NASHVILLE, TN. Arya, Vice Presidential candidate for the Back Yard Election has been declared 100% dog and is 100% eligible to serve as running mate for Jack the Scottie.
Mr. P. Nut Squirrel challenged the eligibility of Arya to serve as VP since she was a Porch Dog of unknown origin. Mr. Squirrel declared, “If she can prove that her lineage is appropriate, I will eat these words. And, further, I will donate $100 dollars to the puppy charity of her choice.” The Puppy Party took Mr. Squirrel up on his challenge and had Arya’s DNA tested.
The breakdown of Arya’s DNA is as follows:
- 25% Australian Cattle Dog
- 25% Chihuahua
- 50% Mixed breed groups including DNA from Companion, Terrier, and Sporting dogs
The campaign decided to accept Mr. Squirrel’s generous donation and invited Arya’s friends to help guess what the DNA would reveal about her mysterious past. The winner of the contest is Gayle Yarick, who predicted that Arya was a combination of “Middle Tennessee Cattle Dog along with some Chattanooga Chihuahua and perhaps a little Berry Hill Basenji.” Campaign officials will be contacting Ms. Yarick to find out which puppy charity to gift.
When reached for comment, Arya said, “I’m so happy. I think this was the best time of my life. Now I know so much about who I am. But the Best Part is finding out how many friends that I have and how much love there is in the world.”
More detail about the test follow:
Arya’s DNA was submitted to Wisdom Panel which analyzes the DNA against a database of more than 250 breeds. The DNA is identifies ancestry back to the great-grandparent level.
Arya’s results showed that she was 25% Australian Cattle Dog. This breed was begun in the 1930’s in Australia when a Scottish blue speckled, smooth-coated Collie was bred with a native Dingo. (Arya: “See – I am part Scottish!!!”)
She is also 25% Chihuahua.Chihuahuas are one of the most ancient of dog breeds, with its origins dating back to the Mayan civilization. The breed is believed to have descended from the ancient Techichi, a dog that played an important role in both the Toltec and Aztec cultures. Some believe that the Chihuahua is a result of the crossing of the Techichi and the Chinese Crested, which came to South America from Alaska. (Arya: “See – I have am Very Ancient!)
Her 50% mixed breed includes DNA from Companion, Terrier, and Sporting groups. “A portion of Arya’s ancestry was predicted to be mixed beyond the three generations we test for. We were unable to identify strong individual breed signals in this mixed portion, so we have listed the genetic breed groups with the strongest statistical likelihood below. The breed groups are listed in order of strength with the most likely at the top of the list.”
Companion Group:
- Bichon Frise
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- Keeshond
- Pomeranian
Terrier Group:
- Chihuahua
- Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
- Standard Schnauzer
- Russell Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
Sporting Group:
- Cocker Spaniel
- Golden Retriever
- Poodle
- Weimaraner
Thanks to everyone for your interest. Arya Loves You All!!!
Jack the Scottie 
Congratulations, Arya! The results prove you do have a very impressive ancestry and we think you’ve inherited the very best of each breed in your background! You have shown yourself to be one standout dog!
Congratulations also to the winner, Gayle Yarick, who obviously knows lots about the various dog breeds. Good job!
McDuff & Mom
I am so excited!!!! Yay, Yay, Yay!! -Arya
A noble heritage, indeed. We know a little about Australian Cattle Dogs. I’ve a had a couple of granddogs of that breed. I like the thought of the companion group. It’s clear you are a wonderful companion to your hooman.
Thank you. I am glad to hear that you know some other Cattle Dogs. Maybe we are cousins. You are so neat-o. -Arya
We call Australian Cattle Dogs “Blue Heelers” here in the states. Australia has about 7 breeds that are considered “feral”. Blue heelers are the only one’s we have here. Very close to a dingo. In fact they were bred by mixing dingo’s, Dalmatians, Collie’s and a few others.
They are herding dogs and they are great at children’s parties!
Very active and intelligent.
Red heeler?
Whoever her ancestors are, she is adorable!!! As is her brother! And her mom! 😊
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you. We think you are so cool. -Arya
Wolfy…er Arya, you are truly a citizen of the world! Now we understand better your propensity to be vocal (VERY vocal) and your desire to protect your estate. Good job – using the traits that your ancestors gave you. After the excitement of waiting, may you and Jack enjoy relaxing treats in keeping with this amazing knowledge.
Mom says I am VERY vocal. I think you are VERY cool. – Arya
Congratulations, Arya! You confirm our assertion that Rescue is the best breed!
You are so smart and so nice. -Arya
Very impressive,Arya! I have to say 25% Chihauhau surprised me. Whatever your ancestry you are a beauty and have quite a personality.
It surprised my mom, too. Thank you for your nice words. You are very nice. Love, Arya
I’m just going to ignore the Chihuahua part, except to say that cattle dogs don’t bark much either so for sure our girl has a whole lot of bark dog in her!
Mom is ignoring it too. She still thinks I have “the Basenji scream.”
I think I would like to test this company be sending in my own DNA. I wonder what it would reveal, dog type wise.
While some might be concerned about the lineage of the would be President- and Vice President of the Back Yard, I celebrate the mixed heritage. This reflects the human milieu of their sphere of influence. (Besides which, Im Scottish/English/Unknown heritage myself). More importantly, I recently approached the Back Yard and the Front Door and was repulsed by a volley of roaring defensive Barking. The initial Bark and the echoing Howls were a strong Defense. These two are proven.
Well stated! I like your ‘mixed heritage’ applause, Maryboyd.
The campaign of Jack the Scottie for President of the Back Yard thanks you for your endorsement and testimony about the strength of their defense of the house and back yard. And your astute observations about the strength of the mixed heritage of the Vice Presidential candidate. We thank you! – Jack and Arya
[…] careful scrutiny of the DNA documents, I admit that my opponent’s Vice Presidential Candidate, Arya, is eligible to serve on the […]