First mutt census reveals strong dog DNA trends

German shepherds popular as mixed-breed, chow chow often found at grandparent level

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A collie-German shepherd mix is seen playing outdoors. German shepherds prove popular as both a pure breed and mixed-breed, according to the National Mutt Census.

By Sandy Robins

TODAY contributor

updated 4/4/2011 2:05:38 PM ET

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When it comes to man’s best friend, purebreds aren’t as popular as you might think. In fact, more than half the dogs in American living rooms and backyards are mutts. The first-ever National Mutt Census lets pet owners trace the roots of their pooch’s family tree, revealing the most popular varieties in the nation’s mixed-breed dog population of 38 million.

Mars Veterinary, headquartered in Rockland, Md., invited mutt owners to participate in an online survey. Each respondent supplied info about their dog’s size, weight, place of origin, feeding and exercise habits, and health. That information, along with an additional 36,000 samples collected from mixed-breed dogs, underwent analysis to determine the breed history of each dog.

One key finding: The most common breeds registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) are not necessarily the ones most often found in mixed-breed dogs. For example, while German shepherds are popular both as purebreds and mixes, the chow chow, a popular purebred in the 1980s, is now commonly found at the grandparent or great-grandparent level among mixed-breed dogs tested. And American Staffordshire terrier mixes appear to be growing in popularity despite a trend of declining AKC breed registrations.

“The results of this poll provide a vivid snapshot of past and present trends in mutts,” explained Angela Hughes, veterinary genetics research manager at Mars Veterinary. “The DNA of America’s mixed-breed dogs tells a story of which breeds were popular in past decades. If a breed was trendy in the past, but has fallen from popularity, it may still represent a large portion of the current mixed-breed population.”

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According to the National Mutt Census, the top 10 most popular breeds found in the mixed-breed population are:

1. German shepherd (the second most popular AKC-registered breed)

2. Labrador retriever (most popular AKC breed)

3. Chow chow (63rd most popular AKC breed)

4. Boxer (sixth most popular AKC breed)

5. Rottweiler (13th most popular AKC breed)

6. Poodle (ninth most popular AKC breed)

7. American Staffordshire terrier (70th most popular AKC breed)

8. Golden retriever (fourth most popular AKC breed)

9. Cocker spaniel (23rd most popular AKC breed)

10. Siberian husky (22nd most popular AKC breed)

The poll also revealed the following trends among dog owners:

Shelter dogs rule: Shelters are the most frequently cited place (46 percent) where people obtain mixed-breed dogs, followed by a friend, neighbor or relative (18 percent).

Mutts nibble on kibble: Dry dog food is the most popular feeding choice (65 percent), surpassing mixed wet and dry food (21 percent), wet food (5 percent) and raw food and scraps (9 percent).

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The dog is man’s best friend by night as well as day: Nearly half of owners (48 percent) reported that their dog slept with them.

Bigger isn’t necessarily better: Breeds weighing more than 80 pounds represent less than 11 percent of all mixed-breed dogs.

Bugs are a bugaboo: Flea and tick prevention is a core element to responsible pet care, but 69 percent of respondents reported that they don’t use flea and tick control medicines regularly.

Population control: Nearly nine out of 10 (89 percent) mixed-breed dogs are neutered.

This “mutt-makeup” poll follows on the heels of Mars Veterinary’s do-it-yourself cheek-swab dog DNA kits, which became available over the counter in 2007. The Insights analysis kit enables pet parents to test for about 185 breeds. Since it was released, more than 60,000 mixed-breed dogs in America now have their own individual “family trees” outlining their genetic makeup.

The subsequent ancestry report sent to those dog owners reveals genetic background that helps explain physical traits as well as behaviors like digging, herding and barking. Once pet parents understand their dog’s natural tendencies, it’s possible to tailor training, exercise and nutrition programs to fit their pooch’s one-of-a-kind needs.

Although the survey is officially over, the information gleaned state by state is still available to pet lovers at www.MuttCensus.com.

Photos: Top 10 dog breeds in America

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Related story Top 10 dog breeds in America

America’s top dogs
Which breeds are the top contenders for man’s best friend? The American Kennel Club ranks the most popular pups of the year.

Shih Tzu
While sweet and playful, Shih Tzus are not afraid to stand up for themselves. As a matter of fact, the word Shih Tzu means "lion" in Mandarin. This portable pooch carries itself proudly, with its head well up and tail curved over the back.

Cherished by Chinese royals for more than a thousand years, the Shih Tzu was the prized house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty. During World War II, English soldiers discovered the breed and its popularity spread around the world. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation
9. Poodle
The poodle holds the record for being the most popular dog for 22 consecutive years (1960-1982). Though the breed’s elaborately groomed show coat often creates the misperception that it’s a pampered aristocrat, the poodle is actually one of the high achievers of the canine world.

The stylish “poodle clip” seen in dog shows was designed by hunters to help the breed move through the water more efficiently. In fact, the English word "poodle" comes from the German pudel or pudelin, which means “to splash in water.” (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

Related slideshow Pampered pooches

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8. Dachshund
The breed lovingly known as the “wiener dog” has a strong personality with a dose of charm and a playful sense of humor. They can adapt to city or country life and can get all the exercise they need exploring a small yard in the suburbs or playing with other dogs in the dog park.

Dachshunds, meaning “badger dogs” in German, were first bred in the early 1600s in Germany with the goal of creating a fearless, elongated dog that could dig the earth from a burrow and eliminate the badgers for the farmers. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation
7. Boxer
Easy to care for, intelligent, and faithful, the boxer is an affectionate and trustworthy pet for an active family. Boxers are known for standing up on their hind legs and batting at their opponent, appearing to box with itheir front paws.

People began importing them to America from Germany after World War I, and they began to grow in popularity in the late 1930s. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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6. Bulldog
The bulldog has been steadily rising up the list of AKC’s most popular breeds since it entered the Top 10 in 2007. A medium-size dog, they are not your typical lapdog, but would like to be! Bulldogs are calm, loyal family dogs that are happy to curl up on the sofa, eat two or three square meals a day, and have their bellies rubbed.

Said to have originated in the British Isles, the name "bull" was applied because of the dog’s connection with bull-baiting. The original bulldog had to be ferocious and courageous, and almost insensitive to pain. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation
5. Golden retriever
Slipping one place to fifth, golden retrievers are well-balanced, strong, active dogs with a kind expression, a gentle manner and an alert and self-confident disposition. They are intelligent, friendly and reliable, with an innate need to please their owners.

The breed originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s and the dogs were used predominantly for hunting. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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4. Beagle
The beagle is the only breed to rank in the Top 10 every decade since the founding of the AKC. Originally developed to hunt rabbits, they naturally enjoy the company of other dogs and humans. Curious and comedic, they often follow their noses – which can lead to some mischief.

Beagles like to vocalize. In fact, the origin of the name "beagle" may have been derived from the French term "be’geule," referring to the baying voice of the hounds when in pursuit of game. The most famous beagle of all, Snoopy, was named the American Kennel Club’s “most popular dog in pop culture” in 2009. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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3. Yorkshire terrier
These playful dogs offer owners a big personality in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, this breed is terrierlike by nature — brave, determined, investigative and energetic. Yorkies are highly favored apartment dogs and lapdogs; they are very energetic as puppies and tend to be quiet and settled as adults.

In 19th century Yorkshire, England, Yorkies caught rats for workers in cloth mills. The breed’s coat was so beautiful that people said the mill workers must have spun their coats in the factories. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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2. German shepherd
Celebrated for their versatility, distinguished for their intelligence, and beloved for their devotion to their owners, German shepherds are active dogs that love to run and explore their surroundings with their excellent noses.

Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, German shepherds also serve as guide dogs for the blind, guardians, and search-and-rescue dogs. However, they are best known for serving as devoted family friend and protector. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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1. Labrador retriever
In 1991, Labrador retrievers took over the top spot on AKC’s list of the most popular dogs in the U.S. from the cocker spaniel, and today celebrate their 20th anniversary in the top spot.

These gentle animals are happiest when with their owners, and require attention and love as much as food and water. Labs are high-energy, action-oriented dogs and can become easily bored without proper training and exercise – ideal for an active family or as a trusted hunting companion. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

Related slideshow Animal Tracks: Jan. 10 - 17

Video: New breeds strut at Westminster dog show

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Closed captioning of: New breeds strut at Westminster dog show

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>>> they've been barking for the gold for 135 years and next week the dog show returns with new faces as six new breeds will join the competition. with us now is the long time voice of the westminster dog show . david, good morning.

>> good morning.

>> one of my favorite times of year. let's talk about first of all how you decide -- how it's decided what breeds are accepted.

>> well, westminster is a member club of the american kennel club , so it's up to the akc. you have to have a certain number, a certain geographic distribution and a parent club that watches over them. and then they're considered for recognition.

>> you brought them all here this morning. let's start with the boykin spaniel .

>> it's the official state dog of south carolina . the boykin is a spaniel that works out of a boat for water retreer retriev retrieval. they're supposed to be small enough that they don't rock the boat .

>> the color so beautiful. it's a dark chocolate .

>> and a great expression with those eyes.

>> and this is a bluetick coonhound ?

>> yes. a big game hunter . an athletic dog. they also hunt cougar and bear and things like that. this is a beautiful bluetick coonhound .

>> beautiful dog.

>> big ears. great expression.

>> and then down here we have the redboon coonhound.

>> you can see it's a little bit smaller, more compact. but, again, another hunting dog . also big game to a certain extent. but a little quicker than the bluetick. they look looked thick ear carved ocar like they're carved out of a piece of made hog an mahogny.

>> do they have any advantage in ha their first year?

>> if they even get a piece of the group, i think they're excited.

>> and this is a very serious looking dog. they're a body dog. the name cane corso can be translated to be a very serious dog.

>> he's looking at you like lunch. and who is this?

>> will this is a leon urger. y leonberger. . this is another working dog .

>> and this next and last dog?

>> this is the icelandic sheepdog . they're a sheep herding dog . they have to be small and athletic and go all day long.

>> smart expression there. when you go into the westminster , are there favorites? is it like the oscars, are there some dogs that go in --

>> yeah, there are always dogs that had a great year in the show the year before and you're watching them, but anything can happen at westminster because it's the only time where all the great dogs are in the same place at the same time. if we're judging on the day, some dogs can step up and have a great day.

>> i always encourage people to go down and see the dogs.

>> madison square garden , second longest continuously held sporting event in this country behind the kentucky derby .

>> david, thanks and thanks to all our handlers, as well. you can watch the dog show this monday and tuesday

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First mutt census reveals strong dog DNA trends

German shepherds popular as mixed-breed, chow chow often found at grandparent level

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Jump to photos Top 10 dog breeds in America

Jump to video New breeds strut at Westminster dog show

Jump to discuss comments below

Photos: Top 10 dog breeds in America

America’s top dogs

9. Poodle

8. Dachshund

7. Boxer

6. Bulldog

5. Golden retriever

4. Beagle

3. Yorkshire terrier

2. German shepherd

1. Labrador retriever

Video: New breeds strut at Westminster dog show

Closed captioning of: New breeds strut at Westminster dog show

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