Slo-Mo's Ancestry

This was already on our facebook page, but we forgot to cross post it here for posterity. For Kristen's birthday, she received a DNA ancestry test for our puppy Mo. We know Mo's a mixed breed, but we were never quite sure what mix. Obviously a border collie mix, but what are the other parts???

Because Mo is a mixed breed, this ancestry is measured in levels. Mixed breeds rarely have anything listed in  level 1 (75%). They would have to have a purebred parent. Each subsequent level designates a smaller percentage.

Mo's highest level is 3 (20-36%): Collie (doesn't specify which type of collie but we all know)
level 4 (10-19%) breeds are: German Shepherd, Italian Greyhound, Siberian Husky
level 4 (less than 10%) breeds are: American Eskimo, English Setter

So what we learned from all this is that Mo is a Mutt with a capital M, and we're ok with that. Yes, we were hoping for something more conclusive, but at least it's conclusive that he is a mutt.

The best that we can do when people ask us what he is, is border collie mix.

Turkey Day!

No agility class this week - it's Thanksgiving!

With all the leftovers and table scraps available at most Turkey Day dinners, it's probably a good time to remind people what they shouldn't give dogs to eat. Almost everyone knows not to feed chocolate to dogs. Here are some of the less obvious:

• Bones from fish, poultry (Bones, especially turkey/chicken bones, can shatter and cause obstruction)
• Raisins (if you include it in your stuffing)
• Onion or Onion Powder
  
• Macadamia Nuts
• Yeast Dough
• Xylitol (Artificial Sweeteners)
  

Of course, the list expands if your dog has specific allergies. Do a search for more information. Keep those dogs healthy and active!