[Debbc52]

Pet store sold us a "poodle" -- but our Vet and groomer say he is not a poodle; perhaps a Havanese or a mix. Breeder and store owner will not admit an error, and breeder refuses to provide photos of dam and sire. There must be an expert who can identify the breed of this puppy.. . Help!

[labman]

I really can't help, and don't where to send you for help. I am active on several sites, but know of none with the number of good, active people it might take. If you posted a picture at one of the image hosting sites*, somebody who had seen many examples of whatever cross it is, might be able to say. Cross breeds can be difficult to identify. It is obvious my Lab/Golden cross' Sheba, coat is not right for a Lab, but most of the Lab/Golden crosses I have seen look much more like a Lab than she does. Another complicating factor is the possibility of a female mating with more than one male and bearing a litter with more than one father. Your puppy's mother may have been a Poodle, and was mated with another Poodle. If later, she was allowed to mate with another unknown dog, it could be your puppy's father rather than the Poodle.

DNA is the only sure way to prove the breed of your puppy. I do not know where to send you for a reasonably priced test. Perhaps go to www.akc.org and check the banner ads.

*I use http://www.photolocker.net/.