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DNA Testing in Dogs
DNA is an abbreviation of “Deoxyribonucleic acid.” It is the hereditary material (in humans and almost all other organisms) that they receive from their parents. DNA is passed from generation to generation in all organisms and contains information for development, growth, temperament and reproduction, medical predispositions, and much more.
Everyone who’s ever owned a dog – especially those of us fond of rescues – has heard the same question. “What kind of dog is that?” Sometimes the answer is straightforward. Other times, you might be at a loss for words. They’re right: what kind of dog is that?
Luckily a reliable method is available for determining this and much more, and the answers lie in the DNA of your dog.
DNA testing in dogs started almost ten years ago but has gained popularity recently. With the provision of DNA kits right at your doorstep by brands like Embark Vet, access to this incredibly useful information has become so much easier for dog lovers eager to know more about their canine friend. It’s not surprising that dog DNA testing has become so popular in recent years, and home testing kits are now a must-have for committed dog lovers.
If you ask what the benefits of Dog’s DNA testing are, most people will reply “breed identification.” No doubt that is certainly one benefit, and knowing your dog’s breed or list of significant breeds is certainly helpful for a number of reasons. But there are many other benefits a dog DNA test can offer, aside from just an entertaining game of guess-the-breed.
How Do Dog DNA Tests Work?
For dog owners, DNA testing is a very simple procedure. There are a few brands of at-home testing kits, and the process for all of them is fairly similar: receive the kit in the mail, swab your dog’s cheek to collect DNA samples from your pet, seal the prepaid and pre-addressed mailing box included in the kit, and send it back out. The entire process can take as little as ten minutes.
After collecting your samples, they will be received at the DNA testing facility, where they will be sequenced, evaluated, and compared against an extensive breed database of other DNA samples. All DNA tests on the market today have breed-specific reference panels that cover the majority of pet breeds. The sample you send in will also be tested for genetic health markers for diseases, and much more.
You will receive your dog’s results through email within a few weeks. In most tests, your dog’s results will be in the form of a PDF attachment or a link to a website. For viewing your dog’s mystery makeup, Embark provides customizable web portals, a personalized certificate, and a report about breed heritage along with a percentage breakdown of each breed identified in your dog.
Breed Information Profile
DNA Tests are blessing for those who have adopted a shelter dog or taken in a rehomed mystery mutt and are curious to know what their new friend’s breed is. It provides incredibly valuable information about breed inheritance such as personality traits, behavior, temperament, energy levels, appearance, history, fun facts, breed-based predispositions for certain diseases, and other breed-related information. You can also get information about your dog’s breed mix by percentage.
Genetic Health Information
It is also possible to learn more about different genetic health concerns using DNA test techniques. While the number of markers varies by brand, one of the reasons we love and recommend Embark is that more than 150 genetic diseases can be screened using the at-home breed and health kit. This includes not only diseases that your canine friend can be at risk for themselves, but also diseases for which they are a carrier, meaning that they may not be at risk for the disease themselves, but can pass it on to their offspring.
These kits can detect Glaucoma, Von Willebrand Disease, presence of MDR1 gene (or multi-drug resistance gene), and breed-specific conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy commonly found in Golden Retrievers.
If the result of your dog’s test is positive for any of these diseases or mutations, you can take precautionary measures well before time. As your dog becomes older, you’ll be more aware of symptoms to look for and will be able to involve your dog’s veterinarian for more complete care.
DNA tests might also reveal vital details about your dog’s weight. The results can be used to estimate your dog’s adult weight, which is particularly useful if you’re evaluating a puppy. You can also get a recommended optimum weight range for your dog, which will give you an idea of how much your dog should weigh to be healthy and how much they should be fed daily to encourage their ideal weight.
DNA testing also provides nutritional recommendations based on your dog’s size and breed mix. Nutrients and minerals may be recommended to aid digestion, joints, skin, and coat. Having this information can enable you to choose the best diet and supplements for your dog with the guidance of your veterinarian.
Finding Your Dog’s Relatives
How exciting would it be to discover your dog’s long-lost brother or sister? You can connect with other dogs who are related to your dog based on the proportion of DNA they share with the “Doggy DNA Relative Finder!” Relative data is updated regularly, and you will be informed immediately if any of your dog’s relatives join (even after several years of your dog’s test). This fantastic feature has even resulted in some wonderful reunions.
Note: not all DNA test brands provide this! As of the publication of this post and to our best knowledge, the relative finder is an exclusive feature of Embark, so if you are looking to find out about your dog’s parents, littermates, etc, you’ll only be able to do so through an Embark Breed Test or a Breed and Health Test.
Help in Diagnosis
DNA testing is an important diagnostic tool and can help veterinarians diagnose many ailments. Many diseases and disorders are caused by genetics passed down through breed and bloodlines, and some forms of DNA can make a dog’s reaction to treatments more complicated. So through DNA testing, these issues can be detected well before time, and supplying genetic health information to your veterinarian can enable them to treat your dog accordingly.
Age, Exercise, Training, and Care Needs
Especially if you have adopted a rescue or shelter dog, DNA testing can help you determine your dog’s genetic age based on their breed profile. Similarly, once you know the combination of breeds present, you can better estimate energy levels, exercise needs, training requirements, and general care recommendations. As behavioral trainers, we always recommend tending to “the dog in front of you,” but knowing information about the breed or mix of breeds can help you understand the root of your dog’s needs and make adjustments accordingly.
Research Contributions
This isn’t something you acquire through a DNA test as much as it is something of value you can offer. When you send in your dog’s DNA with Embark, you’re also helping further some important veterinary genetic research. Thanks to this research, veterinarians are learning more about canine obesity, behavioral disorders, aging, and other diseases, along with the preventive treatment to accompany them. Every dog’s profile contributes to a vast network of breed and health information that ensures that dogs of the future receive better and better care with each test.
To Test or Not to Test?
Overall, pet DNA testing can be beneficial whetheryou are merely curious about your pet’s breed, or if you are a hardcore pet care champion wanting to avoid future health problems and provide the best out of daily life for your dog. While it is not a replacement to routine diagnostic screenings, at-home dog DNA tests can provide more than their money’s worth in incredibly valuable information, and is usually a pleasant experience for most pet owners. The information you get improves the quality and longevity of your dog’s life, and knowing more about your dog strengthens your bond even further.
Have you ever tried an at-home DNA test for your dog? What were your results, and how did you enjoy the process? Let us know in the comments!
