Kella

[KellaA+dog6]

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hp ... 3519_o.jpg.

This shows a dog that could be a dS mix, but it's DNA explanation is probably correct. 1/2 German Shepherd, 1/4 Labrador Retreiver, and 1/4 Cardigan Welsh Corgi ( the shorter muzzle ,brush tail, and brindle). She has high intelligence and train ability, but is a relaxed personality, and will leave indoor cats alone ( mine and others in their houses when visiting).

[Dutchringgirl]

This dog definatley has shepherd in it. Leave cats alone???? HA,

[KellaA+dog6]

This was to show how a dog can look like a possible DS mix, but be completely off. And here is a photo of the cat too https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hp ... 5656_o.jpg

[Raven]

I have less-than-zero knowledge of how genetics work, but from what I've heard from others on this board, DS is not represented in DNA databases. So, add that to the mix.

A DS leave cats and any moving animal or object alone without tireless training? First clue.

[Dutchringgirl]

the second picture didnt look anything like a DS. Many people see brindle and pointy ears and think DS. I do believe that the DS genes do not show up in the testing.

we have taught our Mal to leave things alone but it took ALOT of training LOL. and the training never stops, its always an ongoing part of our lives.

Our gerbil go out once and ran right under Thalie but Sadie knew exactly where it was.

[Owned-By-Hendrix]

Ironically the face looks exactly like a shepherd at a rescue I've worked at. I think he was labeled a GSD mix but I always wondered what else was in there that made that face so long and beautiful!

I would agree no DS, and DS genes are not part of what they look for in the tests. Though, ironically, from what I understand of the tests, they're not super specific, so while a few genes may come up as "mal" or "GSD" or "yorkie" they're not testing for the loci, expression, mutation, or exact placement of the genes, which makes a HUGE difference between the three breeds. Just looking for a point to point match without being exact, like taking three widely different tables and calling them all coffee tables. Yeah, it may work, and yeah they're all tables, but they're very different from each other. And, if you get right down to it, not a whole lot makes a GSD different from a yorkie genetically, as they all have the same ancestor way, way, way, way back then, the same gene pool until fairly recently (geologically speaking), so the majority of their DNA will be the same. What's expressed makes them who they are. So the Welsh Corgi result in that dog's DNA test makes me wonder, since I see no corgi, no phenotype expression of Corgi (besides the tail which could come from a number of other things, GSD included), and wonder what genes popped up that corresponded with the "corgi" panel they used. I'd really love to get into one of those companies and see how the work and how they run those tests.

I do know from swabbing humans that any genetic test that requires "at home" procedures are generally flawed - things like brushing your teeth, doing it after a meal, not collecting enough saliva on the swab, not covering the whole swab, improper storage, improper containment in shipping, heat, and cold can damage the samples to the point that may be guessing based on a degraded sample. Heck even shared water bowls can make results wonky.

Ironically this dog sorta looks like the few Belgian Shepherds I've seen structure wise.

[KellaA+dog6]

Kella looks more GSD in photos than she does in person. She is just shy of 50lbs, and when her ears are back and down, the lab comes through in the face. The ears are also a touch wide which, along with what is actually a slightly shorter muzzle, can look more Corgi( DNA specified Cardigan which has brindle in its color mix, as well as the longer tail. The Pembroke doesn't list brindle, and no long tail). I have also spent the 5 years I've had her looking at photos and videos of the three listed, and DS ( and any other dog that has similar features). She runs like a Cardigan Corgi, all bounce and silliness.) The only feature that I have trouble matching up to the listed three, is her slender legs and small feet. Most GSD, labs, and Corgis look like they have large feet and heavier legs. She's just a basic, much loved Mutt, whatever the mix.
I've come to the conclusion, that as much as I love the looks, intensity, and brains of the DS, I don't have the energy to keep up with the majority of them. I'll still keep my eyes out for those in need, DS and non DS, and encourage other who are interested to come to this forum for information , support and comraderie.