The Value of Dog DNA Test Results -

Raising a dog can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it’s good to remember that each dog has its unique personality, characteristics, and background. One way to gain insight into your dog’s specific breed is by testing their DNA. You can discover your dog’s breed composition, potential health risks, and behavioral tendencies with dog DNA test results. With this information, you can tailor your approach to training and caring for your dog to ensure their health, happiness, and well-being. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pro, a dog DNA test is valuable for any pet parent looking to provide the best possible care.

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What Is the Value Of DNA Dog Test Results?

Many dog DNA testing companies offer helpful information to answer questions a dog owner will have either at the start of their dog’s life or throughout its life. This section will explain what you can learn from testing your dog’s DNA, including breed composition, personality traits, health risks, and care recommendations.

Breed Composition

For purebred dog owners, DNA testing provides validation and confirmation of the dog’s lineage and ancestry. By analyzing the specific DNA sequences inherited from each parent, DNA testing can identify where your dog’s ancestors came from. Some companies will even plot this information out visually on a map of the world.

Mixed-breed dog owners obtain the additional benefit of learning about their pet’s breed composition. This will help owners understand their pet’s behavior, traits, and potential health predispositions. It can also assist owners in developing training and care strategies that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each breed of dog.

Personality Traits

DNA testing for dogs is incredibly valuable as it gives dog owners important insights into their pet’s personality traits and habits. Analyzing a dog’s genetic makeup can reveal predispositions to certain behaviors and temperaments, helping owners better understand why their dog behaves the way it does. This knowledge can allow owners to provide optimal nutrition, exercise, and training tailor-made for their specific breed. As a result, this can reduce frustration, make training more enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen the bond with their pet.

Health Risks & Care

DNA testing can identify genetic markers that may be associated with certain health conditions that are more prevalent in your dog’s breed. For example, some breeds may be at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia, heart conditions, or certain cancers. Identifying genetic markers for these diseases as early as possible can help you monitor your dog’s health more closely and take preventative measures.

DNA testing can also help determine if your dog is susceptible to the Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1) gene. MDR1 drug sensitivity is a genetic variant found in some dogs, especially in breeds like Australian Shepherds, Collies, and Border Collies, though it can also affect many others. This variant alters the function of a protein crucial for drug elimination and toxin protection in the body. Dogs with this gene variant can experience severe reactions to certain medications, ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures or coma. Identifying MDR1 through genetic testing could save your dog’s life!

What to Look for in a DNA Testing Company

When deciding to get your dog’s DNA tested, it is crucial to select a reliable company that can support their information with scientific evidence and is trustworthy. The accuracy of DNA tests for dogs depends on factors such as database size, markers used, and breed complexity. A more extensive and diverse database and updated markers help improve accuracy, while limited data or outdated markers can result in unreliable results. It is important to note that even reliable DNA testing companies may return slightly different results from each other since they are drawing their conclusions from various data sources.

Not all DNA testing companies are reliable. In fact, some dog DNA testing companies may provide completely fraudulent results, relying on pictures of the dog to guess the breed composition. In a study conducted by The University of Colorado School of Medicine, DNA from twelve dogs was sent to six genetic testing companies. Half of the samples were submitted with a photo of the corresponding dog, while the other half were submitted with pictures of different dogs. While five of the companies consistently identified the correct breed, one company rarely identified the correct breed and instead returned results based on the breed appearing in the submitted photograph.

Which Company Has the Most Accurate DNA Dog Testing?

Through our research, we have discovered that Embark Vet is one of the most reliable and accurate dog DNA testing companies. Embark analyzes over 200,000 genetic markers and compares DNA against a database of 350+ breeds to pinpoint shared DNA with known breeds, ensuring accurate and comprehensive results.

Embark provides a range of tests for dog owners, including breed identification, genetic health, age, gut health, and oral health tests, with over 250 genetic health risks. With these results they provide personalized care planning with early intervention. Their DNA testing also provides a detailed breed mix and family tree chart better to understand your dog’s traits and healthcare needs.

I have personally used Embark’s DNA test for my rescue dog, Nala. The kit was easy to use, and I received regular updates throughout the testing process. All details are provided in your dog’s profile and can be accessed anytime. If you’re interested in seeing an example of the breed breakdown, you can view my dog Nala’s results here.

The benefits of DNA dog testing will give you the satisfying reassurance every pet owner needs. By taking a simple swab of their cheek, you can learn more about their unique personality traits and support any potential health issues they may face. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, don’t hesitate! Investing in your pet’s health and well-being is always worth it.