At home, dog breed DNA tests are becoming more and more popular. With every pet parent wanting to know whether their dog is purebred, what genetic risks they are faced with and who their possible relatives may be.
Dog DNA is an umbrella term that covers different genetic markers so while the test may be comprehensive in certain aspects, it lacks in others. Understand all you need to know about breed DNA tests so you can give your pet a chance at a healthy life.
How Do Canine DNA Tests Work?
Canine DNA tests typically begin with cheek swabs from which labs extract data. The labs then compare and assess the dogs individual markers to their reference database. A computer algorithm then works on specifics like ancestry, health markers and more.
Tests may either use single-nucleotide polymorphisms or genotyping arrays rather than sequencing all the data they retrieved. This allows them to test the most significant and common markers, reducing workload but preserving accuracy. While many tests focus on individual markers, some do conduct whole-genome sequencing.
Also, while cheek swabbing is convenient, blood DNA is usually more accurate since it is less likely to be adulterated.
How Does a Test Know What Breed a Dog Is?
After testing a variety of dogs with known breeds, a lab creates a reference database. This database allows the lab to compare and configure what breed a dog is simply by looking at their genetic markers.
The algorithm calculates which breed the DNA most closely resembles through a statistical ancestry estimate not a magical ‘breed gene’ detector. If two breeds are more intricately linked, there are more nuances involved. For example, two types of huskies bred in different climates, like a Siberian versus Alaskan. Moreover, the accuracy of this depends on the depth and volume of data that the lab has as a reference.
What Information Can a Breed DNA Test Actually Tell You?
A breed DNA test can in reality point to a few markers with confidence and some of them are as the following.
Breed Ancestry
Referencing from databases, the percentage or proportions of breeds from ancestry can be determined. However, like previously mentioned, it may not always be a hundred percent accurate but it may shine light on some facts.
Physical Traits
Physical features like coat colour, type, hair length, size, etc. can be determined to some degree of accuracy. While they may not be exactly correct, they are still genetic predictions that examine genetic variations.
Genetic Health Markers
Some DNA tests are able to screen for genetic predispositions and the presence of specific disease-associated variants. It is also able to test whether they hold carrier status for certain diseases as well, however, it should not be confused with a diagnosis.
Relative Matching
If some labs have a variety of dogs in their database or have associations with other labs, they may even be able to find a relative match for your dog.
How Accurate are Dog Breed DNA Tests?
While there is no one-number-suits-all approach to testing the accuracy of DNA tests for dogs, it usually depends on a multitude of factors. These factors may include the lab, the database, your dog’s breed, the number of genetic markers, the algorithm and quality of the sample.
There is no universal accuracy when it comes to dog breed DNA tests. Accuracy may be reduced if the breeds are closely related, rare or even geographically specific. Therefore, pure reliance on these tests may not be the best idea objectively.
Common Myths
Here are a couple of misconceptions that people may have about dog breed DNA tests that are ready to be busted.
Breed Ancestry is Breed Purity
Just because a dog’s sample indicates that a dog is genetically similar to another breed, it does not automatically mean that they are a purebred. Every breed registry uses their own system to document pedigree and breeding standards. DNA does not determine whether a dog is a purebred, it is mostly used for parental verification. Therefore, DNA tests cannot be used as Pedigree certificates.
DNA Tests Predict a Dog’s Personality
While DNA tests can determine physical qualities to some extent, it does not determine behavior. Since, personality is a mix of many interdependent factors like genes, environment, social interaction. Therefore, even though you may be tempted to use a DNA test to tell if your dog is friendly or aggressive, it is highly likely that the results will not be valid since every dog is different regardless of their breed.
Two DNA Tests will Always Give the Same Results
Different databases, different methods, different algorithms all point to the fact that two DNA tests from the same dog will also give different results. Mix breed dogs will have complicated ancestry, and hence the database may be unrefined and unique as well.
How to Choose a Canine DNA Test?
When you’re choosing a DNA test for your dog, here are the things you should look out for.
- Transparent methodology
- Information around the database
- Number and types of genetic markers tested
- Peer-reviewed validation of results
- Clearly explained and communicated results
- Veterinary involvement
- Privacy and data rules
- Purpose of the test
Be careful about authenticity claims and don’t panic about certain alarming health results, consult your vet before making any decisions. Keep future reports safely and remember that one test is just one source of information, not the whole picture.
Conclusion
DNA testing has made canine genetics accessible to every dog owner, it can provide fascinating insight about ancestry, future health risks and more. However, it is still not a foolproof method that one can use to determine your dog’s pedigree or other dynamic factors.
Therefore, while this may be a fun activity, it does not give you the whole picture and any steps you take; medically or otherwise must be approved by your vet first. Your pet’s health is the primary focus after all.
