Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel® sponsors this post, but at Daily Dog Tag, we only share information that we think is relevant and worthwhile. Mars Veterinary is not responsible for the content of this post. All photos by Alice G Patterson Photography.
Wisdom Panel 3.0 has asked me to share why you should consider testing your mixed-breed dog’s DNA. I love dogs. Purebreds or mutts, big or small, puppies or seniors, I love them all! I am against breed-specific legislation. You may wonder why I think testing a mixed breed’s DNA is a sound idea.
There are a few reasons; the first is just plain old fun and curiosity. I’ve always thought that Alice’s dog Franny is part Shepherd. Alice hopes that Franny is part coonhound.
Interestingly enough, it turns out you can’t determine breed based on appearance! A tiny percentage (less than 1%) of a dog’s genes determines the physical appearance. When looking at a mutt, the dog may bear little to no resemblance to the dominant breeds that may influence health factors.
The second, more important, reason is that certain breeds run the risk of health problems. If you know your pet is at risk for certain health issues, you may be able to prevent, minimize, or diagnose and then treat the problem more quickly.
Specifically, Wisdom Panel tests for MDR1 gene mutation MDR1 are Multi-Drug Resistance, a genetic mutation found in many of the herding breeds, some sighthound breeds, and many mixed breed dogs. This mutation may cause dogs to have an adverse reaction to conventional drugs. 70 % of Collies have this mutation, while only about 5% of Old English Sheepdogs do. 
Wisdom Panel 3.0 screens for over 250 breeds, including all of the AKC recognized breeds, providing background information to the great-grandparent level and offer a predicted weight profile. If a dog is waiting to be adopted, the predicted weight profile could be important to prospective adopters, and I guess it could help you decide if you needed to get a bigger place to live.
A third reason to consider having your dog’s DNA tested is to determine the likely energy level of a dog. While I think you can generalize to some degree about breeds, Border Collies tend to be higher energy than Pugs. It is important to remember all dogs are individuals. You should never value the breed generalizations over what you know your dog is comfortable doing.
Wisdom Panel® 3.0 Canine DNA Test Kit includes:
- Instructions
- DNA cheek swabs – all for use on one dog
- Drying insert for swabs
- Pre-paid return shipping box
Photo courtesy of Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel
To test your dog’s DNA, just swab the dog’s cheeks, dry the swabs. Activate the test online and receive a code to label your test, mail it in, and in about three weeks, you’ll get the results.
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About Alice G Patterson Photography: Based in Syracuse, NY, Alice specializes in dog photography, senior portraits, and photography for small businesses. She has three dogs of her own.
I like that this particular DNA test covers all the AKC recognized breeds. Not all of them do.
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
I want to do it on Theo, the rescue said he is a Puggle, but I think there is more to him than Beagle and Pug.
I’ve often thought it would be fun to use a DNA test! I’d be curious to see if I’m right in the way I describe my dogs’ breeds. It may even provide some insight into their behavior or possible medical issues to keep in mind based on the breed they truly are.
Very interesting. My mom had her dog’s DNA tested.
Did the results seem to match the way she looked?
Since we have strong affinity for Rottweilers and there always seem to be some needing adoption, we never worried about this a whole lot.
Though I wonder, no matter how much Cookie looks like pure Rottie, whether DNA test wouldn’t discover that’s she actually a hound LOL
I am hoping that I can do the DNA tests on the girls some day. I’d love to see what they say about them! 😀
I’d love to know their results too! They are so beautifully matched.
I really want to DNA test Sheba our acd mix we rescued her from the shelter and I think her blend will be interesting. thank you for the great post!
This is great. I wish DNA tests were so readily available when my Duke was with us. We always wondered what kind of dogs made up his mix.
Whatever breed Franny is, she sure is adorable!
I think these dna tests are fascinating!
This is interesting. It would be fun to find out what my fur babies’ dna tests say about them.
Both of my border collies are rescues so we don’t know for sure what other breeds might be mixed in. Hank especially looks like he may have a bit of some other breed. I’m thinking it would be fun to find out.
This is really fascinating – we’ve heard of DNA testing for animals, but so far have not checked in to it. Will do now!
I have heard of DNA testing, but never really thought about all the implications and benefits.
We recently did this on my dog’s best pal, Zola, using this kit and they even discovered breeds her mom never considered.
That’s pretty neat!
I am curious to know what Henry and Reese’s test results would show!
This would be so interesting to have done. My sos had his tested and the results were facinating
It’s handy that it tests for MDR1 too! We know what Mr. N’s breed mix is but it sounds fun for people who don’t know.
I want to see if Theo is more than just Pug and Beagle.