What breed is my mixed dog? Why does he only eat when I'm nearby?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Max. She is adorable! I recommend using a DNA home test kit to determine her breed composition. You collect a cheek swab and submit to it a laboratory. You recieve information of her genetic make up based on these results. I suspect she is a mix of several breeds such as Shih Tzu, Tibetan Terrier and possibly Jack Russell Terrier. I hope this information helps!

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Max could be a Spitz or a Samoyed. Or a mix. Max may need time adjusting to a new home. Try adding warm water to his food or adding a tablespoon of canned food mixed with water to see if that will get him to eat. Try sitting with him while he eats. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Jack is super cute! You can probably ask 10 vets and you'll get 10 different answers. He isn't a pure bred dog and there are likely many breeds that contributed to how Jack looks. He likely has Chow (though his tongue isn't pigmented) or Samoyed to get that type of tail. The rest is likely a retriever or shepherd mix. For fun you can do DNA test, they aren't very accurate but it might be entertaining at least. I hope this helps and I wish you both well! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=33924

First you should know that breed identification by looks alone has been proven to be inaccurate 75% of the time. If I had to guess, I suspect a pit bull type breed and German Shepherd. However Boxer and maybe hound could also be present. If you want to know for sure, look at one of the breed tests such as Wisdom Panel. Beautiful dog!

Marley is very cute! It's very likely that Marley is a mixture of many breeds. That makes it hard to know exactly what breeds are present in his pedigree since there are many different combinations of traits. If I had to guess, I suspect German Shepherd or maybe Australian cattle dog. The black coloration could be from a Labrador but both the GS and ACD carry the genetics for black color as well. As he develops, it may be easier to identify potential breeds. You definitely need to feed him a puppy food since it is formulated for growth. Rice and meat does not contain much calcium or phosphorus that he needs to grow appropriately. Stop giving him any human food and only offer him puppy food. Most puppies seem to like the Royal Canin brand so you may try that diet. Continue to work on leash training and be patient and positive. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I see no evidence whatsoever of any kind of shepherd in his background. He is almost certainly a Sporting and/or Hound mix . . . could be an English or Welsh Terrier, Brittany, or Pointer mixture. Less likely, but also possible, would be American or English Foxhound or Harrier, or even Beagle! To be absolutely sure, you can have his DNA tested.

It sounds like Tommy may have some anxiety surrounding being fed. I'd highly recommend talking to a trainer or behaviorist in person that can observe the behavior so that they can make a tailored plan to help Tommy feel more comfortable when eating on his own. This may include you gradually stepping farther and farther away as he eats, or adding in some calming pheromones or other techniques to help him relax in the room he eats in. As for the picky eating, adding in a small treat or piece of veggie to his meals should be just fine if he won't eat otherwise. http://www.dacvb.org/about/member-directory/ This site may help you find a veterinary behaviorist in your area if you are interested in talking to one.