What Type of MUTT Do You Have?

Have you ever wondered what mix of breed your dog is? If he’s 1⁄2 Lab and 1⁄2  Poodle or vice versa? Or maybe you have no idea what mix he is, but you think he caries traits of certain breeds and would like to know? Well now such DNA tests are available for finding these things out.
It wasn’t long ago that genetic testing was only used to diagnose human medical conditions, to settle paternity suits and identify criminals. But now that testing has come down in pricing dog owners can use the technology to find out the ancestry of their canine companions. In addition to telling owners what types of breed their dog is made up of the tests can also reveal any health problems.
The consumer tests stemmed from the AKC’s attempts to ensure the validity of pedigrees for 155 breeds of dogs. 400,000 purebred dams and sires have been registered with the AKC who has required breeders to supply genetic samples since 1998.
Tests that determine breed types examine specific points in the canine’s DNA and can find specific patterns that are known to correspond with specific breeds.
The tests available fall into 3 categories, maternity or paternity, genealogy and the identification of mutations associated with disease. Tests are available for other species that can determine the sex of birds or coat color of kittens. The tests are more widespread for dogs due to past medical research for human diseases. In fact, the complete dog genome was published in 2005, it was the 5th genome decoded after humans, mice, rats and chimpanzees.
So if you have a dog that you were told is a mix of Lab and Border Collie but has the nose of a hound or the howl of a Beagle to make you think otherwise, now there is a way to find out. For as little as $65 a DNA test can tell you all you want to know about your dog’s ancestry, or maybe, more importantly, about the health of your pup.
Tests can be ordered online and done at home, or through your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian for more information. Or contact the companies below for more information.

Animal DNA Services

Veterinary Diagnostics Center, 800-625-0874, www.vetdnacenter.com
DNAPrint Genomics, 941-366-3400, DoggieDNAPrint.com
VetGen, 800-.483-8436, www.vetgen.com
Canine Heritage™ Breed Test, 800-DNA-DOGG, www.metamorphixinc.com