Written by Rio Denali

No more guessing!  Would you believe they now have do-it-yourself (at home) doggie DNA tests?

BioPet Vet Lab in Knoxville, Tennessee, can give you the answers you are looking for, and for only around $60.  It's a simple test.  The kit, available from many on-line vendors such as Mojopet and MuttMart -- or at PetSmart Stores nationwide -- involves a simple cheek swab.  BioPet can process the test in 2 weeks, and when it is complete, they mail the Ancestry Analysis Certificate directly to your home, along with a report detailing the percentages of each breed found.

Click here to see an example showing DNA ancestry for Luke, a beautiful mixed breed pup (you must scroll halfway down page.)

While BioPet Vet Lab's test cannot detect every rare breed, they have an impressive list of 58 currently on file, and the company is continually working to add more breeds.

List of currently identifiable breeds.

What I did not realize is the additional applications of this test (beyond the obvious curiosity that us mixed-breed dog owners feel...)

Homeowners insurance companies now charge increased rates for some dog breeds, and out-right refuse to insure homes with others.  Some condo and home-owners associations also restrict specific breeds.  Being able to prove that your dog is -- or is not -- a specific breed, despite his appearance, can make a world of difference!

Also, knowing the breed characteristics of a mixed breed dog can be beneficial.  Hip dysplasia, Glaucoma, Bloat, and certain cancers are just a few examples of breed-prone illnesses.  Knowing a dog's genetic makeup can help determine which diagnostic tests and screenings may be beneficial.

Also knowing that a puppy may face an increased risk of high prey drive or aggressiveness is valuable when making training decisions.  Knowing the propensity toward aggression allows the owner to seek a higher level of professional training, such as dog obedience school, while the dog is still young. 

On Friday, I rescued a mixed-breed pup from the side of the road, who I am going to test through BioVet.  I'll keep you posted on the results!

Follow-up:  The puppy turned out to be a collie / beagle / lab mix.  We found him a great home; a happy ending for all.

This article was originally featured on RioDancesOnTheSand.com, a blog for the thinking person... Written by Rio Denali, a 30-something with peculiar curiosities, who makes the observations that many of us avoid. Full of useful links and entertaining articles, it is a fun favorite for the intelligent reader. For more great articles like this, please visit RioDancesOnTheSand.com.