Blogging A to Z: G-enes or “Who’s your daddy…?”

Genes are a miraculous thing. I know for example that I received my green eyes and red hair from my dad’s side of the family. And, I’ve got my love of learning and my bad temper from my mom’s genetic pool. There are probably a lot more gene combinations in my make-up that I don’t even realize.

Hershey, our 5-year-old puppy.

Take our adopted dog, Hershey, for example. He’s a beautiful black and brown color with a touch of gray on his chest, tummy and chin (which you’d see if his tongue wasn’t in the way). He’s 70 pounds of pure muscle with a German Shepherd tail and what I think looks like Labrador Retriever ears.

When we got him, he was the only one of his litter with this coloring. His five sisters were cream colored like his mother, appropriately named Butters. She weighed about 45 pounds.

I’d love to see what his sisters look like fully grown, and if any of them are larger or have darker colored fur in certain spots. I have a feeling that since Hershey’s color stayed true to form, that theirs probably did too. Butters was listed as an Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix.

Butters, Hershey’s biological mom.

Because of Hershey’s astute “herding” skills, I think Butters’ assessment is right on.

So, who is Hershey’s daddy? He could be part Rottweiler, German Shepherd or Lab, which would account for his larger, more muscular size. He also has a somewhat wider snout than his mom.

It’s possible to get dogs’ genes tested with a kit that sells for about $60 at PetSmart. I’d have to acquire a drop of Hershey’s blood and submit it by mail to a facility that would then tell us conclusively what breed of dog he is. I’ve almost bought this kit a dozen times.

I haven’t because as he has grown up and matured, he has his own unique personality, behaviors and looks. There is a part of me that doesn’t want to “box him in” by saying, “that’s because he’s part Labrador or Shepherd.” I’m grateful to know what his mom looked like, because I remind him sometimes about her and it makes him feel like he has genetic family, other than my husband, me and our four kitties.

Actually, I see a little of my husband in him – his tendency towards cleanliness, his adherence to routine and his love of bacon and peanut butter. And, he takes after me because he wants a lot of attention, loves to nap and likes the Hallmark Channel.

Nature versus nurture? I don’t think we’ll ever know.