How to Do Your Own Dog DNA Testing

Many dog owners are unsure about their dog's breed. It may be considered a mutt but it has some characteristics of a very distinguished breed, so what kind of dog is it really? Mixed breed dogs may actually have a rich heritage. With at home dog DNA testing, you can determine the breed(s) of your dog without a veterinarian.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog DNA testing kit

1. Select your dog DNA testing kit. Some tests are made for all breeds, while others are only for XL or toy breeds. If you have no idea about your dog's heritage, choose a 100 breed test rather than the 38 breed test.

2. An at home DNA testing kit doesn't require any blood from your dog, so collecting the DNA sample is easy and painless. All you must do is swab the inside of your dog's cheek with what looks like a long Q-tip.

3. After the DNA sample is taken, fill out the information sheet including your dog's name. Send the sample back to the company you purchased your kit from and they will determine your dog's breed.

4. You will usually receive your results within 6-8 weeks. Some companies offer to send you a certificate of what the DNA test concluded. They will even include a photo of your dog on the certificate if requested.

5. Your results will usually be categorized in three ways: primary, secondary, and "in the mix". Primary means that your dog is over 50% this type of breed. This only happens when one of the parents was a purebred. Secondary means that there is a lot of that type of breed in your dog. It is not the majority, but it is one of the main breeds determined by the DNA testing. Lastly, the "in the mix" category means that there is a hint of that type of breed in your dog, but the percentage is very small.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not swab your dog's cheek immediately after they have eaten. Wait at least a half an hour before collecting your sample.
• When swabbing, avoid areas near teeth. Food particles cling to teeth and this will not allow a good DNA sampling.

[KRLawrence]

on 1/22/2009 Where do you get the tests?