aggressive to other dogs and people....which makes me wonder...Was Nike bred for dog fighting...something that is all too common, though illegal, in this country?  If you consider the cost of the Mastiff, and the profile of these dogs...was there someone in Georgia (where Nike was first found) trying to create the ultimate fighting dog?  We will never know... but what I can tell you is that what was created is one of the most intelligent, loving dogs I have ever met.

When you put it all together you have Nike: a dog that is incredibly smart, strong, and devoted to his family. 

So who is the winner of the DNA test guess?  Both Trisha and Nikki guessed Mastiff - so they have both won.  None of the other breeds were guessed...not even by me! 

You know...all this DNA stuff really got me thinking.  Nike may have been bred for a specific purpose, but instead he has become something quite different.  He is an all American Mutt that is loving, smart, and fun.  How many of us can say the same thing about ourselves?  When my family talks about heritage, of course John being Greek and the whole Greek culture dominates the conversation.  But as for me, I am really an all American Mutt just like Nike.  A combination of English, French, Irish, and German...and I'd like to think I have the best off all breeds within me - just like Nike, loving, smart, and fun.  Mutts rule!

Oh....one more thing about the nanny dog....Nike is a cleaner.  He follows me around the house and has learned my habits, as well as everyone one else's.  If I leave my shoes where they don't belong, he puts them where they do belong.  He is so accustomed to Beth NOT putting her shoes away that when she finally did, he moved them to their normal spot: the middle of the kitchen floor!  Oh well, at least he thought he was helping.

Susan - the American Mutt

 

 

Comments

[Nikki]

I chose mastiff because my sister's mutt had a little mastiff too, and she had similar ears! Also, having done DNA results on Stella I know how crazy the results can seem. She's border collie/Sharpei with a little bit Chow. She looks like a black ironed Sharpei with border collie toes. She is definitely border collie smart (and she loves learning new things) but she is all Sharpei/Chow when it comes to having people in the house!

Thanks for my prize!

[cathy]

great photo of the doberman. we are a doberman family and that picture represents the doberman of today. uncropped ears and elegant, smart, and confident.

[Donna and the Dogs]

I've always wanted to get one of those tests done on Leah. One of these days I'm going to have to just put aside the cash and just do it.

I just love his eyes, in fact, I would have guessed there was Ridgeback in his genes somewhere. Boy would I have been wrong!

Keeshond - huh? I can definitely see it... ;-)