For many pet owners the exact breed of their dog is a mystery. Dog owners love their pooches no matter what breed they may be but for many the curiosity can be too much. Is Fido a Lab mix? A Poodle? Perhaps part Boxer?
With the recent advances in DNA testing it is now possible to identify every breed in a dog with 99.9997% accuracy.
DNA My Dog in Toronto, Canada, is one company that offers the DNA Breed Test to curious dog owners. The test was developed and validated using U.S. dog populations and will show all popular breeds in Canadian and U.S. Dogs (95% of all breeds).
Customers are sent a test kit containing swabs to collect DNA samples from the inside of their dog’s cheek. The test takes about a minute to complete. When the lab receives the cheek swabs the DNA is extracted from the swab and run through the database of breeds.
Although all dogs are descended from common wolf ancestors, each breed has specific genetic markers that uniquely identify it. It is these markers that allow scientists to determine each breed in a dog’s unique genetic make-up. The test measures each breed and reports back in 5 levels, each level representing the percentage of a specific breed found in the dog.
Results of the at-home one-minute cheek swab test are returned in just over a week and include a Canine Breed Composition DNA Analysis Certificate with the dog’s photo and breed composition, suitable for framing.
Also included in the testing fee is a report on the dog’s dominant breeds, personality traits and health concerns. Breed knowledge allows dog owners a better understanding of the genetic health risks the dog faces. This allows the tester to be more proactive about the health of their dog. It also provides valuable information to vets, dog trainers and dog walkers who have a much better understanding of the dog when they know the exact breeds.
DNA breed testing means your dog will no longer remain a mystery mutt. Through the science of breed heritage genetics your generic mix can now be elevated to the ranks of a Borador (Border Collie/Labrador Retriever mix), a Cheeks (Chihuahua/Pekingese mix) or even a Newfypooweenie (Newfoundland/Poodle/Daschund mix)!
For this valuable service you can connect with DNA MY DOG through www.dnamydog.com. They are located at 1234 Kingston Road, Suite 107, Toronto, ON M1N 1P3 (416)691-4160 info@dnamydog.com
Featured Contributor
Sue London, People & Pet Therapist, Reiki Master, Radio Host, Editor of “Healthy Pets” for Vividlife.me, Life Coach www.asksuelondon.com 1-888-812-1181
Experience Reiki for your pet for FREE! Send me an email sue@asksuelondon.com with your pet’s name and I will give your pet a FREE 10 minute healing session. After the healing has been sent I will send you an email with details about your pet’s emotional and physical health.
6 comments
Hi Sue,
Thanks for the article, its really very well written.
I work at a large vet clinic and we get this question all the time. Having done over 100 dogs using these tests I would also check out DNA Diagnostics Center. http://www.vetdnacenter.com
We have found them to be very accurate and reasonably priced at $60…and they just need a cheek swab sample so you can collect the sample yourself at home.
We have used DNA My Dog at our seniour hound rescue and we love it! It is only $60 and we have been very pleased. I recommend it to anyone who is curious or confused about the breeds of their pup. Also, their certificare they send back is beautiful.
Good post. Hope to see more in the future.
I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. I sometimes wish I could write as well as you.
Bill
We were quite happy, but surprised at the results, using DNA my dog.
The fee was reasonable, it took a little longer than two weeks for the final results, but I was in constant contact with them and they were quite helpful.
I think there is a bit of “doubt” because we have no way to prove the results are 100%…. I probably will have it done again by another DNA agency and compare results. Our dog is such a mix and having adopted him from a pet rescue, with no history it has been a guessing game; whereas other dog owners who have fewer “ancestors” might be more accepting of the results. Will keep you posted…..
Have used this kit on my dog – a 35lb beagle cross, the cross being a daschund and a little something else (jack suspected). The results were ridiculous: level 1 – 0, level 2 – german sherperd, level 3 retriever, level 4 – english setter, level 5 – greyhound.
We complained and received a second kit. The results: level 1 – 0, level 2 – german shepherd, level 3 – english setter, level 4 – retriever & pomeranian, level 5 – husky.
Whereas this would be acceptable for most average sized mutts, it is obviously not for my dog.