Have you ever looked at your rescue pup and wondered what stories might be hidden in their past?
Sometimes, no matter how much we speculate, the answers stay a mystery. Other times, we decide that love is enough and simply enjoy every moment with them.
That was exactly how Max Matthai from Baltimore, Maryland felt about his dog, Louie.
For nearly two years, he adored his loyal companion without worrying much about his breed. But curiosity has a way of sneaking in, and when Max finally decided to investigate, the truth left him stunned.
A Dog Like No Other
From the first moment Max saw Louie’s photo on a Texas rescue site, he knew this was his dog. Louie’s one-of-a-kind look stood out instantly, and Max didn’t hesitate to adopt him.
Over time, Louie grew into a strong, 70-pound bundle of energy, always ready for a walk, a swim, or a new adventure.
Although Max couldn’t pinpoint his dog’s breed, he often guessed that Louie had some Retriever or Collie in him. Louie’s shiny coat, playful smile, and easygoing nature seemed to match those breeds perfectly.
Adding to the mystery, Louie loved the water, adored hiking, and had boundless enthusiasm — traits that made the Retriever theory sound convincing.
But the questions never stopped. Friends, family, and even strangers would ask about Louie’s background, and each time, Max found himself wondering too. Eventually, he decided to take matters into his own hands and solve the mystery through a DNA test.
What he found left him completely speechless.
The Truth Comes Out
When the DNA results arrived, Max could hardly believe what he was reading. Louie wasn’t a Retriever or a Collie at all.
The test revealed that Louie’s mother was a purebred German Shepherd, making him about 30 percent Shepherd. He also carried roughly 20 percent Great Pyrenees, along with traces of several other breeds.
The results completely changed what Max thought he knew.
“My beautiful boy Louie! He’s a German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix,” Max wrote on Reddit.
The post quickly went viral, and other dog owners chimed in with their own experiences.
“I’ve got one of those. All the athleticism and energy of a Shepherd with the resource guarding and barking of a Pyr,” one commenter shared.
“Louie is ultra ultra nice and sweet, what a baby he is,” another user wrote.
Even with the surprising news, Max’s love for Louie didn’t change. He was still the same affectionate and spirited dog who made every day brighter.
Now, Louie gets to proudly wear his true heritage, but to Max, labels don’t matter. Whether part Shepherd, part Pyrenees, or a mix of many breeds, Louie is, and always will be, 100 percent loved.