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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,364
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Well now I think I've seen it all!

[ Edited ]

Embark, DNA testing for dogs.

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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,645
Registered: ‎03-28-2015

Re: Well now I think I've seen it all!

I thought they did it already for Show dogs..

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,287
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Well now I think I've seen it all!

I've heard of this.  Also, you can clone your dog.  

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,109
Registered: ‎04-14-2013

Re: Well now I think I've seen it all!

A friend runs a rescue and she does that.  Just sometimes wants to know more about the animal.

 

It may also be used to catch owners who do not "scoop".

Cogito ergo sum
Honored Contributor
Posts: 69,382
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Well now I think I've seen it all!

This isn't anything new; I bought a kit to test my dog several years ago.  She's a pound puppy and i wanted to know what breeds she represented. 

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,075
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Well now I think I've seen it all!

I can understand a person wanting to know ,if they have a mixed breed.

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,226
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Well now I think I've seen it all!

[ Edited ]

It's come up several times on Forensic Files - sometimes the DNA of a dog helps prove or disprove the innocence of a crime suspect.   Most of the cases that show uses are more than 20 years old.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,322
Registered: ‎03-20-2010

Re: Well now I think I've seen it all!

@Starpolisher   It's a great thing to know what breeds are dominant in a mixed breed for medical purposes so the vet knows what to tell you to watch for and often there are preventative supplements  to give your dog if it is predominantly breeds that have a high chance of developing certain health problems.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,074
Registered: ‎10-03-2014

Re: Well now I think I've seen it all!

Some show breeders are using DNA testing to see if there are any inherited medical conditions.  If so, they might not breed those dogs.  

 

Certain, not all, DNA tests isolate genetic mutations. Those markers indicate a dog could be more prone to developing specific hereditary diseases.

 

It doesn’t mean the dog will develop the disease, just a better chance than other dogs. 

 

For pet owners, knowing if their dogs could develop something might warrant a watchful eye for symptoms and early intervention.  

 

Pet owners with mixed breeds might be curious about the makeup of Max and Bella.  

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,025
Registered: ‎10-26-2010

Re: Well now I think I've seen it all!

Not unusual at all.  It's especially helpful for the pups from a rescue litter.  The testing identities the breeds and the vet has a better understanding of the dog and its needs.