Instructions
Contact your veterinarian to schedule a DNA testing appointment. The vet will draw blood and send the blood to a DNA testing firm for analysis. If your vet does not offer DNA testing at their office, obtain a DNA testing kit from one of the offering companies. Look for kits from companies with over 100 pure breeds in their database. DNA testing companies compare the DNA sample from your mutt with those of the pure breeds in its database. If one of your dog's ancestors is not in the database, the test results will show the closest possible match.
Obtain a DNA sample from your mutt. DNA samples require either a cheek swab or a blood sample, depending on the testing kit. A blood sample may be obtained through your veterinarian who will draw blood from your dog. For a cheek swab, insert the cotton swab that came with the kit into your dog's mouth just between the cheek and gum. Turn the swab toward the teeth for 30 seconds. When finished, insert the swab into the sterile packet offered, seal and mail to the testing company.
Wait for results. Results may take three to four weeks to come in. The DNA sample from your dog will be compared with the DNA of pure bred dogs listed in the testing company's database. If one of your dog's ancestors is not in the database, the test results will show the closest possible match. Not all of the dog's ancestry will be reflected in the results. Pure bred DNA will be diluted over time, especially if a mutt is a third or fourth generation mongrel.
Review the results with your veterinarian. Your vet can work with you to develop a nutritional program that addresses any special needs of the breeds listed on your dog's DNA results report. The report can also help your vet identify health problems specific to the breeds comprising your mutt.
How to Find out What Breed Is My Mutt?
It is hard to tell what breeds comprise a single mutt just by looking at him. At best, a dog's coat, head shape and tail give away the most dominant genetic influences, but may not tell the whole story. If a dog has three or four mixes in his genetic history, humans may be better served by a DNA test than by guessing. Some DNA testing kits can be purchased at your local pet store or online. Veterinarians may also offer DNA testing at their office -- the results can take three weeks, but are worth the curiosity satisfaction.