For many Dog Owners, working out their doggo’s breed is as simple as taking a quick look at their canine (or their pedigree papers). But for others, their dog might be a mix that’s entirely impossible to decipher. A bit of Retriever… maybe? A drop of Maltese… perhaps? Or are they more of a Shih Tzu blend? This is where dog DNA tests come in. They can help figure out a doggo’s lineage and put lots of burning questions to rest.
But what exactly are DNA tests for dogs and how do they work? Can they figure out anything else besides a dog’s breed? Let’s find out.
What is a dog DNA test?
Put simply, a dog DNA test is a way to check a pooch’s DNA make-up. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, contains all the vital genetic information that make an organism unique. We have it, dogs have it, cats have it, even plants and bacteria have it; it’s found in all living things.
DNA tests for dogs are often delivered in kits that you can easily use at home. In most cases, you’ll be required to take a swab sample from the inside of their mouth. (If that sounds like a challenging – nay, impossible – task with your frisky doggo, you can ask for help from a friend, family member, or a trusted Dog Sitter!) Next, you package it up and return it to the company you ordered from. They then take a few weeks to process the results before sending them to you as a report.
Vets can also perform DNA tests on dogs and may use a saliva or blood sample for testing.
What are dog DNA tests used for?
So, what can you expect to find out by using a dog DNA test? Quite a lot, it turns out!
- Your dog’s make-up. If you’ve got a mixed-breed doggo, you’re probably quite curious about its lineage. A DNA test can tell you which breeds are part of its make-up, and in what proportions
- Your dog’s lineage. You may also be able to find out what breed your dog’s parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents were likely to be. Some purebred Dog Owners use DNA tests for this reason, as they can better understand their dog’s pedigree
- Your dog’s features. Depending on the test, you may be able to learn more about your dog’s size, coat, shedding level, eye colour, and more
- Discovering potential health issues. Some DNA kits test for certain health conditions and can give you an indicator of your doggo’s likelihood of developing them
Are dog DNA tests reliable?
It’s really hard to say. Different brands claim different accuracy rates and have their own testing standards, so reliability can often come down to the brand you buy.
That being said, many vets and animal experts warn against using DNA tests for dogs because there’s almost no industry regulation and results are often inaccurate.
It’s also been argued that testing for genetic disorders may be more accurate than breed testing. The reason for this is that genetic mutations behind certain disorders are a lot simpler for the test to identify.
Are there any risks to using a dog DNA test?
Dog DNA tests are pretty harmless, and the test itself is unlikely to cause your dog any issues. However, there are a few considerations you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Inaccuracy could be a problem. The science around dog DNA tests is still relatively young, which is why some animal experts argue that they’re largely inaccurate. If you’re just keen to figure out your dog’s breed as a bit of fun, know that any results should be taken with a slight grain of salt
- They could cause more stress than necessary. Even if a test result reveals the potential for developing a genetic disorder, it doesn’t necessarily mean your dog will get it. In fact, in many cases, dogs never develop the disorders they’re at risk of. Many animal experts argue that these tests can cause unnecessary worry
- Sometimes it pays to chat to an expert. Sometimes the results can be a little cryptic. Some animal experts say these kinds of results are better interpreted by a professional, like a vet, and not by Owners themselves – especially if they reveal a risk for a particular disorder. Tests should also never replace professional advice, nor should you make any decisions on treatment based on test results alone
So, should you get a dog DNA test?
The choice to get one ultimately comes down to what you want to get out of it. If you’re happy to treat it as a fun exercise to learn more about your dog, then a dog DNA test could be an amusing, harmless idea.
But if you’re testing for health issues, you may want to chat to your vet instead. They can provide you with expert advice on your dog’s health status and potential risks, and answer any questions you have. They can also offer advice on looking after your dog to maintain their health and manage problems further down the track.
