As a proud dog owner who found their beloved furry soulmate through a rescue group, have you ever felt that nagging curiosity about their heritage? I mean, really curious? It can be frustrating when information is scarce, and sometimes, you might choose to embrace the present with your pet, letting go of those questions.
Max Matthai from Baltimore, Maryland, certainly took that latter approach! He enjoyed a wonderful life with his dog, Louie, never questioning his ancestry—until one day, circumstances changed, compelling him to dive into a bit of research.
Louie Is Truly One Of A Kind
From the moment Max laid eyes on Louie’s photo in a Texas rescue group, he knew he had to bring him home. The unique appearance of this dog drew him in, and the bond they formed over nearly two years was unbreakable. As Louie grew to an impressive 70 pounds, Max speculated about his breed, often thinking he had some Retriever or Collie traits due to his beautiful shiny coat and charming smile.
Louie’s love for the park, hiking, and swimming seemed to reinforce Max’s belief in his Retriever heritage. However, as questions about Louie’s breed persisted, Max’s curiosity grew. After sharing photos online, he was encouraged to seek answers, which drove him to put Louie through a pet DNA test to uncover the truth about his lineage. The results, however, were completely unexpected!
The DNA Result Is Stunning
When the results were in, Max was floored—Louie was not even remotely related to Retrievers or Collies! Instead, the test revealed he was about 30 percent German Shepherd, with 20 percent Great Pyrenees and a mix of other breeds. What a surprise!
“My beautiful boy Louie! He’s a German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix,” Max shared on Reddit.
Max’s announcement sparked a flood of responses from across the country on Reddit. Users chimed in with their own experiences, commenting on Louie’s unique blend of traits:
“I’ve got one of those. All the athleticism and energy of a Shepherd with the resource guarding and barking of a Pyr,” said one user. Another added, “Louie is ultra ultra nice and sweet, what a baby he is.”
Despite being a robust working breed and not a mere lap dog, Louie’s life didn’t change significantly—except now he could fully embrace his magnificent identity! Although a mixed breed, Louie is undoubtedly a hundred percent loved by his family, living life to the fullest and enjoying every adventure in his perfect home!
