DNA Testing

Dog DNA Testing

DNA testing is now available for dogs, too. Dog DNA testing has become increasingly popular as a way to discover the true breed history of your dog.

Have you ever been curious about your mixed breed dog and wondered whether he's really Corgi-Dachshund like you've believed all these years? Fortunately there is now a low-cost and accurate way to find out with canine DNA tesing that involves just a cheek swab and a very short wait. You don't even need to meet with your veterinarian, and don't need to take a blood sample. Simple and easy.

Why Knowing Your Dog's Breed Heritage Is Important

Why would you want to know your mixed breed dog's makeup? Aside from just plain curiosity, knowing your dog's "heritage" breed can help you understand health and wellness issues related to that breed. The urban myth that mixed breed dogs don't get genetic diseases is not true. So, for example, if your dog is found to be primarily Labrador Retriever then you should really keep an eye out for joint-related health problems (hip dysplasia).

Dog DNA testing can also give you a better understanding of your dog's temperament and behavior. Every dog breed has a different overall temperament so when you discover that your gentle mixed breed is great with kids it's because she's primarily Golden Retriever!

The Canine Heritage Breed Canine DNA Test

The Canine Heritage Breed Test (www.canineheritage.com) analyzes your mixed breed dog's DNA against 38 breeds that represent about 75% of dogs. What you'll get back is a certificate stating what your dog's primary breed, secondary, and "in the mix" breeds are. Please note that canine DNA tesing can only reveal a primary breed if one of his parents is purebred. It's also important to note that the Canine Heritage test may not be accurate for mixed breed dogs outside of North America.

The Canine Heritage Breed Test currently costs $65 plus a small amount for shipping the test kit out to you.

The Mars Wisdom Panel Canine DNA Test

Another similar test that became available recently is the Mars Wisdom Panel(www.whatsmydog.com). The Wisdom Panel Dog DNA test will require a visit to your veterinarian and a blood sample. This test detects 130 AKC-recognized breeds and thus is much more precise than the Canine Heritage test. However, it is a much more expensive test and is harder to administer.

Pricing is determined by the individual veterinarian but is expected to be around $130. The Mars Wisdom Panel was only just released in July 2007, ask your veterinarian for more information.

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