When the staff at an animal shelter evaluates an intake, they make their best guesses as to the dog's breed, but they don't make any guarantees of a dog's genetics. Many dogs are listed as Lab mix, Pit bull mix, Shepherd mix, or Terrier mix. Those breeds are pretty common, so they're pretty safe guesses.
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| Bristol was known as Mercury at Anderson Animal Shelter, and he was listed as a Terrier/ Pit bull/Dachshund, smooth hair mix. Hard to believe, right? |
When I read Bristol's information sheet taped to his litter's kennel at the shelter, and it said he was a Terrier, Pit bull, Dachshund mix, I kind of laughed. I figured they were making wild guesses with that Dachshund bit, but then I actually met his mother who was in a kennel across from her puppies. Mama Matilda gave birth to her large litter while en route from Oklahoma to Anderson Animal Shelter. She is the funniest-looking little thing, and just as sweet as can be. If she isn't part Dachshund, she is definitely something with short little legs. Meet Matilda, Bristol's mama! (She's available for adoption, by the way!)
So, what IS Bristol? I think most of us agree, he doesn't have a lot of his mother in him. Many people accept that Bristol is a Pit bull mix, but we've had some other guesses from dog people who mention how much he resembles a Sharpei with his wrinkly face and body. Some think he looks like he could have some Mastiff in him, or maybe even Cane corso. (Thanks for the Cane corso thought, Beth Vickers!)
Look at some of these puppies I found in my Google search:
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| Bristol loves to relax, whether it's sitting, lying down, or sleeping. |
Look at some of these puppies I found in my Google search:
Wow! Tough call. He might just be a Heinz 57 mix. I just know I like the way he looks. What do YOU see?
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| Our Bristol (Photo credit: Chuck Bennorth) |
I'll tell you what I see. I see the most wonderful specimen of a dog. His gorgeous blue-grey eyes, his handsome massive head, and his adorably smooshy snout with oodles of wrinkles just made me swoon from the first time I saw him.
He has ginormous paws that indicate he has some serious growing to do, but given his mama's size, it's anybody's guess how tall he'll be. He has a laid-back personality, and he loves to cuddle with me on the couch.
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| He's going to be a pretty big lap dog, I think. |
He isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he seems to want to please, and he's already learning some of his basic commands, just not as fast as our smart little Lab mix.
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| SIT. Good boy! |
Some friends have suggested we could get Bristol's DNA tested, if we wanted to be certain. I admit I'm curious, but mostly, I really don't care. I just love Bristol, whatever he is. He is the most handsome dog I have ever known. That he is mine makes me grin from ear to ear.
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| Three days before I had any idea he would ever really be mine! |
He is absolutely adorable! Loved learning about his story, your journey and totally enjoyed the pics!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I've enjoyed our journey, and writing about it!
DeleteI enjoyed this so much. You made me fall in love with Bristol, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carolyn!
DeleteHe is adorable! He reminds me a lot of a mastiff who used to live down the street from us. Large, and oh so sweet. Congratulations on your cute new family addition! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy. He has a gentle and sweet disposition; just what I wanted.
DeleteHe's seriously cute. That's all I really need to know. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Cute is enough for me.
DeleteGoogle shar-pei pitbull terrier mix. That is what I think Bristol is. maybe with a little lab in there too.
ReplyDeleteDebby, I found a really cute dog who was similar; he just needed more wrinkles to look like Bristol! Thanks for sharing that!
DeleteHe's awfully cute, right down to the very last wrinkle. I enjoyed the part about his lineage, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tonia. I love your little Oski, and am so glad I finally have a dog of my own.
DeleteShar pei and cane corso is what I think the cutie is.
ReplyDelete