We have all been there: Passed by a dog that looked a little bit like one breed and a little like another breed. Guessing the mix was part of the fun.
But a new study is taking that guessing game to a more scientific level. Researchers from the University of Massachusetts, the Broad Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants want to know how well we can identify mixed breeds.
This week, the team launched the MuttMix project, a survey asking citizens to test their breed-identifying skills by examining pictures of dogs. People will look at approximately 31 mutts and be tasked with determining the top three breeds that contributed to the mix. Their answers will be compared to the dog’s actual genetic makeup.
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After the study ends (on June 16), participants will be mailed a certificate of participation, along with the answers to each breed.
However the MuttMix project goes beyond testing our skills.
“The data collected will tell us a lot about how people perceive breeds and mixes, how different breed mixes affect the appearance of a dog, how well people can guess their canine friends’ ancestries from looks alone, and how that might affect our lives with dogs,” the website states.
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The real-life implications could be huge. Right now, many dogs are passed over at shelters because of what breed is on their records; states, cities and communities outlaw certain breeds, meaning many owners have to relinquish their dog due to its appearance; and we train and treat dogs a certain way based on what breed(s) we believe they are.
Ready to test your skills? Head over to Mutt Mix Project.
