SO I ordered a DNA test from PetCo for Romeo our "Beagle-Whippet" per the Mission Viejo Shelter. All were listed in the "in-the-mix" category meaning he is a Full-Blooded Mutt. But, we knew that, and I knew there was NO Beagle there. Boxer??? Sure he always seemed to especially like them at the dog parks and Boxer owners say their dogs KNOW other boxers from other dogs (??) But he looks nothing like a boxer. And that Australian Shepard thing... lots of people have guessed that about Romeo - but WHERE is the LONG fur???? He didn't get the fur!!!
Staffordshire Bull Terrier... I can see the hind quarters - strong and similar to the Whippet and Greyhound - built for speed and running - yes - that I can agree with - 100% but, his legs and feet... Romeo's feet are sleek and slender and he has longish toes like the whippet and greyhound. He is not so stocky - barrel chest - yes - always I saw that - THAT for sure - but wow - maybe we'll go with the extend version - it can tag nearly 100 breeds - maybe.
Saw something about the Staffordshire that they particularly like children - again lots of dogs do - and Romeo has always tended towards them - "asking" for pets from them first....
From the Westminster Kennel Club: The first impression of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is that of strength, intelligence and tenacity. The alert stance, big smile and wagging tail with which he welcomes all human visitors confirm the breed standard's call to show its "...affection for its friends and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability." Although originally bred for the pit many years ago, the Staffordshire is best known today as a foremost all-purpose family dog with a steady and dependable nature, outstanding athletic ability in the performance sports of agility and flyball, and the intelligence to be successful in the obedience ring.
Read the "NAture of the Beast" on the SBTCA site - and even if it is "in the mix" much of the description of that breed fits Romeo - so again - maybe - DNA doesn't lie on CSI...
