When puppies are tiny, it is surprisingly easy to misjudge their breed. Families often bring a dog home believing they know exactly what they have, only to learn later that early appearances can be misleading.
As a pup grows, facial features, body shape, and even overall build can change in unexpected ways. That shift can leave owners questioning whether the original breed guess was ever accurate.
It happens more often than people think, and it does not affect how lovable a dog can be.
In California, one family was certain they had adopted two Cane Corso puppies. Over time, though, signs began to suggest the truth might be much more complicated.
Breed Doubts Begin To Surface
After bringing home two puppies they were told were Cane Corsos, the California family had no reason to question it.
But Maya Pugh, the daughter, started noticing traits that didn’t quite match the breed.
She and her parents began to wonder if the breeder had been mistaken. The breeder had confidently claimed the dogs were Cane Corsos, but something didn’t add up.
Maya posted a video on TikTok, and viewers chimed in with their own guesses. Many thought the puppies looked more like Black Labradors.
Unconvinced by the online speculation, the family decided to get a DNA test to settle the question.
The results revealed a surprising blend of breeds: Rottweiler, Labrador, Doberman, Bully, and even a mysterious “horse mix.”
No one could explain what “horse mix” meant, but it was clear the puppies came from an unplanned litter.
The breeders offered to take the dogs back, but the family declined. By then, they were deeply attached to the puppies and only wanted clarity about their background.
Online Reactions Pour In After DNA Reveal
After Maya shared the DNA results online, the response was immediate. Comments flooded in from viewers reacting to the unexpected outcome.
One person commented: “Why do ya’ll always immediately assume they’re going to a shelter? Just bc they’re not breeded correctly doesn’t mean there won’t be a happy and loving family to take them.”
To clarify, the family had no intention of giving the puppies up. They were thrilled to have them and considered them part of the family.
Another commenter shared a similar experience: “This happened to me last year we had what we thought was a Canne/pit mix after months of his being smaller the owner told us it was a Canne/dasch (wiener dog)”
Stories like these are more common than people realize. Sometimes breeders misrepresent the breed, and other times, it’s simply a misunderstanding.
Lastly, somebody commented: “So my guess is Doberman lab cane corso mix they are beautiful. To the parents I’m sorry people are being so negative.”
That guess was partially accurate, but the actual mix was even more diverse.
What matters most is that these puppies are loved and cared for. Their breed may be a mystery, but their place in the family is certain.
A post shared by Maya Pugh, AVA | Pre-Vet Student (@future_dogter_maya)
