Who Does My Dog Think He Is?

DNA Testing for Dogs - What's in The Mix?

We spent a grand total of $29 for our dog and it's been without question, the best $29 we ever spent. He was a Humane Society rescue and is the best dog in terms of health, personality, and temperment I've ever owned. He's so wonderful that my husband, who is allergic to all dogs, isn't allergic to him.

He is a typical Heinz-57 mixed breed mutt. Looking at him I see at least three different breeds of dog: Labrador Retriever, Chow Chow, and Pit Bull. He's weird looking and because I'm curious, I want to know more. Where did this cute little mutant come from? WIth the popularity of such sites as Ancestry.com for humans, I got to thinking: can I trace the family tree of my dog? The answer is yes.

Simple DNA Test Available

DNA testing for dogs has commonly been used to screen for genetic health issues and to determine bloodlines. For a fee, companies such as Dog-DNA and DNABreedID will send owners a kit with detailed instructions on how to perform the test. It involves a simple swab of the inside of the dog's cheek. No veterinary visit is necessary.

This test will (according to their websites) reveal the ancestry of your pooch in several ways:

1. High: the ancestry that makes up 50% or more of your dog's DNA
2. Medium: the breeds that make up a large portion of your dog's ancestry but do not add up to 50%
3. Low: breeds that exist in your dog at low but still measurable amounts

After 4-6 weeks, the results will be sent along with a certificate outlining the different breeds identified in the DNA test.

These tests may be informative from an anecdotal perspective; however, this particular type of DNA test will not stand up in court as a legally binding paternity test. Owners of purebred dogs who have paternity issues must undergo a different test that will hold up, legally speaking.

The DNA tests from these companies may not cover all breeds. One company says that 92% of the mixed breed population in the U.S. is covered by the breeds on their list; another company has a list of 100 breeds. They both indicate that they add new breeds on an ongoing basis.

The DNA test is also useful with regard to owner education. Finding out what breeds make up your dog will shed light on potential health and behavioral issues and personality traits. For example, our dog has always had issues with his skin and nails - is this just peculiar to him or could one of the branches of his family tree be responsible?

Does it really matter what breeds make up your beloved family friend? Probably not, unless you're planning on breeding your dog. However, it would be fun to find out why Boomer's feet are too small for his body, why his tail curls, and why one ear just refuses to stay down. The answer won't change the fact that he's the best dog ever - to us.