Owner told rescue is Labrador mix, DNA test reveals truth: ‘We were duped’

Adopting a dog can sometimes feel a bit like online shopping—what you expect isn’t always what you get. That was the case for one woman who thought she had rescued a Labrador mix, only to later discover the truth.

“We were duped!” wrote Reddit user alpinay in the comments of her post. “If it wasn’t for the double dew claws and her height we would’ve thought she was 100 [percent] yellow lab.”

The owner explained that while the dog looks every bit the Labrador retriever, DNA results told a different story. “Turns out she’s 0 [percent] lab.”

A slideshow of photos confirmed her surprise, with the caption: “Instead, she’s a cool mix of almost all the giant livestock guardian breeds which explains her double dew claws!”

The photos end with a screenshot of the DNA results, revealing the pup is 62 percent Great Pyrenees, 16 percent Anatolian Shepherd, and a mix of Border Collie, Australian Cattle Dog, and other large breeds.

In a reply to another user, she shared more about life with her new companion: “I’ve only had her for 2 months and we’ve noticed her energy levels increase by the day but she’s generally very chill and lazy.

“She gets bouts of energy when she’s excited but is horizonal most of the day. She has a ferocious bark which is on brand with the pyr [and] Anatolian but is not too barky (thank goodness).

“She has a double coat and sheds but not as bad as my other half pyr dog. She weighs about 65 lbs and has double dew claws on her hind legs!”

Commenters found the mix-up amusing, with one joking: “Labrador Deceiver.”

Another wrote: “You know, I see a lot of lab mixes that I can tell they’re not labs, but I can understand why someone thought so. This dog just straight up looks like a lab.”

How Breed Is Determined at Animal Shelters

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in 2024, with around 2 million dogs adopted last year. With so many animals moving through the system, shelters often rely on visual cues to assign breeds.

According to the Animal Humane Society (AHS), dogs usually arrive with a breed already assigned—either by a previous owner or a partner shelter. This designation is often included on rabies vaccination certificates, which are legal documents similar to an ID. Because changing the breed would invalidate the certificate and require revaccination, shelters typically only update breed information when necessary.

When a dog’s breed isn’t known—particularly with puppies—staff do their best to make an educated guess, looking at weight, coat, markings, ear shape, and other features. But with more than 200 recognized breeds, accuracy is tricky, and most dogs end up being mixes of several. As they grow, their traits often shift, making them look different from when they first arrived.

Experts emphasize that a breed label is only one piece of the puzzle. Training, socialization, and the quality of care all play a greater role in shaping a dog’s personality. Even within the same breed, temperaments can vary widely.

That’s why shelters encourage adopters to look for a pet that suits their lifestyle rather than relying too heavily on breed identity. Whether it’s a Labrador, a livestock guardian, or a one-of-a-kind mix, the bond between dog and owner is what matters most.

Newsweek reached out to u/alpinay for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.