DNA testing has come a long way from the days when tests were exorbitantly expensive and results could take months to get. Today, you can order an inexpensive ($65) DNA test that can tell you what your mixed breed dog’s heritage is.
In an AP article, Nate Jenkins tells of how one woman did just that. She wanted to know the origins of her dog, Rascal.
“Rascal’s mom looked like Lassie. His dad? Well, that’s a good question.
Rascal’s ears make it clear he was the product of something besides a Collie, but his owners couldn’t say exactly what. So Kathie Svoboda of Lincoln dabbed a swab in her pet’s mouth, mailed it to a lab and, a few weeks later, unlocked the mutt’s heritage.
Collie and Cocker Spaniel, as suspected, along with a twist — Shetland Sheepdog.”
Why would anyone spend the money? Aside from assuaging curiosity, knowing the breed origins of your dog could help to point to breed-specific health areas and behavior tendencies that would be helpful to know.
Here are two places that offer the test:
- Mars Veterinary: Requires blood drawn at the vet. Tests for 138 breeds. Costs $100-$200. Results in 4-6 weeks.
- Metamorphix: Done with a mouth swab at home. Tests for 38 breeds. Cost $65. Results in 4-6 weeks.
I just read about this in Dog Fancy (I think) while I was at the vets office today… I find it fascinating.
Amazing! I wonder how they do that DNA testing? We do DNA testing and we can get to species, but definitely not breed. I’m really interested in how they do this.
Good to see you. I hope this means you’re back from the writing!
Isn’t the whole deal behind having a mutt is knowing that it’s a mutt?
Are they going to do that for people to? So that us Americans can prove just how much of a mutt we are?? :o)
Simply Jenn, it is fascinating, isn’t it? And amazing what science can do now. Good to be seen. :) I wish it meant I was back. More, as Therese put it, I’m finding the time to do a few drive-bys.
Caffienated Cowgirl, definitely for most people with mutts this would be a waste of time and money. There are instances where it could be life-saving. Take, for instance, a mutt with a serious, undetermined illness. Knowing the breeds involved could help point vets in the right diagnosis direction.
I’ve always wondered what mix my dog is…of course it’s partly fun to keep guessing too.