Another guess the breed game

MuttMommy · 01-04-2012

Hi Everyone,

I recently adopted a "German Shepherd Mix" from the Humane Society and am trying to figure out what he is mixed with. I know I may never know for sure, but am just curious as to your guesses. I've gotten everything from Mastiff to Shar Pei from the vet and other various people. At 12 weeks he was about 12.5 lbs and now at 14 weeks he is already up to about 20lbs! He has german shepherd coloring, but his nose and body don't seem to be german shepherd. I've read the other threads where you say it's hard to guess the breed until he's older, but figured I'd put this out there now just to see what you think. Whatever he's mixed with, I think it makes an awfully cute puppy! He always has that sad look that just melts my heart! Thanks!

CorkyMax · 01-04-2012

Thanks for rescuing the little guy! It is definitely way too young to tell---He is prob. going to be unrecognizable by the time he is about 8 month old. All of his features could change. Look at a human baby pic of an adult and you know how looks change! His nose and baby body may make big changes---baby fat? Lol, he must have a big breed in him to have gained so much weight so fast or are you feeding him too well. Maybe he is all one breed (German Shepherd?) Don't let curiosity get the best of you as it is a waiting game to see how he develops as he gets older. Just enjoy him as he is now---little and cuddly--lot of fun! They grow up way too fast to be able to enjoy them like you can as little puppies, lol, even if already 20 pounds. He sure looks like a cuddly little cutie--enjoy! But be sure to post pics as he grows and maybe it will be easier to make a good guess.

Lunareclipse · 01-04-2012

Looks like a Caucasian to me.

Caucasian Mountain Dog Breed Information - Dogs - Dog Information
Caucasian Ovcharka Information and Pictures
Caucasian Mountain Dog Information

Most Caucasians have the light colored rings around the eyes. And they are also mistaken for german shepherd mixes when they young. I want one. They are LGDs like my pyrenees and will protect your family really well.

Caucasian puppy

MuttMommy · 01-04-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorkyMax

Thanks for rescuing the little guy! It is definitely way too young to tell---He is prob. going to be unrecognizable by the time he is about 8 month old. All of his features could change. Look at a human baby pic of an adult and you know how looks change! His nose and baby body may make big changes---baby fat? Lol, he must have a big breed in him to have gained so much weight so fast or are you feeding him too well. Maybe he is all one breed (German Shepherd?) Don't let curiosity get the best of you as it is a waiting game to see how he develops as he gets older. Just enjoy him as he is now---little and cuddly--lot of fun! They grow up way too fast to be able to enjoy them like you can as little puppies, lol, even if already 20 pounds. He sure looks like a cuddly little cutie--enjoy! But be sure to post pics as he grows and maybe it will be easier to make a good guess.

Thanks, CorkyMax, you are right...I am letting curiosity get the best of me! lol I don't THINK I'm feeding him too well, but I do leave food down all the time as that is what my mini doxie is used to. He eats 3 times a day and never a whole lot at a time, but I'm thinking now that I should only set out food at set times and see if it makes a difference in his weight gain. I'm hoping to be able to get help to train him as my service dog and definitely don't want him to be unhealthy in any way!

As for cuddly, not so much. He's far more interested in playing and chewing than cuddling! lol Maybe that will change, too, once he gets a little older and doesn't have quite so much puppy energy. Either way, he is a very smart, very sweet boy and gets the hugs and kisses even if he doesn't want them!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lunareclipse

Looks like a Caucasian to me.

Most Caucasians have the light colored rings around the eyes. And they are also mistaken for german shepherd mixes when they young. I want one. They are LGDs like my pyrenees and will protect your family really well.

Wow! That is a breed that I had never heard of! Thanks, Lunareclipse! I love reading and learning about different dogs! When I first saw Bayne in person I thought he resembled a St Bernard and looking at the pics, Caucasians do resemble St. Bernards. Hmmmmm so he may not even have german shepherd in him at all. That really spices things up! lol I just hope he doesn't get to be as big as a Caucasian Mountain Dog...99-154lbs is one BIG dog! Well, I plan to train him as a service dog to help me with mobility assistance and he could definitely handle the job at that size! lol

I guess Corky Max really is right! I need to wait a while for him to mature to really be able to make a good guess as to what he is.

The pic below really does look like a version of my Bayne, though! Thanks for the info!

Lunareclipse · 01-05-2012

Your Caucasian looking dog looks nothing like my saint bernards. But it might get just as big. If your dog is a Caucasian, then it won't be all lovey towards you most of the time. If you are keeping it for only a pet, you will need to find a job for it to do, like carting or guarding a few pet rabbits or something. Working dogs love to feel useful and have a job to do.

MuttMommy · 01-05-2012

I still see a resemblance to a St Bernard in the shape of his head, nose, and placement of his ears, but maybe it doesn't come through as well in a pic as it does in person. :???: As a child, the people next door had St Bernards and I remember spending many a night laying on the ground with the fence between me and their new puppy, staring into his sweet face until I fell asleep.

I do plan on training him to be my service dog for mobility assistance (bracing for balance, pulling my wheelchair when needed, opening doors, picking up dropped items, and whatever other small things I can teach him) so he will have a job to do. He already notices when I'm having a bad day and whenever I get up to walk, he goes, too. The only problem is that he tries to walk BETWEEN my legs which makes things worse for me,

but just the fact that he already realizes that there is a problem amazes me! We'll do our training and keep working on leash training and he'll learn how to help soon enough. I've been sick for the last week and haven't been able to work with him much and can tell he's getting bored....constantly wanting in and out all day long and chewing everything - I need a new pair of shoelaces now! lol We'll be getting out to socialize and work on training more now that I'm feeling better, so that should make him feel better, too!

He is lovey in his own way. He's definitely not a lap dog (which is a good thing if he's going to be 100lbs lol), but will put his head against me as a hug, give kisses when he's not too busy trying to chew on everything in sight, or lay on his back chewing a toy while I rub his belly. Those are our lovey times and I cherish every minute of them. <3

Thanks again for the info! Anything and everything is appreciated!

Lunareclipse · 01-06-2012

Saint bernards have to be at least 25% white and your dog doesn't have any white on it at all. His head is shaped differently than a saint bernard too. It is shaped more like a mastiff than a saint bernard. I love the little wrinkles on his head though. He is adorable. Maybe he won't get that big. Who knows???

piratekitty · 01-06-2012

Welcome, Your puppy is so cute, I love the markings in his face, hes going to grow up beautiful. Enjoy trainning him, it will be so rewarding to you and your dog.
@ Luna, wow your saints are big dogs, love the pictures of them.