Dog DNA Breed Testing has come a long way! Historically, DDC has developed testing options for canine breeders; services they can use to better help them manage their breeding programs. In the beginning, canine parentage testing was made available to identify the true biological sire of a litter and to insure that pedigrees were properly recorded. Shortly after, testing options were expanded to include several inherited disorders and specific traits like coat color DNA. Today, the DNA Testing menu not only includes tests for breeders but also pet owners.

Did you know that with a simple cheek swab, DNA testing could accurately determine the breed make-up of a mixed breed pet dog? It’s true! The Dog DNA Breed test can detect over 250 of the most popular domestic dog breeds in your dog’s genetic background. The test also includes genetic markers to identify potential contributions by the wild canine species — coyote and wolf. A computer algorithm performs over 7 million calculations using 11 different models (from a single breed to complex combinations of breeds) to predict the most likely combination of pure and mixed breed dogs back 3 ancestral generations: parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.

So why would someone want to have a dog DNA breed test done? The top reason is to satisfy one’s own curiosity! Perhaps the results will finally solve the mystery about the true breed of the dog. Most importantly, there are real benefits to knowing your dog’s breed make up. It can help you better understand the behavioral characteristics, nutrition and health needs.

Best of all, you don’t need a special trip to the veterinarian to collect a DNA sample. Everything is included in the home sample DNA collection kit and because samples are collected using cheek swabs, you can do it yourself! Once the sample is received at the DNA laboratory, results are normally completed within a couple weeks.

Interested in seeing what an example Dog Breed DNA test report looks like? Click here.

For more information and for ordering please visit DDC Veterinary today.