Dog DNA Retest: Jax’s Results Then & Now

Jax’s DNA Results Compared: 2017 vs 2025

When I adopted Jax in 2016, I was told he was a Papillon/Pomeranian mix. With those ears, the Papillon seemed feasible, and the reddish fur could definitely come from a Pomeranian side. Over the next year, his behavior made me start rethinking that assumption. He was extremely agile, with sudden bursts of energy. He was bold, yet reactive, and wary of strangers. He was devoted, but also extremely jealous. Not really a Papillon or Pomeranian vibe. I decided to have Jax’s DNA tested in 2017 to see what the real story was. I ordered a DNA test from Wisdom Panel and followed the easy instructions. Then eagerly awaited the results.

2017: The Original Mix

Back then, his test results showed:

• 50% Chihuahua

• 25% Fox Terrier (Toy)

• 25% Mixed Breed Groups — Terrier, Sporting, Herding, and Hound

It completely threw out the idea of a Papillon/Pomeranian mix and painted a very different picture. Jax was a small dog with a big personality and the agility or a parkour master, so the combo of Chihuahua and Toy Fox Terrier certainly tracked. The “breed group” portion just seemed like a mixed bag, but he’s always had a mix of behavioral traits and instincts that don’t fit neatly into one box.

Why Repeat the Test?

You might ask why retest when we already had an answer. Clearly Jax’s DNA hasn’t change, so why retest? I saw a photo of a Russian Toy Terrier that looked strikingly like Jax (the same red coat, fine build, and large fringed ears) and I started to wonder if we were missing a piece. I contacted Wisdom Panel and asked whether that breed was in their database in 2017. It wasn’t then, but it is now, so I guess you could say that my curiosity got the better of me! If you look at the side-by-side below (Jax in 2016 on the left and an example of the Toy Russian Terrier on the right), you can see why I was curious. The ears and coloring in particular showed marked similarities.

2025: The Updated Story

The newer test dove deeper. This time, it showed:

• 66% Chihuahua

• 10% Poodle (Toy and Miniature)

• Smaller traces of Miniature Pinscher (4%), Toy Fox Terrier (3%), and Pomeranian (3%)

• Plus unexpected cameos from Pug (4%), Dachshund (2%), and a few other surprising breeds like Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, and even American Cocker Spaniel

Though the test did not come back with any Toy Russian Terrier, it did reveal a deeper level of his unique diversity. Those little curls and his low shedding make sense now: a touch of Poodle in the family.

The added behavioral analysis for Jax also offered some interesting insights, though not entirely accurate in every respect. It indicated a likelihood of being more wary of strangers, a dislike of getting wet, and a inclination of sleeping on his back, while also showing a propensity for reverse sneezing, which I thought was interesting.

Jax’s DNA is Highly Diverse

Jax’s genome analysis shows higher than average genetic diversity when compared with other mixed-breeds. Closer to a Heinz 47 than a Heinz 57.

Why the Change?

Dog DNA testing has come a long way since 2017. Companies have expanded their reference databases, added more breeds, and refined their algorithms to make results more accurate. So when you test the same dog years later, the outcome can shift; not because your dog changed, but because the science did.

It’s a bit like discovering a new chapter in a familiar book. The story doesn’t rewrite who they are; it just adds a little more depth and detail.

Understanding the Limits of DNA Testing

It’s worth remembering that dog DNA tests are not perfect. While they can offer fascinating insights into ancestry, they’re still based on probabilities and the reference breeds available in each company’s database. Different DNA kits and labs may yield slightly different results, and some breed mixes can easily shift with updated data. Think of it less as a precise genealogy and more as a fun, evolving snapshot of your dog’s story.

Still the Same Jax

No matter what the percentages say, Jax is still the same quirky little soul who’s been by my side for years. DNA tests can be fascinating windows into ancestry, but what matters most is the dog in front of you, the one who curls up with you, keeps you company in the studio, and makes your days a little brighter.

At the end of the day, Jax’s mix of breeds is just part of his story. The real magic is in who he has become.

You can read more about how Jax came to be part of our family on the ABOUT page.

Ever wonder what your dog’s ancestry looks like? I would love to hear your dog’s story.