Have you ever looked at your rescue pup and wondered what secrets might be hidden in their ancestry?
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, there just aren’t enough answers. Other times, you decide it doesn’t matter and simply enjoy life with your four-legged friend.
That was exactly the case for Max Matthai, a man from Baltimore, Maryland, who spent nearly two years loving his dog, Louie, without giving much thought to his breed. But one day, curiosity got the better of him, and what he uncovered left him stunned.
Louie Stands Out From The Crowd
From the instant Max spotted Louie’s photo at a Texas rescue, he knew the dog was meant to be his. There was something about Louie’s unusual appearance that made him unforgettable, and Max wasted no time adopting him.
In the years that followed, Louie grew into a strong 70-pound companion, full of energy and personality.
Although Max never knew for sure, he often guessed that Louie had Retriever or Collie blood. The dog’s glossy coat, joyful smile, and gentle nature gave off that impression.
Adding to the guesswork, Louie adored swimming, hiking, and running through the park, all traits that lined up with Retriever instincts.
But as friends and strangers alike continued asking about Louie’s background, Max’s curiosity deepened. He even began posting Louie’s pictures online, where the questions only multiplied.
Finally, he decided it was time to put an end to the mystery once and for all with a DNA test.
The outcome was nothing like he imagined.
The DNA Discovery Leaves Max Shocked
When the results came in, Max could hardly believe them. Louie wasn’t part Retriever or Collie at all.
The test revealed that Louie’s mother had been a purebred German Shepherd, making him roughly 30 percent Shepherd. On top of that, Louie carried about 20 percent Great Pyrenees, along with a blend of other breeds.
It was a complete surprise.
“My beautiful boy Louie! He’s a German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix,” Max wrote on Reddit.
The revelation drew an overwhelming response online.
“I’ve got one of those. All the athleticism and energy of a Shepherd with the resource guarding and barking of a Pyr,” one user wrote.
“Louie is ultra ultra nice and sweet, what a baby he is,” another added.
Despite the shocking results, nothing really changed for Louie. He was still the same fun-loving dog who filled Max’s life with joy. Now, though, he could proudly carry his true identity as a German Shepherd and Great Pyrenees mix.
Even if the world saw him as part working breed, to Max he would always be his cherished companion. Louie continued enjoying his favorite adventures, soaking up every bit of love in his forever home.
Because mixed or not, Louie is 100 percent adored.