If you are a shelter or dog rescue in California, you all share a common problem: thousands of little, mostly tan or brown dogs that all look at least part Chihuahua. So how do you get them to stand out and find their forever homes?
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) ordered DNA tests for many of their Chi-like dogs
The shelter is including the tests results with the dogs’ adoption fees in its “Who’s Your Daddy?” program designed to find new homes for dogs at risk of being overlooked.
With a simple cheek swab sent to a lab, PHS/SPCA unlocked some of its mutts’ mysteries and the results surprised staff.
The Results
One dog staff figured as a Chihuahua mixed with something, is part Australian Sheepdog, part Russell Terrier and part Collie, among other unknown breeds, according to the DNA.
The tested dogs have been given fun names like the designer breed Labradoodles, Maltipoos and Puggles which are being bred and sold for as much as $3,000 each. PHS/SPCA is calling the Australian Sheepdog/Russell Terrier/Collie a Kiwi Collier.
Other fun dog breed names they have come up with since the program started are:
- Cherrier(Chihuahua/Parson Russell Terrier)
- Far Eastern Chinzer (Chinese Crested and Miniature Schnauzer)
- Sperrier (rhymes with the bottled water Perrier… one parent was a Cocker Spaniel mix, the other a Parson Russell Terrier)
- Terridoodle (parents were a terrier mix and poodle mix)
- Sheepish Chabrador (DNA detected Shetland Sheepdog, Labrador Retriever and Chihuahua)
- Pointy Brit (German Wirehaired Pointer and Brittany were two breeds detected)
- Yorkle (Yorkshire Terrier and Beagle)
- Golden Chinscher (DNA detected Golden Retriever, Miniature Pinscher and Chihuahua among other unknown breeds).
- Chiratoodle (DNA detected Chihuahua, Rat Terrier and Miniature Poodle)
- Chorkie (parents were a Chihuahua/Mini Pinscher cross and a Yorkshire Terrier mix)
“We have great dogs as unique as the so-called designer dogs,” said PHS/SPCA spokesperson Scott Delucchi. “Odds are, they were bred accidentally, but we aim to turn that into something positive for dogs found stray or surrendered to us by owners unable or unwilling to keep them.”
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The dogs’ adoption fees are a fraction of what designer breed dogs cost, and shelter staff believe their new owners will love them every bit as much. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $120, which includes a spay/neuter surgery, all vaccinations, a microchip, behavior evaluation and veterinary check. The fee for puppies under six months is $135, while dogs at least seven years old can be adopted for $75. DNA profiles are included in the selected dogs’ adoption fees. PHS/SPCA spent about $60 per dog on the tests, which are performed by Mars Veterinary’s Wisdom Panel.
DNA Makes A Difference
It seems to be a success and that makes sense – human nature is that we like to know everything we can about anything in our lives – including our mixed dog. Plus, a lot of people just like those funny names.
The shelter staff have noticed that dogs with DNA testing results appear to be adopted faster than those that do not.
The tested dogs have been getting more attention from adopters and have been getting adopted more quickly than similar dogs who haven’t been tested,” says Delucchi. “I’d say noticeably, but not significantly, more quickly. We tested a total of 24 dogs; one test came back inconclusive (probably user error on our end during the cheek swab). Of the 23 tested dogs with results, we’ve re-homed 18.”
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“We’re having a lot of fun with this, and definitely scratched our heads over a few of the DNA findings,” continued Delucchi. “In the end, it’s about making connections with adopters and finding homes for dogs who deserve a second chance.”
Declucchi adds that while no other shelter is currently doing this, a handful have contacted them and asked about the results of the program.
Adopters can preview PHS/SPCA’s DNA-tested dogs online at www.phs-spca.org.
Have a rescue story to share? Email me at Kristina@homelifemedia.com.
Toledo, United States.
