What's the easiest way to accurately identify my pet's breed at home?

It is difficult to say since she is young but a mix including a herding breed would be a guess. You can purchase a canine DNA kit online or in some pet stores. Most are easy and require a simple cheek swab to determine breed(s). More comprehensive (and expensive) DNA tests can be submitted by your veterinarian after a blood sample is drawn.

As I guess I would bet some chihuahua, some sheltie and maybe Dachshund. Theres likely a few things in your new pup! Just so you know, there are now genetic bred tests that give can you a definite answer. Thank you for using Pet Coach!

The commercially available DNA tests I am familiar with are Wisdom Panel by Mars, DNA My Dog based out of Toronto, Paw Print Genetics out of Spokane and Embark out of Austin, Tx. Wisdom Panel® Canine DNA Tests determine the breed ancestry of a dog by determining the genotype of the dog, at hundreds of individual sites in its DNA. The results are then compared with the genotypes of the more than 12,000 breed samples in their database. Similarly, DNA My Dog tests for 85 of the most common breeds that make up approximately 97% of the common North American mixed breed population. Paw Print Genetics is designed to assist breeders and has the advantage of testing for several genetic diseases. The breed-specific panels offer a comprehensive service at a discounted rate, and you can choose genetic diseases you would like to test for. Embark tests for over 150 breeds including wolf, coyote, and village dog ancestry (feral dogs) - accounting for 98% of dogs in America. Additionally, Embark screens for over 160 canine genetic diseases including MDR1, degenerative myelopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, PRA blindness, exercise-induced collapse. It is certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), partnered with Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. All tests require taking two samples of cells from the dog’s inner cheek on swabs, which are then air-dried, sealed, and mailed off to the lab. The turn around time varies from 2-8 weeks. As far as the cost, DNA My Dog is the most economical at about $60, followed by Wisdom and Paw Print at about $80 and Embark at $200.

Bongo really does not look like any specific breed so must be a mixed breed, The only way to know if it is a pure breed is to have a DNA test done. many companies offer this service and the process is easy and quite cheap. this is just one example: http://dnamydog.com/

The only way to know for sure Kita's actual breed is to have a DNA test done on her. You can get one from Wisdom Panel, and you take a cheek swab and send it off to them to get a full DNA profile done. http://www.wisdompanel.com

I like the Wisdom Panel DNA test. It is a kit you can get a home and do yourself. https://www.wisdompanel.com/ They will give you an idea of breed(s) and after that you will have to do your own research on medical issues that are common in those breeds.

Hi and thank you for your question on PetCoach! From the pictures (cute by the way), I would say Eli may be a Bichon Frise or Bichon Frise mix. You can find out exactly what Eli is through genetic testing. It is a little expensive but is interesting and that way you can know for sure. Here is a link to one I'd recommend: http://www.akc.org/dna/faq/ Might make a neat holiday gift! Thanks again for using PetCoach and best of luck to you and Eli!