Dog DNA Testing for Mixed Breeds

Home Genetic Test Kit Defines Breed Characteristics for Pet Lovers

Sep 29, 2009 Melissa Murfin

Many people adopt mixed breed dogs without really knowing what kind of animal to expect. Learning the dog's potential breed characteristics helps better understand pets.

Mixed breed dogs are often unique in their physical characteristics and quirky personalities. Dog owners frequently adopt mixed breed pets from shelters that may not be able to offer any clues to the animal's background. Knowing more about the breeds making up the pet can give curious pet owners some idea of what to expect from their furry family member.

DNA Test for Dogs

There are several hundred breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Each breed has different physical and behavioral characteristics which make up their personality. Some breeds like Border Collies are high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and a job that keeps them occupied. There are also health considerations and particular physical problems that are associated with specific breeds. For example, golden retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia while dachshunds may have back problems. Knowing more about what breeds make up a mixed breed dog can give helpful clues to approaching training and care of the animal, including nutritional needs for specific types of dogs.

Home Test Kits for Dogs

There are many doggy genetic test kits available online. They range in price from about $50 to $100 per test. Test labs have a database that contains genetic profiles of common purebred dogs. Most genetic testing kits offer comparisons to between 60 and 100 different breeds of dogs. DNA test results will show the percentages of a particular breed's DNA that is found in the animal being tested. Most mixed breed dogs will have less than 75% of a specific breed's DNA unless one of their parents was a purebred dog.

How to Collect a Dog DNA Sample

Pet owners pay for a DNA test kit online that is mailed to their home. A prescription from a veterinarian is not required. Testing is simple and painless for the dog. The owner takes a cheek swab from the dog by rubbing a cotton swab along the inside of the dog's cheek for approximately ten seconds. The swab is then mailed back to the testing company. Most test labs return the DNA ancestry results in about two weeks to six weeks.

Where to Buy Dog DNA Test Kits

Many websites offer these canine test kits. Here are just a few:

www.muttmart.com
www.dnabreedid.com
www.canineheritage.com
www.wisdompanel.com
www.petstreetmall.com

These kits may help to answer many behavioral and health questions for pet owners once the breed makeup is determined. This also can answer questions for curious dog lovers who just want to know the origins of their pet's physical characteristics.

The copyright of the article Dog DNA Testing for Mixed Breeds in Dogs is owned by Melissa Murfin. Permission to republish Dog DNA Testing for Mixed Breeds in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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