Why Rescues Don’t Know Your Dog’s Breed (And Why It Doesn’t Matter)
When you adopt a rescue dog, one of the first questions people often ask is, “What breed is my new dog?” The honest answer: most of the time we don’t actually know. Rescue breed labels are educated guesses based on appearance, but they are not scientific. And the truth is, breed matters far less than many adopters think.
Why rescues don’t always know a dog’s breed
Dogs rarely arrive at rescue with papers, pedigrees, or parents. They may come in as strays, be surrendered to the county shelter, or be transferred from an overcrowded facility. Since there is no reliable background, we identify the breed they most closely resemble. If a dog is truly split between two breeds, we may list both. But you will not see us claim that a dog is five different breeds. That kind of guessing doesn’t help anyone understand who the dog really is.
Why we keep breed labels simple
Calling a dog a “Lab, Shepherd, Husky, Border Collie mix” does not tell you anything useful. What matters more is whether the dog is large or small, active or laid-back, confident or shy. By keeping breed labels simple and straightforward, adopters can focus on the qualities that actually matter when choosing a new family member.
Why DNA tests often surprise adopters
Some adopters choose to DNA test their dog after adoption. The results are often surprising. A dog we list as a Shepherd may come back with zero Shepherd in the DNA results. A dog that looks exactly like a Terrier may not have any Terrier listed at all. DNA kits can be fun, but they don’t change how a dog acts, their temperament, or the love they are ready to give. And for us as a rescue, the cost of testing every dog would take away from spay and neuter, vaccines, and other lifesaving medical care.
Why breed should not decide adoption
Breed guess should never be the deciding factor. Even when an ethical breeder has a litter of purebred puppies, not all of those puppies have the same temperament. Each is evaluated for energy level, tolerance of children, and adaptability. Puppies from the same litter can be matched with very different families. Just because a dog is a specific breed does not mean they will act exactly like the breed description. Rescue dogs are no different. Every dog is an individual. Choosing a dog based only on a label means you might miss out on your perfect match.
A real-life example
We once had a sweet little dog come to us from the county shelter who looked exactly like a Dachshund. We listed her as a Dachshund because that is what she clearly resembled. After adoption, her family DNA tested her, and the results showed she was a Chihuahua Poodle. She still had the same long low body, floppy ears, playful personality, and love for her new family. The label never mattered.
The bottom line on breed guessing
At West Valley Animal Rescue, we do not focus on what is on paper. We focus on the dog standing in front of us. Breed guesses are just that, guesses. The only thing we know for certain is that every single dog is worthy of love no matter what mix of breeds they happen to be.
💌 Looking for your match? Meet our adoptable dogs here!
FAQ: Rescue Dog Breeds
Q: How do rescues know a dog’s breed?
A: Most of the time we don’t. Breed labels are visual guesses based on appearance, not DNA or pedigree.
Q: Should I DNA test my rescue dog?
A: You can, but be prepared for surprises. Results often show breeds that look nothing like your dog. DNA testing is fun, but it will not change who your dog is.
Q: Why doesn’t my rescue dog look like the breed listed?
A: Because breed labels are only guesses. Mixed-breed dogs can vary a lot in appearance, and even purebred dogs can look different from one another.
Q: Does breed matter when choosing a dog?
A: Not nearly as much as people think. Even purebred litters produce puppies with very different temperaments. What matters most is whether the dog’s personality and energy level fit your home.