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Compare your dogs to Cotton Select one to begin:

Cotton

Mixed Ancestry

“Cotton was found on the streets, and we rescued him from a shelter. He is the sweetest dog and is calm and lazy until it's time for his walk. He loves his toy stuffed chicken and treats.”

Current Location

San Antonio, Texas, USA

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Genetic Breed Result

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Embark Supermutt analysis

What’s in that Supermutt? There may be small amounts of DNA from these distant ancestors:

Poodle (Small)

A highly intelligent and playful dog, Miniature and Toy Poodles make for great lap dogs and companions.

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Chow Chow

This distinctive-looking dog breed has a proud, independent spirit that some describe as catlike. Often aloof and suspicious of strangers, the Chow Chow may not be a cuddle buddy, but for the right person, they are a fiercely loyal companion.

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Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion.

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German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherds are confident, courageous dogs with a keen sense of smell and notable intelligence. These are active working dogs who excel at many canine sports and tasks -- they are true utility dogs! Their versatility combined with their loyal companionship has them consistently listed as one of the most popular breeds in the United States.

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American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier originated in the British Isles and descends from the Mastiff-type dogs introduced to England in antiquity. The breed was brought over to the United States by English immigrants in the 1800s, and quickly became one of the most popular and widespread breeds there.

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Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound was the main companion of the Vikings. These guys have been used in almost every role imaginable for a dog. In modern times, they are primarily companion dogs, but they are still used for hunting and herding.

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Dogs Like Cotton

Venn diagram

Discover dogs who share a similar breed mix to Cotton. A higher score means the two dogs have more of their breed mix in common. A score of 100% means they share the exact same breed mix!

Click or tap on a pic to learn more about each dog and see an in-depth comparison of their DNA, breeds, and more.

DNA Breed Origins

Breed colors:
Poodle (Small)
Chow Chow
Rat Terrier
German Shepherd Dog
American Pit Bull Terrier
Norwegian Elkhound
Supermutt

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Here’s what Cotton’s family tree may have looked like.
Cotton
Family Tree From Embark PARENTS GRANDPARENTS GREAT GRANDPARENTS Mixed Poodle (Small) mix Chow Chow / German Shepherd Dog mix Rat Terrier / American Pit Bull Terrier mix Poodle (Small) Poodle (Small) mix Chow Chow German Shepherd Dog mix Rat Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier mix Poodle (Small) Poodle (Small) Poodle (Small) Mixed
While there may be other possible configurations of his family’s relationships, this is the most likely family tree to explain Cotton’s breed mix.
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Traits

Explore the genetics behind your dog’s appearance and size.

Base Coat Color

Base Coat Color

Coat Color Modifiers

Coat Color Modifiers

Other Coat Traits

Other Coat Traits

Other Body Features

Other Body Features

Body Size

Body Size

Performance

Performance

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Through Cotton’s mitochondrial DNA we can trace his mother’s ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends. This map helps you visualize the routes that his ancestors took to your home. Their story is described below the map.

Haplogroup

B1

Haplotype

B88

Map

B1

Cotton’s Haplogroup

B1 is the second most common maternal lineage in breeds of European or American origin. It is the female line of the majority of Golden Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and Shih Tzus, and about half of Beagles, Pekingese and Toy Poodles. This lineage is also somewhat common among village dogs that carry distinct ancestry from these breeds. We know this is a result of B1 dogs being common amongst the European dogs that their conquering owners brought around the world, because nowhere on earth is it a very common lineage in village dogs. It even enables us to trace the path of (human) colonization: Because most Bichons are B1 and Bichons are popular in Spanish culture, B1 is now fairly common among village dogs in Latin America.

B88

Cotton’s Haplotype

Part of the B1 haplogroup, this haplotype occurs most frequently in Poodles.

The B1 haplogroup can be found in village dogs like the Peruvian Village Dog, pictured above.

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Through Cotton’s Y-chromosome we can trace his father’s ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends. This map helps you visualize the routes that his ancestors took to your home. Their story is described below the map.

Haplogroup

A2a

Haplotype

Hc.12

Map

A2a

Cotton’s Haplogroup

A2a is a truly ancient lineage. Unlike the recent upstart A1 lineages which found their way from a few popular European males a couple hundred years ago into many dogs in many breeds, A2a shows ancient roots without major recent expansion. It is likely one of the oldest eastern Eurasian male lineages of dogs, where it has existed for thousands of years. Nowadays, it's commonly found in Tibetan Terriers and Chow Chows as well as in Southeastern Asian village dogs. The Chow Chow seems to have been depicted in sculpture over 2,000 years ago, so this is an ancient lineage indeed, and dogs with it have a long and noble pedigree! Males from this lineage have continued to be bred in similar forms and breeds for millennia.

Hc.12

Cotton’s Haplotype

Part of the A2a haplogroup, this rare haplotype occurs in Papua New Guinea and Vietnam.

The large-sized Tibetan Mastiff descends from this ancient lineage.

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