Doggie DNA? Part 1 of 2

Do you have a mutt?  Have you ever wondered about what kind of breed your dog could be? 

Obviously you love your pup, but wouldn't you like to know what they could possibly be mixed with?  Do you really think they are the breed mix they were labeled at the shelter?  Labrador retriever mix?  Shepherd mix?  Hound mix?  Pitt mix?

Wouldn't it be interesting to see what breeds they really are?  I wondered how accurate are these DNA tests that can be purchased in pet stores and online.  I decided to do a little research of my own.  Breed tests have been sold in the United States for about six years.  The process that can match DNA sequences (microsatellite genotypes) to specific dog breeds, with reportedly 90% accuracy in trials.  The breed test’s accuracy depends largely on the number of breed-related genetic markers in the database.  If the company has more breed markers than the better and more accurate the result will be.  Of course these DNA results are not 100%, but perhaps they could give some insight into your curiosity of your pup.

My interest in discovering what breeds my pups could be sparked after reading an article on MSN in July regarding Ohio’s dog breed mandate.  Check it out here: http://news.msn.com/pop-culture/dog-owners-use-dna-tests-to-fight-mistaken-breed-identity?stay=1.

I have two shelter dogs. 

Dallas was labeled as a husky mix when he was rescued.  He has one blue eye and one brown eye.  Dallas has a double coat that is two toned-salt and pepper coloring; even though he has short hair he does go through seasonal shedding. Dallas is about 75 pounds with a big head, big ears, and stubborn as anything personality.

Natalya was said to be a Shepherd mix.  She’s about 55 pounds of sweetness, but don’t let her fool you.  She’s extremely protective of any place she considers her home and is very vocal.  Natalya has strong prey instincts.  She has brown and tan coloring, with extremely soft fur (like she never lost that “puppy fur” feel), and black spots on her tongue. 

I decided why not lets see what these tests have to say about my shepherd mix and my husky mix.  I purchased the Wisdom Panel 2.0.  It claims to detect 100% AKC Breeds, Mixed breed dogs (Breed ancestry identification back to great-grandparents), Purebred dogs (Certification and level of genetic diversity inbreeding), Designer dogs (Certification that your dog is a true 50/50 hybrid of two purebred parents), gives an adult weight range prediction, breed insights, and covers +200 breeds and varieties.  Wisdom Panel test is preformed by the Mars Veterinary, which is a division of Mars® Incorporated.  Mars Veterinary has been one of the leaders in genetic testing for dogs. 

My DIY kit was extremely easy to use.  Directions were easy to follow.  Your pup can’t eat (have a meal or a treat) for two hours before hand.  You open one of the cotton swabs and you swab between your pup’s cheek and upper gum.  They provide you two cotton swabs so that they may compare the results from the two.  After you’re done swabbing for at least 15 seconds you let the cotton swabs air dry for five minutes.  Once they’re dry you put them back in their slips.  Activate your kit, fill out the code on the prepaid shipping label, and drop it in the mailbox.  Voila you’re done! 

The test takes about 2-3 weeks for results.  However you can track your pups test progress online.

Now, is the waiting game….  Check back in 2-3 weeks…