As a proud dog owner who found their cherished furry companion through a rescue group, have you ever been intrigued by your pet’s heritage? It’s a common curiosity for loving owners.
Sometimes you may try to piece together information, but it just isn’t enough. Or perhaps you choose to simply enjoy the journey without diving too deep into the past. Max Matthai, a Maryland resident, found himself in the latter category. He shared a beautiful life with his dog, Louie, without pondering much about his ancestry—until one day, the urge to find out became too strong to ignore!
Louie Is Truly One Of A Kind

From the moment Max encountered Louie’s picture in a Texas rescue group, he felt an immediate connection and knew he had to bring him home. Over nearly two years, their bond flourished, with Louie growing to a hefty 70 pounds. Although Max speculated about Louie’s breed, he always thought there might be some Retriever or Collie in him due to his shiny coat and sweet smile. Louie loved to visit the park, hike, and swim—traits reminiscent of a Retriever. This only heightened Max’s curiosity whenever people complimented Louie’s unique looks.
Driven by this curiosity, Max began sharing Louie’s photos online, prompting more questions about his breed. Ultimately, Max decided to settle the matter with a pet DNA test. The shocking results were nothing like he anticipated!
The DNA Result Is Stunning

The DNA test results were astonishing for Max! Contrary to his previous assumptions, Louie had no Retriever or Collie in him at all. Instead, he was primarily a purebred German Shepherd, making up about 30 percent of his lineage, complemented by 20 percent Great Pyrenees and other mixed breeds. This revelation came as a surprise!
“My beautiful boy Louie! He’s a German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix,” Max shared on Reddit.
The revelation sparked a flurry of comments on Reddit, with dog lovers nationwide chiming in. One user remarked, “I’ve got one of those! All the athleticism and energy of a Shepherd combined with the resource guarding and barking of a Pyr.” Another added, “Louie is ultra nice and sweet, what a baby he is!” Despite being a working breed and not exactly a lap dog, nothing changed in Louie’s life except that he could now fully embrace his magnificent identity. Even as a mixed breed, Louie is absolutely adored by his family, enjoying every moment of life and adventure in his perfect home!