Chloe’s DNA

If you missed the story about the testing, click here!

We received Chloe‘s DNA report back today from Wisdom Panel Insights. 50% of the DNA are from signals “not strong enough to identify with confidence” as she has “mixed-breed ancestors beyond three generations back. (Another reason could be that some of the DNA signals are from breeds that fall outside the 170+ breeds identified by this company. For those of you who are curious… no one’s guesses were breeds NOT identified by this company).

Chloe is 25% Irish Red and White Setter. This is a sporting dog that I have never heard of before. Chloe is also 25% Rottweiler. Because she is at least 25% of each of these breeds, it is called an “Intermediate Breed” marker.We were surprised by BOTH of these! I had never heard of the Irish Red and White Setter, and I’ve never seen any physical or temperamental quirks that made me think Rottie either! I had expected to be surprised though, so I’m not disappointed!

The wisdom panel explains that when reading your report, owners should keep in mind that all physical traits of the breeds found may not always be apparent in YOUR dog. A mixed-breed dog’s appearance varies depending on the overall mix of breeds found and the specific genes inherited from each of those breeds. When dominant and recessive genes combine from the different breeds across the generations, unique and unpredictable combinations can occur.

Irish Red and White Setter

Temperament

Kind, friendly attitude and high spirit
Interaction with people: Good family dog
Interaction with animals: Good with other dogs
Level of attention needed: Needs human companionship and affection; shouldn’t be isolated for long periods of time
Training: Easily trained but has a determined mindset; born to hunt

History:

The Irish Red and White Setter is a close relative of the Irish Setter breed. Historical records refer to a common Red and White Spaniel which bears a striking resemblance to the breed, and in the development of the Irish Setter breed, dogs were bred primarily for their field talents, rather than their coat color. It was not until the 1800s that the red coloring became popular in the show ring and an attributed characteristic of the Irish Setter breed. As red dogs predominated in the latter part of the century, a public outcry caused multiple efforts to keep the traditional coloration. The breed has persisted to the present day and was only recently fully recognized by the AKC in 2009. These dogs remain more of a field dog than a house or show dog, and when properly trained remain an obedient and loyal companion.

Rottweiler

Temperament

Calm, courageous, serious, steady, hard-working, intelligent
Interaction with people: Wary of strangers
Interaction with animals: May be aggressive toward other dogs; needs socialization to other pets at a young age
Level of attention needed: Affectionate and devoted toward family; requires significant love and companionship
Training: Needs firm and unwavering training at a young age
Protection: Excellent guard dog

History:

Rottweilers are an ancient breed, dating all the way back to the early Roman Empire. Roman troops were accompanied on their travels by the Roman cattle dogs, which helped herd the cattle that would later serve as food for the soldiers. The travels of the Roman armies took them through Europe and Germany, and specifically the town of Rottweil. This eventually became a cattle area and the descendants of the Roman cattle dogs were used to protect the herds. Rottweilers made excellent working dogs and were used to pull carts as well as herd and protect. They were also known for their ability to hunt boar.

By the end of the nineteenth century, the breed was virtually extinct to the point of there being only one female left in the entire town of Rottweil. Before World War I police dogs were needed, and the Rottweiler was chosen for the task due to their strength, intelligence and ability to follow directions. The first Rottweiler club was founded in Germany in 1907 and Rottweilers were saved from extinction. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

So now we know. When someone asks me what breed is Chloe I can say… “She’s a mix!” (Unless they are serious about their breeds and REALLY want to know – grin!)

Denise Portis

2 thoughts on “Chloe’s DNA”

Red Setter!! Okay, that makes sense, with the coloration and the change of focus between inside and outside. I NEVER would’ve thought of a setter, but that’s because I’m not the 4th member of the trinity, like I keep trying to convince Jesus I am…grin
But rottie? Surprise!
She’s a lovely girl, your Chloe

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