[1] Beastborne are shapeshifters borne either to other beastborne or to human parents. Once discovered and the proper authorities informed, a beastborne is taken to a study preserve. Each discovered one has a tracker implanted into the back of their neck to keep track of them even in human form.
Most are treated like intelligent animals, and the public isn't really aware of their existence at large. Most proof such as videos are usually discarded as fake, like other 'cryptids'.
They don't have many rights legally, as to most they don't exist. However, while being studied they're usually not treated badly either.
[2] Even in human form there are several signs of one being a beastborne. Their ears are pointed, though this is usually hidden by their hair, and their nails grow more into claw-like shapes. Other aspects such as fangs, slight tusks, or reflective pupils may also be present, depending on the breed.
[3] Beastborne are commonly mammalian, though there are rarer breeds even amongst them. It's been noted that 'domestic' species are more common breeds than wild, though wolves are an outlier, being one of the most common. This is probably what created the myths of creatures such as werewolves.
They're hermaphroditic in nature, but will usually take after one sex in human form. However they may identify with a different gender, not unlike humans.
When born from a human, a beastborne will be in their human form. However, when born from another of their kind, they may be in either their beast or human form.