- 1). Observe the coloration of the animal in question. Many breed standards call for a breed to be a specific color or pattern in order to qualify. For example, a Rottweiler will always be predominantly black with rust markings at his eyebrows, his muzzle, his chest and his feet. Siamese cats will always have a cream body with colored points. The dwarf hotot rabbit is always white with jet black eye bands.
- 2). Look for any physical peculiarities of the animal in question. Some cats, dogs, and rabbits have specific physical traits that can clue you in to what breed they belong to. For example, French lop rabbits have ears that droop instead of stand erect. Manx cats have either no tail or a partial tail while American curl cats' ear tips roll back in a curl. Chinese crested dogs are almost completely hairless except for some fine hair on its face, tail and lower legs.
- 3). Observe the size of the animal and estimate its weight. Dog, cat and rabbit breeds in particular have standards that dictate how large or small the animal should be. The size of the animal in question can clue you in to what breed it may be. For example Chihuahuas are generally 6 lbs. or less and are very delicate looking while Great Danes can weigh 150 lbs. or more. Maine coon cats are much larger than normal house cats, weighing anywhere from 12 to 18 lbs. or more.
- 4). Utilize breed standard references to determine what breed you have observed. For dogs, the gold standard for breed identification is the American Kennel Club. Information on cat breeds can be located on the Cat Channel. More information regarding rabbit breeds can be found at the American Rabbit Breeders Association website.
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