Pure bred animals command a premium. They are literally bred for certain behaviors, and this can make them easier to train relative to other dogs. And it can give them a known personality. Unfortunately, this leads some unscrupulous sellers to pass off puppies as purebreds that aren't. Here a few tips on how to tell if your puppy is a pure bred.

Check Their Pedigree Papers

True purebred dogs should have pedigree papers. Unfortunately, fake pedigree pet papers exist. However, you can check the pedigree through certifying organizations. If you acquired the dog according to the kennel club, you should get the pedigree. Or you can get the dog's registration number and verify the pedigree information online.

Compare the Puppy to the Breed Standard

Every dog breed club has its own breed standard. You can check the dog against the breed standard. This can tell you if are dealing with a purebred dog or one that is at least very close. It will also let you know when the dog is purebred but defective in some way. Note that this will not eliminate issues known to affect certain breeds like Dalmatians being prone to deafness.

This is probably the least reliable method. One study found that dog experts can often only identify the dominant breed but not tell when the dog is purebred. But it is free. And if you're not concerned about buying a show animal, then it doesn't matter.

Go Through Legitimate Vetting Organizations to Your Next Puppy

You can use this informative website when looking for a purebred puppy. You can be sure that any dog available on the site is purebred, and they provide the information you want. These sites rely on their reliable information to stay in business. A side benefit of using these services is that you can connect with other owners of the same breed and learn about health problems with the breed and get advice on training them.

Get Genetic Testing

A good way to verify that the dog is purebred is genetic testing. This will prove that the dog is purebred. The problem is cost. DNA testing is expensive. But it may be worthwhile. First, it can identify a dog that is 90 percent X and 10 percent something else. The tests can also identify dogs that are dangerously inbred, though they are pedigreed. And it can be used to identify genetic diseases the dog may have.

You can get a DNA sample for the dog by swabbing the inside of their cheek. You can get the DNA testing kits at pet supply stores or online.

Ask Your Veterinarian

Ask your veterinarian if they think that the dog is pedigreed. They can also give you information about problems with the breed and identify issues with the puppy.

Ask a Groomer or Another Breeder

A groomer may be an affordable second opinion regarding the dog's breed. You can also ask another breeder, though they may not want to give their opinion for free.