Perhaps you have a mixed breed dog and are wondering what type of dog he or she is. Nowadays, spend a moderate amount of money with a simple test and you can find out the answer to that. There are several companies out there who are ready and waiting to DNA test your dog to let you know the genetic makeup of your pooch. Before you spend that dough, let’s take a moment to talk about doggie DNA testing.
Why Is DNA Testing Important?
The most common reason that people get a dog DNA test is to satisfy their curiosity about their dog’s genetic makeup. However, that isn’t the only reason.
When you get a DNA test for your dog, you are able to identify potential disease-causing mutations. For example, you are able to determine if the dog has a likelihood of developing a particular medical condition down the road, based upon his genetic predisposition to it. Then you can mention it to your veterinarian so that he or she can keep an eye out for them.
Another reason why people may want to know the breed of their dog is that if they have a puppy, they might be curious as to how large the dog is going to get, or how energetic the dog is going to get, based on the breed or breeds of dog that is identified.
How Do Dog DNA Tests Work?
With the exception of one doggie DNA test on the market, all others test the dog’s DNA with a cheek swab sample that you mail into the company. Mars Veterinary’s Wisdom Panel Professional requires that you visit your veterinarian for a blood test to achieve results.
Are all dog DNA tests created equal? Not really. It depends how many breeds are in a company’s database as to how accurate the results of the test are going to be. As you might expect, the more breeds that a company has in its database, the more expensive the test is likely to be as well.
Where to Get a Dog DNA Test
As one might expect, dog DNA tests are readily available for purchase online. The three main brands are Embark, Wisdom Panel and DNA My Dog.
Whether you are testing your dog’s DNA to satisfy your curiosity, or if you are doing it to identify potential health risks, it can be a very intriguing process, whichever brand you decide upon.
Most people who own dogs that are mixed breeds may want to know as much as they can about their furry friend so that they can give them the best care possible, and having a dog DNA test on your dog is a step in the right direction.
When it is all said and done, you might be totally surprised by the result!
Whichever brand you decide upon, each dog DNA test will provide extensive information about the breeds involved. The results will likely explain the way your dog looks, and also the way they behave. Not to mention, it’s just fun to learn about your dog’s origins.
Regarding Mixed Breeds
If you have a dog that is made up of many different breeds, it is going to be difficult for the test to determine every single breed that is a part of your dog. On the other hand, if the dog’s grandparent happens to be a purebred, obtaining accurate results becomes much easier.
What to Expect
The price of a dog DNA test ranges from about $60 to $90. When you send in your dog’s saliva to be tested, you can expect to obtain a report with detailed results from the company in the mail or via email within a 2-4-week period.
Author Bio
Pamela Gentry is an animal-lover and a mother of two. She spends her time playing with her children and writing about cats and dogs. She is passionate about rescuing animals and helping those in need.
