KEY POINTS:
- Dog genetic testing can provide insights into a dog’s pedigree and the mix of different breeds in its genes.
- Commercial tests are available online and cost around $200.
- While commercial dog DNA tests can provide insights into your dog’s pedigree, health risks and temperament, they are not 100% accurate and are for informative purposes only.
The pet experts at pd.co.nz reveal what there is to know about dog DNA testing in New Zealand.
What is dog DNA testing?
Dog DNA tests are designed to determine three things:
1. Ancestry
Dog genetic testing can provide insights into a dog’s pedigree and the mix of different breeds in its genes.
2. Health recommendations
Genetic testing can be used to assess health and lifestyle recommendations for a dog, based on its breed. For example, Basset Hounds tend to overeat, so if you know your dog is part Basset Hound, you could regulate its diet accordingly.
3. Disease prevention in breeding
Veterinarians and breeders use specialised tests designed to identify hereditary diseases. If a dog is a carrier of genes associated with illness, they can offer appropriate treatments and prevent the dog breeding and passing on the defective genes.
Do dog DNA tests actually provide useful insights?
While there’s been a huge increase in demand for dog DNA tests in New Zealand, they are still a new concept. Because of this, the industry is largely unregulated.
Still, the tests offer the opportunity for fascinating insights into your dog’s history, health and personality traits. Plus, they allow you to satisfy your curiosity about how your pup came to be brindle, or why they love water.
Much like if you purchase a human DNA test, you probably don’t want to place too much emphasis on the results of a dog genetic test. Some companies claim test results are 93% accurate. However, the methodologies used by different test providers aren’t always uniform and are not peer reviewed.
Can a DNA test tell a dog’s breed?
Dog DNA tests vary in terms of what they offer. Some only tell you about your dog’s parentage or breed make-up. Others can match your dog to siblings and other canine relatives.
Several tests available to dog and cat owners also include varying degrees of genetic disease testing.
Here’s some of the information you can glean from DNA testing:
- Breed makeup/parentage
- Canine sibling and relative searches
- Weight indicator
- Health plan
- Possible health risks, genetic disorders, or medical complications
- Possible physical traits and body features
Of course, many pet owners pay for dog DNA tests purely for the fun of it, to match different breed characteristics to their dogs’ physical characteristics and personality traits.
What’s the best way to DNA test a dog?
Dog DNA tests are usually done via a cheek swab or a sample of a dog’s fur. Most of them are available to buy online. All you have to do is take a swab of their saliva and send it back to the lab.
Here are some of the commercial options available for dog DNA tests in New Zealand:
- Orivet
- Embark
- DNA My Dog
How much does a dog DNA test cost?
The costs of dog DNA tests vary significantly, depending on the provider and the scope of the testing involved, although most are around $200. More expensive tests usually offer larger DNA databases and a further in-depth analysis.
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About the reviewer of this page
In his role at Canstar, he has been a regular commentator in the NZ media, including on the Driven, Stuff and One Roof websites, the NZ Herald, Radio NZ, and Newstalk ZB.
Away from Canstar, Bruce creates puzzles for magazines and newspapers, including Woman’s Day and New Idea. He is also the co-author of the murder-mystery book 5 Minute Murder.
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