subject: The Benefits Of Dna Testing For Dogs [print this page] I would guess that the majority of Americans have owned a pet dog at one time or another. Some of these animals are certified as "purebred," but the vast majority are not. Some favor one breed or another, and the owners will proudly proclaim, "He's a German Shepherd mix!" The dog obviously has the traits of a German Shepherd, but what about the "mix?" Husky? Chihuahua?
Just as in humans, DNA testing can determine the background of a dog. Many of the different breeds of dogs have been genetically identified, and testing the DNA of a dog can determine what breeds may be in your pet's heritage.
The different breeds of dogs not only differ in appearance and potential medical conditions; they also differ in temperament. The reason your dog is either hyperactive or extremely passive may have more to do with the genetics of the dog than with its upbringing. With dogs, nature is just as relevant as nurture. Knowing the ancestry of your dog can be very valuable in determining what course of action you pursue for training, what types of medication your vet may recommend, and whether or not your pet will be good with children or other animals.
Having owned a pedigreed dog before, a Basset Hound to be exact, I couldn't help but wonder if anything else had slipped into the mix. I had no idea what else she might be; for all intents and purposes, she was a Basset Hound, and I had the documentation to prove it. I can't help but wonder if I could have haggled a discount if I had the DNA test to prove that, several generations back, a friendly Beagle didn't manage a rendezvous with her grandmother. More importantly, if I were to buy a dog from the shelter, knowing that it had some Basset Hound ancestry might inspire me to build a more secure fence, as Basset Hounds have a genetic predisposition to escape and follow their noses until they are completely lost, which is how my Basset Hound eventually wound up. I wish her well.
I would highly recommend DNA testing for anyone considering buying a new dog or breeding an existing one. Knowing what you are getting, as well as what you are making, can affect the marketability of the animal, its long-term health and life expectancy, and the type of enjoyment you can expect from your new best friend.
