DNA Breed Testing in Dogs

One of the first questions people ask when they see someone walking a dog is "What kind of dog is it?" For people with purebred dogs the answer is easy, but not so if you have a mutt. End the guessing game and finally find out just what stuff your dog is made of using modern science's solution, DNA breed testing.

  1. History

    • DNA breed testing in dogs became available to the public in 2007, according to USA Today. In 2008, the cost was between $60 and $170. Depending on the type of test, DNA testing will determine which breeds dominate your dog's makeup.

    Identification

    • DNA breed testing is popular, according to USA Today, with most people saying they do it just to satisfy their curiosity. When breeds mix, it can be difficult to accurately assess the heritage of the resulting offspring. A number of dog enthusiasts, including some veterinarians, were surprised to find out how off they mark they were, according to USA Today.

    Function

    • The procedure requires a blood sample that your vet can provide, or a non-invasive cheek swabbing that you can do yourself with an at-home kit. By going to the vet, you just need to return in a couple of weeks to discuss the findings. With the at-home kit, you stick the sample in the mail. In four to six weeks, you get your results back. Keep in mind that DNA breed testing is not perfectly accurate in every instance because some dogs have been mutts for so many generations that the tests cannot detect the breeds.

    Features

    • Besides just wanting to know, there are other reasons for doing DNA breed testing. Some pet owners will have better luck in training their dog once they know its heritage, as some training techniques could differ depending on the dog's temperament. DNA breeding tests can provide dog owners with the "aha" moment, explaining why Fido keeps rounding up the neighbor's cat or digging up your tulips.

    Considerations

    • On the more serious side, pet owners should know if their breed of dog is susceptible to any ailments or diseases. Although with mongrels, there is no telling which traits they may or may not have inherited. In fact, many dog experts believe that mixing breeds can lead to stronger dogs because they often do not pass down the genetic defects of some purebreds.