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Doggy DNA identity crisis
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Wylie has clear breed traits from his Greyhound and Malinois.
As a concerned pet parent, I have often wondered about my dogs' back history. Not only what brought them to be surrendered or picked up (both of my dogs came through San Francisco Animal Care & Control) but even more, what breeds make up that mutt of mine?
Although we are pretty sure Wylie is a mix of Belgian Malinois and Greyhound, we're not sure at all what comprises Bennie. He's big (95 lbs.), mostly black, with caramel eyes and brindle muzzle, paws, and chest. Most everyone who meets him asks if we know his breeds, and mostly we answer "Probably Black Lab and..." with a puzzled look. Mostly I always thought he must have some Great Dane, partly because others have said so and partly because that's what I hoped.
Then along came doggy DNA testing. I couldn't wait to have Bennie tested, thinking that great advances in science would, for once and all, settle the question of his breed heritage.
Bennie is more of a mystery man.
There are basically two types of DNA tests marketed today for identification of breed composition in mixed-breed dogs. (Other tests are available that can confirm family lineage and parentage for purebreds.)
The first test can be done at home by the owner; it involves using a swab to get cells from your dog's mouth. You then send the samples off and get a report back. These tests claim to recognize about 40 breeds.
The other test, which has been marketed since late 2007 by Mars Veterinary as Wisdom Panel MX (www.wisdompanel.com), is based on taking a blood sample for the DNA. This requires a vet visit, and in fact a limited numbers of vets offer the test at this time. Because Wisdom Panel claims to detect more than 130 AKC recognized breeds, it touts itself as the most comprehensive test available.
Since I had the test done on Bennie, many people ask me if I was satisfied with the findings. Let's just say I really don't think the test is quite ready for prime time... Bennie's results were not at all what we expected. What did the tests say? Click here to find out more of Bennie's DNA test adventures. I also have his full report here in PDF.
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