How Can I Get My Dog's Bloodline Tested?

German shepherd is a common dog breed.

Finding out what breed of dog you have is an interesting challenge. It wasn't always possible to find out anything about a dog's ancestry if the parentage wasn't known. However, DNA tests are now available that show likely breeds in your dog. These tests have varying levels of accuracy. They are most accurate if your dog has only one or two breeds in it, such as a German shepherd mixed with a border collie. If the dog has numerous breeds mixed in, the results will not be accurate.

Instructions

1. Contact a laboratory that does DNA breed testing on dogs. Choose a reputable lab, such as one based out of a university. They will send you a DNA collection kit.

2. Collect the DNA according to the kit's instructions. Some kit's require saliva for DNA, in which case you need a cheek swab. Others require blood, which needs to be collected by a veterinarian.

3. Mail the kit back to the laboratory. They will send you the results in the mail. It usually takes several weeks to get the results.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to know the bloodlines of a registered dog, contact the breeder for the registration names and number of the dog and mail them to the registering organization, such as the American Kennel Club. Order a three- or four-generation pedigree.

References

• University of Illinois; Bulldog or Boxer: Ever Wonder What Your Mutt is Made of?; Ashley Mitak; January 2010
• Ancestry Magazine; A Shaggy D(og)NA Story; Howard Wolinsky; March 2009