DNA Testing for Mixed Breed Dogs
How to Find Out Which Breeds are in Your Dog's Genetic Makeup
May 1, 2009
Have you ever sat and studied your mixed breed dog’s features and wondered just what kind of dogs are in his genetic background? You might suspect one or two breeds, or even know what type of dog the mother is, but what else is in there? Now, thanks to DNA testing, you can find out about Fido’s family tree.
Research Leads to New Abilities
For the last 15,000 years, breeders have been striving to create dogs that fit their needs…hunters, herders, guard dogs and companion animals. This produced more than 350 diverse breeds, each with their own physical and behavioral characteristics. Scientists have been determined to find out how this wide assortment of breeds, all descended from wolves, developed in such a relatively short period.
Researchers from the United States and the United Kingdom conducted extensive studies on the DNA of more than 13,000 dogs. As a result, they have been able to pinpoint differences in many breeds and ways to use that information to trace your dog’s genetic makeup. It is hoped this information can help answer questions about a dog’s health, temperament and trainability, information that can help both dogs and their owners.
How to Get Your Dog Tested
Presently, there are two different type tests available. One of them involves a blood test, drawn at the veterinarian’s office and sent to a lab. It is currently able to recognize 130 breeds of canines. The cost of this test varies but normally ranges in the $160 area.
There is a less invasive, less expensive way to test your dog’s DNA. For about $60 -$80, purchase a kit and swab the inside of your dog’s mouth. Mail the swab back to a lab and get the results in 4-6 weeks. This test is less extensive, currently recognizing only 38 breeds. The developers promise they will soon be able to recognize over 100 breeds, however.
Whichever test you use, you will get findings in three categories: primary, secondary and trace. It is rare to find a “primary breed” marker in a mixed breed dog unless at least one of its parents was a pure bred. The secondary breed is more telling, but makes up less than 50% of the dog’s genetics. Trace breeds may be gifts from as far back as great grandparents and don’t usually have a strong effect on your dog’s traits.
Should You Have Your Dog’s DNA Tested?
There are some compelling reasons to have your dog’s DNA tested. Of course, many people do it simply to satisfy their curiosity. Others feel it will help them better plan for their dog’s future and may help them prevent or lessen health problems prone to specific breeds. It may also help lead to a better understanding of a dog’s behavior.
Another group feels that the tests are not yet good enough; that the information is too broad to be relevant. Opponents believe you can probably learn as much from observation and books about various breeds that you suspect are in your dog’s background.
The decision to test or not test is up to you. If you decide against testing, what will you say when people do a double take at your pet and ask, “What kind of dog is that?” Just smile and say, “The best kind!”
