How to Extract DNA From Dog Blood

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By an eHow Contributing Writer

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Dog DNA testing is mainly used to determine the ancestry of dogs, confirm or contest the parentage of a puppy and to help determine breed temperaments and genetic health issues. It can also be useful for ruling out your dog being what a homeowner insurance company considers a dangerous or aggressive breed. Similar to human genes, each dog gene is present in two copies, one from the mother and one from the father. Breed-specific DNA signatures determine breed heritage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

18-to 22-gauge hypodermic needles
3-ml or larger syringe
EDTA anti-coagulant lavender-topped tube
1- to 3-ml unclotted blood sample

Drawing and Packaging the Blood for DNA Testing

Step 1

Order the test kit online or at your veterinarian's office. Blood tests range between $100 and $200, plus any veterinarian charges.
Step 2

Have a veterinarian draw a blood sample of at least 1 ml, but preferably 2 ml or more, from your dog and immediately put it in an anti-coagulant tube.
Step 3

Turn the tube upside-down and right-side up several times to prevent clotting. Clotted samples are unacceptable.
Step 4

Properly identify the sample, and package it according to your test kit's instructions. Then, send it to the lab for analysis.
Step 5

Log into the test lab's website or periodically check with your veterinarian to track the progress of your dog's test. You'll get your written results by mail within a few weeks.

Tips & Warnings

There are test kits available that only require a swab from you dog's cheek. But, the results won't be as accurate, because the DNA purity and yield are not as good as that of a blood sample.
Even DNA tests are not able to identify all breeds, so your test may not be able to identify what breed your dog is. The farthest back mixed breed relatives can go, for the mixed-breed identification tests to be accurate, are great-grandparents.