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By Jack Beresford
Senior Reporter
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When a Texas family adopted their beloved dog, she was listed online as a "Labrador mix": however, the results of a DNA test have changed everything.
Emma’s life before she was adopted is something of a mystery. Martin, who requested his real name be omitted from this story, knew that from early on in their time together.
"When I went to update her microchip registration, I learned that the chip was originally registered by an animal shelter in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, in March 2021," Martin told Newsweek.
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How Emma then came to be in the Texas animal rescue they adopted her from is unclear, but it was obvious that she had endured a difficult life up until that point.
Emma bears a distinctive scar on her back. No one knows how she got it, but a physical examination by staff confirmed had birthed several litters prior to her rescue.
Thankfully, Emma's luck was about to change.
"My mom had been without a dog for a few years after her rescue golden had passed away in his mid-teens," Martin said. "She was just about ready to think about getting another. I hit up Petfinder."
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Martin set the website's search parameters to pull up any large, adult dogs, who were good with cats and other canines and were considered calm and friendly.
Emma was among the results that came up. "She looked and sounded like the best fit, and also sounded like the one most in need of a quiet home," Martin said.
Even then, however, Martin had his doubts about Emma being a "Labrador mix," despite what her PetFinder profile stated.
"It was obvious from the listing photos that she wasn’t one. We’ve known plenty of Labs to know the difference," Martin said. "That’s fine; my mom wasn’t looking for any particular breed, just looking for a good match for her household."
The family initially assumed Emma was some kind of pit bull mix with maybe a little hunting dog DNA thrown in for good measure. However, those predictions would ultimately prove wide of the mark.
Martin decided to have Emma undergo a DNA test on something of a whim.
"I had done a DNA test on my rescue heeler to see what else might be in him and to check for dewormer sensitivity or any other health issues. The health test was helpful, and I found a full brother, which was fun," Martin said.
"So, when they went on sale, we got one for Emma. Her health panel came back clear, and the DNA result was a total surprise. "
The test yielded very unexpected results. Emma wasn’t a Labrador mix, she wasn’t a pit bull mix, and she didn’t have an ounce of hunting dog in her. It turned out Emma was a purebred Catahoula leopard dog.
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To find a purebred rescue dog is something of a rarity. A study by the National Animal Interest Alliance found that just 5 percent of canines available in U.S. shelters are purebred. That figure drops closer to 3 percent if you remove pit bulls and Chihuahuas.
Martin opted to reveal what they discovered to Reddit in a post shared under the handle u/ChaosWithTeeth.
The results were a shock to the family, but one that was tinged with a sad realization. "The purebred test result helped explain why she looked like she’d had lots of puppies," Martin said. "Seems to have been part of someone’s not-very-responsible breeding operation."
Thankfully, Emma is happy and healthy in her new home, with her family proud to show off their gentle purebred Catahoula leopard dog. "She continues to be a nice, calm companion for my mom," Martin said.
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