We toyed with the idea of getting a dog DNA test for Sebastian since he was found as a stray when he was a puppy, and his pedigree was unknown. We were pretty sure he was an Australian shepherd/collie mix, though, and would speculate what other breeds might influence his mild manner. He clearly had other breeds mixed in, which tempered the high-strung nature of that combo. We were curious, but never curious enough to spend the money on the test. Rosa Jo was a total mystery, though! My mom and I talked about getting her tested, so she bought an Embark DNA test to surprise me with the results for Christmas.
If you missed the story about our adoption of Rosa Jo, you can find it HERE.
The shelter we adopted her from labeled her as a Dalmatian mix, but that was really just based on the spots. We were skeptical since she didn’t look like a Damatian in any other way, and she was more “ticked” than spotted.
After getting to know her and asking Google to guess her breed from pictures, we decided she was probably a mix of Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) because of her markings that are unique to only a few breeds, Whippet/Lurcher because of her lean body and speed, pointer, and/or some kind of terrier.
We got the results and…
Rosa Jo is a mutt of all mutts. At 19.7%, Blue Heeler is her dominant breed, which accounts for the spots, so she is considered a Blue Heeler Mix. She is then 18.5% Super Mutt, meaning her genes are so mixed that they can’t be accurately identified in that portion of her DNA.
The remaining identifiable breeds, all pretty evenly split, are Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, and American Pit Bull Terrier. And NO dalmatian. Isn’t that a crazy mix?! She only has two purebred great-grandparents in her family tree (a Blue Heeler and a Lab), and all her other ancestors are mixes.
I was most surprised by Chow-Chow and Doberman.
Whatever her mix, she is a special dog. My parents have had her for almost five months (and we watch her sometimes), and we’re starting to see her personality come out and her fears slowly subside. When we first adopted her, she was dirty, underweight, skittish, nervous around men, scared of being left outside alone, and didn’t seem to know how to play with toys.
Rosa Jo is now such a happy, sweet dog. She loves her beds (she has several around the house) and her basket of toys. Some days she’ll pull out a few favorites to play with and chew on, and other days she’ll pull them all out. She has a fenced-in yard to play in and has made some good friends with several neighborhood dogs. She tries to herd them, but she does share her toys! We learned she likes apple slices and bananas, and that she will eat an entire loaf of bread if left unattended on the counter, and she will feel very proud of herself for doing so. She is also whip smart and eager to please.
Blue Heelers are fiercely loyal and known to latch onto one person in particular. She likes all of us, but my mom is definitely that person. She adores my mom. And my mom doens’t mind at all. Most days when we catch up, I get more updates on Rosa Jo than anything else. And I don’t mind that at all, either. I love hearing about her progress and seeing videos of her safe and happy.
19 Responses
Rosa Jo is so typical of the form of a blue Heeler; my big sis in Aussie has one. Dark, but just as smart a cookie as Rosa Jo. She herds the Joes sis has in her care. I am so happy she chose your mom as her person <3 And let's be honest, sharing a dog is ideal.
So heartwarming. This brought tears to my eyes. I’m so happy for both your Mom and Rosa Jo. Thank you for sharing. I needed it while the rest of world seems out of control.
She’s a beautiful dog. I’m so glad she’s now safe and warm, well-fed and loved. Our 70 lb lab rescue is 11 different breeds, including chihuahua. He’s sweet, strong, and occasionally stubborn. We love him so!
After having our dog several years, I decided to have her dna tested through Wisdom Panel. By her body shape, I was for sure she would be a boxer/lab mix. As it turned out, she is 26% border collie, 17% pit, 14% German Shepard and a combo of other mixes. I definitely see the shepherd, and she is unfortunately starting to have hip issues which plagues that breed. For health reasons, it is a good idea to know what you may deal with. Rosa looks like she is a sweetie. Nice to know she found just the right home. Thank you for sharing her with us as well.
She is, indeed, a sweet dog.
As an animal lover, it always gives me great joy to hear about a little animal that was rescued to a loving home. Animals are so special. They give so much, yet ask for so little. Thank you for sharing her story, Marian.
It’s amazing what love can do!
What a great story and dog to share with your parents.
Thank you so much Marian for sharing more about Rosa! I cried with your first story and now this one! Rosa and y’all are all so very blessed to have found one another!
I’m glad you posted Rosa’s painting with the story today. Still think hers is your very best work! Such an intelligent face. Your parents picked out a lovely doggy girl. And surely one of a kind!
So wonderful she’s found a great home.
Such a beautiful story for all, especially Rosa. 💕
First I must Rosa Jo looks so happy and I’m sure she brings your mother so much joy. I’m also so glad you adopted. I’m not shaming those who buy their special breeds, but my daughter who is in animal welfare because she wants to make a difference to dogs (and she absolutely does!) works in a large Midwest city animal shelter and the kill rate EVERY SINGLE DAY is soul crushing just because there isn’t enough room. So bless those who adopt.
I’m one of those who must have a hypoallergenic dog such as a Havanese,
(ours passed in 2023) or a Bichon for example. Rosa looks so happy and cuddly, I’m thrilled for both of you. So our search continues, we may use a breeder, or we may not. But rescuing a dog is always the ideal.
I must comment on your paintings of late. Your talent has blossomed and improved over the years! One day I’ll get in on the auction/sale.
What a beautiful story. I would never have guessed Chow Chow or Doberman. I find it fascinating to learn the various breeds that are in mixed breeds. Bottom line Rosa Jo is 100% sweetheart. So happy for Rosa Jo and your entire family. Thank you for sharing. She must be a great comfort to your Mom and Dad.
How can I not comment! Rosa Jo is a hoot. She’s very adaptable and she loves playing with other dogs and has been great with Marian’s cats. I think we are all enjoying her and she is so happy. She is not going anywhere she obviously loves it here. She loves her walks and is getting more comfortable around new people. We are praying she learns we are not going to take her around anyone that would hurt her. Marian’s painting of her captures her beautifully. I have Rosa Jo and Sebastian both on my mantle. We miss Sebastian – such an awesome dog. Rosa Jo is helping to heal our broken hearts.
You ALMOST are convincing me to adopt another dog !
What a neat post and what a WONDERFUL painting of this beautiful dog.
Oh, this is so wonderful! I lost my Molly after having her fourteen years. The dog I had before her WAS a blue heeler and can attest to the loyalty, smartness, and herding. I was walking Bonnie in a nearby park when a Mom with a group if children headed in my direction, saying, “Oh, a doggie!” and headed right for her. I looked at the Mom and said “NO, she does not do well around children. She thinks they are to be herded,” And they were complicit. I saw the Mom again the next day. She looked at me and asked, “May I borrow your dog?”