Dog DNA Testing 

Oftentimes, a pet owner is unlikely to truly know what the breed of their dog is and Dog DNA testing could yield the answers. Throughout the past century, dog breeding has become a lucrative market that has saturated itself with hundreds of breeds. This translates to a possibility of identifying a dog incorrectly and a risk of altered paperwork. 

To remedy the lack of knowledge in the pet world, dog DNA testing is done to further improve the bond between owner and pet. According to Wikipedia “Strong artificial selection has developed around 450 globally recognized breeds. These breeds possess distinct morphological traits including body size, skull shape, tail phenotype, fur, color and fur type. They also possess behavioral traits including herding, guarding, and hunting, in addition to personality traits such as aggression, boldness, or hypersocial behavior.”

How is Canine DNA Testing Done?

The process of identifying your dog’s DNA is simple. The wisdom panel breed test and others like it, contain everything any curious pet owner needs to solve this mystery. Inside of the wisdom panel, there is an assortment of materials including, instructions for collection, a swab brush, and a pre-paid return USPS mailer.

It is recommended to withhold food from your dog for at least 1 and 1/2 hours before completing the test. Once this time has passed, swab the inside cheek for about 20 seconds. Finally, place the swab inside DNA Cheek swab and place this inside the submission form. The easy 6-step process can be completed with multiple breeds. Most dogs don’t mind this at all. 

What Are the Benefits Of  Dog DNA Testing?

Approximately 10% of dogs have no recorded records of their breed or history. Although 10% may sound small, that amounts to almost 7.5 million pets with an unknown history. Knowing this information can lead to better preparation for the future as some breeds are more prone to different diseases. Furthermore, this will enhance how you interact with your dog. Many breeds maintain natural talents for example, a Springer spaniel is more likely to enjoy fetch than a toy poodle. This is based on the ancestral heritage of each breed. Alternatively, if your dog has been exhibiting less-than-desired behavior, this test will aid in understanding why that may be.

Furthermore, these dog DNA tests have a swift turnaround time. The average DNA test will take 2-4 weeks to return results. The results will be relayed in PDF format with a certificate of breed analysis.

Should You Get DNA Testing For Your Pup?

The tests are inexpensive and don’t hurt your dog at all.  If you are thinking about buying a pure breed dog, you should absolutely get a test.  It is a very little cost compared to the price of a dog with papers.  If you adopt a dog that seems a mix, it probably doesn’t matter.  If you thinking about breeding your dog, I would get the tests so that you have a better idea of what the puppies will be like.  With city laws and regulations about certain breeds, it would be good to have documentation of the breed of your dog.   Dog DNA testing is getting more accurate all the time and can be a great source of information on your fur baby. 

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