Sometimes people adopt a puppy thinking they know exactly what breed they’re bringing home. Months later, a DNA test can flip that certainty on its head.
It’s easy to see how it happens. Young pups often share similar features, and guessing can feel more like a gamble than science.
One California dog owner believed he had welcomed a Border Collie into the family. The test results told a different story, revealing that his new companion carried a heritage far removed from what he first imagined.
The Hidden Story Behind Achilles
A Reddit user known as u/Bombared adopted a dog named Achilles, who had been labeled a Border Collie by the rescue that took him in. Not long after, the owner began to suspect there was more to the story.
Achilles and his sister had been discovered wandering in California’s Central Valley. When they arrived at the shelter, staff believed they resembled Border Collies and listed them accordingly.
Once Achilles settled into his new home, his behavior raised questions. Certain habits did not match what people typically expect from a Border Collie.
For example, the pup’s relaxed nature stood out. Instead of being constantly alert and enthusiastic about learning, Achilles was mellow and cautious as he adapted to his surroundings. It even took him extra time to figure out how to accept treats.
He also showed very little motivation around food, which is unusual for many herding breeds. As he got older, his changing appearance added to the mystery.
Curious to know the truth, his owner ordered a DNA test.
The results revealed that Achilles was 45.8 percent Pomeranian, 43.8 percent Husky, 6.2 percent Alaskan Malamute, and 4.2 percent Supermutt.
Everything suddenly made sense, from his coat to his temperament. Even though the findings were surprising, his owner explained that nothing about their relationship shifted. Achilles was still the same beloved pet.
Reddit Users React To The Mix
When Achilles’ DNA breakdown was shared on Reddit, users were stunned by the unusual combination of breeds.
One commenter wrote: “Was expecting to see a chow or Akita in there, but Pomeranian definitely explains the tiny fluffy ears too! He’s very handsome, and other than the black and white coloring looks absolutely nothing like a border collie!”
Many agreed, noting that Achilles’ size alone ruled out some guesses.
Another person commented: “Somehow these breeds combined to look like a purebred Karelian Bear Dog. That’s just wild.”
Although that comparison seemed fitting based on appearance, Achilles is much smaller than a Karelian Bear Dog, which ruled that out quickly.
Someone else added: “My first thought was Akita, so I got the Spitz part, just the wrong breed, haha. Fun fact – Pomeranians were originally medium to large sized dogs before the breed was bred down to be a companion dog.”
The historical note about Pomeranians was new information for Achilles’ owner and helped explain why the dog had certain characteristics.
The Dog He Was Always Meant To Be
Even though Achilles was misidentified from the beginning, he has grown into a wonderful companion with a calm and affectionate nature.
He enjoys relaxing around the house, observing the outdoors, and occasionally going after squirrels just for fun. His DNA results may have come as a surprise, but his personality and loving bond with his owner stayed exactly the same.
In the end, breed percentages did not matter. What truly mattered was that Achilles found a home where he is appreciated for who he is, not for the label he once carried.