Should You Have Your Dog’s DNA Tested?

If you are the parent of a rescue pup, chances are that you know very little about your dog’s history. You may have your suspicions about his breed and ancestry, but you have no way to be positive. If you are dying to have more definite idea of his genetic makeup, you may want to consider having your dog’s DNA tested.

How Does it Work?

Testing your dog’s DNA doesn’t require a trip to the vet. You can purchase a home DNA test kit either online or at pet retail supply locations. Most home DNA tests are performed using a cheek swab. Once you have swabbed the inside of your dog’s cheek, you seal the swab and mail it to a lab to have it analyzed. Within a few weeks you will have your results.

Why Have Your Dog’s DNA Tested?

One big reason to have your dog’s DNA tested is to satisfy your curiosity. Maybe you suspect that your rescue pup is part Chihuahua, but are your really sure? And even though you’ll love him just as much no matter what his breed turns out to be, a DNA test could explain where he got those perky ears, those cute little stubby legs, or that quirky personality.

Another reason why you might want to consider a doggie DNA test is that knowing your dog’s genetic makeup may alert you to the fact that he is more disposed to certain health issues. Some test kits even isolate certain risk factors. For instance, Wisdom Panel tests for the MDR1 mutation, which causes dogs to have an adverse reaction to some common medications.

While information obtained from a home DNA test kit is not an official diagnosis, it can provide your veterinarian with some useful tips to head off potential problems.

How Accurate is it?

According to Nathan Sutter, PhD, assistant professor of medical genetics at Cornell University, DNA testing can “typically identify the majority breeds in a canine with great accuracy,” especially when there are only a few major breeds to isolate. It gets a little more complicated if your pup’s genetic makeup includes a very large number of breeds.

How Much Does it Cost?

Most DNA test kits cost less than $100. You can purchase Wisdom Panel’s most recent product for $84.99 on their website. Considering the fact that preventive veterinary care is less expensive than reactive care, the health information obtained from one of these tests may even end up saving you money in the long run.

About a year ago, I had the opportunity to do a DNA test on a rescue mutt named Daisy and reveal the results on FOX & Friends. Check out this video of the big reveal!

Sometimes the results of your doggie DNA test may surprise you.

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