DNA dog tests not only give you more information about your pup but can help you develop an appropriate health plan for your pet. If you’re keen to know more about your pup and what you can do about certain hereditary diseases, all you need to do is find an excellent genetic dog DNA test. DNA My Dog Canine Breed Test Kit features the basic DNA testing kit and is the least expensive alternative to dog DNA tests.
The take with dog DNA testing kits is that you can find out if your furbaby may be prone to developing specific health issues via extensive breed databases. At-home dog breed tests have become extremely popular recently, and it’s easy to see why. Today, the modern dog’s comprehensive genetic analysis is easy thanks to the American Kennel Club(AKC) work and other organizations.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why understanding your dog’s genetic history using a dog breed test is a crucial step to avoiding genetic health conditions and possibly staying clear of medications that your pup may be sensitive to.
You’ll also get tons of new information about the best diets, how much exercise, potential personality characteristics, and more. This is because today’s current science aims to integrate genomics (gene expression) with genetics. (predisposition, or the DNA genomic “blueprint”)
Genetic Testing
With over 400 domestic dog breeds out there, all of which have unique histories and genetic profiles, canine DNA testing kits allow you to identify your furbabies breed makeup and work together with your veterinarian to determine your pup’s health risks and try to avoid them.
Genetic Storage Diseases
Metabolic disorders like genetic storage diseases are named according to the specific metabolic byproduct that builds up in the body. Numerous dog breeds are more prone to certain storage diseases than other dog breeds. Pups are usually okay at birth, with clinical signs beginning a few weeks to months. Genetically inherited storage diseases are typically progressive and fatal, and specific treatments are not available.
Canine Cancer
Today we notice that our furbabies tend to develop cancer during the latter part of their lives. Vets and researchers don’t as of yet understand the precise relationship between advancing age and cancer development. There has been mention that age may weaken the immune system and make it easier for cells to mutate into precancerous (initiated) cells. If this is true, then age may be a factor in the higher rates of canine cancer. We also understand how complex cancer is and that numerous factors can trigger it. These may include:
. Environmental
. Nutritional
. Hereditary
Cancer in both humans and pets is a process that proceeds slowly through the interaction of multiple factors.
Family History & Genetic Factors
Because cancer has been affecting more and more dogs recently, it’s essential to consider the genetic factors and look at the statistics on canine cancers that support the idea that hereditary risk factors play a role in cancer occurrence in our furry best friends. Cancer tends to affect the following dog breeds more often:
. Golden Retrievers
. Boxers (skin cancers like malignant melanomas)
. Bernese Mountain Dogs (have a higher risk for cancers affecting all body systems)
. Scottish Terriers (malignant melanomas)
. Saint Bernard’s (osteosarcoma)
These dog breeds are more likely than other dog breeds to develop cancer. This may be due to genetic characteristics that contribute to higher rates of cancer in these dog breeds. Researchers believe that the increased risk may be caused by the following:
. A combination of genes
. Or by a single gene
Cancer Research
Today, we can help our pets through the mapping and characterization of cancer susceptibility genes. Of the 364 known genetic disorders in dogs, 46% occur either predominantly or exclusively in one dog breed or a few dog breeds.
It’s believed that the fastest way to identify the locations of disease-causing genes is by analysis of different dog breeds that have a similar, not necessarily identical, disease.
By understanding the genetics of canine cancer and the use of genetic agents, researchers may someday be able to create the opportunity for the pup’s immune system to kill its cancer or even to find linkages that may allow them to prevent cancers in the long run.
DNA My Dog
The DNA My Dog kit is an easy-to-do at-home cheek swab test that features a report on your dog’s dominant breeds, personality traits, and predisposed genetic health conditions. DNA My Dog was awarded the Biotechnology award in 2020.
DNA My Dog features a database of 100 plus different dog breeds for genetic testing. It’s a reasonably priced canine DNA test that is consistent and accurate. That said, like Embrace or Wisdom Panel, the DNA My Dog ancestry kit is suitable for purebred and mix breed purposes but has a limited breed database.
After they receive your pup’s cheek swab, it’s processed and run through the DNA My Dog’s database of certified dog breeds. All DNA matches from your pup’s unique cheek cells are recorded, and you get to discover the species found in your furbaby’s unique canine heritage. It also includes a Life Plan service for pet wellness.
The Way DNA My Dog Genetic Testing Kits Work
Pet parents that opt for the DNA My Dog canine DNA test will receive breed results within two weeks via email. This dog DNA testing kit doesn’t have as large a breed database as other DNA dog testing kits and does not feature family- tree information, which some of the other dog breed test kits offer.
DNA MY Dog as a dog breed identification kit is a cost-effective way of learning more about your mixed breed pup. You’ll be able to find out about any genetic health conditions that your pup may be prone to via canine genetic testing.
You’ll also receive a certificate with your dog’s photo. Furthermore, DNA My Dog helps you better understand your pup’s individual ancestry and heritage, allowing you to work together with your veterinarian about the potential health issues that your pup may be prone to.
DNA My Dog is an easy to use dog DNA swab test kit that features a sterile applicator you send in by mail. Swab testing is painless and fast, with results in as soon as a week. These will allow you to gain insight into your pup’s genetic history and includes the following:
. Breed history
. Traits
. Exercise level requirements
Selective Breeding
Dogs originate as far back as 15,000 years to possibly 100,000 years to its domestication of the grey wolf in East Asia. Humans have always had a close bond with dogs by living with them and sharing food. Dogs have been bred selectively for centuries to excel at herding, hunting, obedience, and dog sports. They also have been bred for their physical characteristics like skull shape, height, coat color, and texture resulting in diverse morphologies.
Research
A study on genome sequencing explains that due to stringent breeding programs, as many as 400 modern dog breeds show a prevalence of specific diseases. These include the following:
. Cancers
. Blindness
. Cataracts
. Heart conditions
. Epilepsy
. Deafness
. Hip dysplasia
The study adds that these health conditions are also found in humans and that the high prevalence of specific diseases in certain breeds “suggests a limited number of loci underlie each disease making their genetic dissection potentially more tractable in dogs than in humans,” via Nature. Loci are the exact physical location of a gene on a chromosome. The study goes on to add that “Using genetic resources developed over the past 15 years, researchers have already identified mutations in genes underlying ∼25 mendelian diseases.”
Another 2018 study published in Plos Genetics on the frequency and distribution of 152 genetic disease variants in over 100,000 mixed and purebred dogs says that “two in five dogs carried at least one copy of a tested disease variant. Most disease variants are shared by mixed breeds and purebreds, while others’ species- or line-specificity are strongly suggested. Mixed breed dogs were more likely to carry a common recessive disease, whereas purebreds were more likely to be genetically affected with one, providing DNA-based evidence for hybrid vigor.”
The study explains that there are around 700 inherited disorders and traits in the domestic dog. Although dog registries’ primary focus has been on purebred dogs, understanding the genetic epidemiology of inherited diseases in mixed breed dogs is just as important. This is because mixed dog breeds make up for many of the dog population overseas and in the US.
The study says that they’ve “recently shown in a proof-of-concept study that large-scale DNA screening of disease-implicated variants across purebred dogs is technologically feasible, and represents an efficient diagnostic and research discovery tool for veterinary care, disease research, and breeding.” Breed-specific disease variants for certain dog breeds are as follows:
. Lagotto Romagnolo for juvenile epilepsy
. Coton de Tulear for canine multifocal retinopathy 2
. Standard Poodle for neonatal encephalopathy with seizures
. Border Collies for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 5
. Beagles for pyruvate kinase deficiency
Giant Breeds & Genetic Factors
Large dog breeds have a slightly higher chance of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) than smaller dog breeds. There is also a higher chance of inherited health conditions in giant breeds due to past inbreeding. These may include the following:
. Von Willebrand disease (a bleeding disorder) can be protected against if you check for it early on before any surgery.
. Inherited cardiomyopathy can be helped if you give your dog CoQ10 and use treatments like acupuncture.
. PRA is a degeneration of the retina and cannot currently be treated.
Dog Chromosomes
Dogs have 40 pairs of chromosomes, with pet parents having 23 pairs. The total number of DNA in the 40 canine chromosomes is called the dog genome and features around 2.5 billion letters of the DNA alphabet.
This delivers all the instructions needed to make all the molecules, cells, tissues, and organs that dogs need to grow from puppyhood to adulthood and survive.
As with their pet parents, dogs each receive 50% of their genetic material from their mother (dam) and 50% from their father (sire). These very accurate genetic tests can identify specific patterns of DNA shared among close family members.
In pet parents and dogs, these patterns may be suitable for applications such as paternity testing. Some DNA patterns are shared among dogs of the same breed, but not in dogs of different breeds. A specific dog breed is similar to a large family with two dogs from the same breed being closely related.
7 Facts from Our DNA My Dog Review
DNA My Dog helps you to determine the breeds in your pup’s DNA by percentage. All you need to do is a simple at-home cheek swab test. Your results will arrive via a report in the mail with a custom certificate in about two weeks. You’ll also get an outline of the genetic health concerns and personality traits for every breed that has been found in your pup’s genetic profile.
Thanks to our ever-expanding understanding of canine genetics, combined with tech advances, genetic testing for pups is accurate and completed in a short amount of time. The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that dogs have round 20,000 to 25,000 genes located along 78 chromosomes, compared to 46 in humans.
Today the complete set of dog genes allows scientists, pet parents, and breeders to better understand and care for their dogs. This canine DNA test will enable you to identify the genes for specific traits and diseases, and at the same time, pinpoint genes and parentage.
Some of these genetic diseases tested for will include the following:
. MDR1 drug sensitivity
. Glaucoma
. Degenerative myelopathy
. Dilated cardiomyopathy
The AKC adds that “Today, there are hundreds of these tests, pinpointing the gene for dog diseases. The AKC Canine Health Foundation has a list of available canine genetic tests, organized by breed. There are 119, but more are being researched and added each day. PennGen, a genetic testing facility operated at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, is a collection of laboratories that coordinate as a not-for-profit unit, that offer routine testing for genetic disease.”
What Do DNA My Dog Testing Kit’s Offer?
By testing your pup’s DNA, you’ll not only be able to plan for a healthy and longer lifespan because you’ll know what hereditary conditions to look out for, but you’ll also get a complete picture as to your pup’s training, diet, and health requirements. Here’s the take with DNA My Dog cheap dog DNA test:
DNA tests also allow you to detect genes for coat color and type. This is important for breeders because a dog may have a specific color and carry genes for another color, pattern, or coat texture that may show up in the next generation of pups. The DNA My Dog features the following:
. DNA My Dog breed test features your pup’s full breed composition
. This dog ancestry kit shows your pup’s unique personality traits.
. It features your dog’s genetic health concerns & predisposition to specific health conditions.
. This animal DNA test finds the percentage of every dog breed in your pup.
. It tests for any canid breeds like wolf or coyote.
. You can glean more about your dog’s genetic age.
. DNA My Dog tests for 100 plus breeds
DNA My Dog Reviews
You may be curious as to your pup’s unique DNA genetic makeup, or you may want to understand more about the genetic health risks associated with your pup’s breed mix; either way, dog genetic testing is vital to your pup’s health and wellbeing. When you do DNA genetic testing, you’ll be aware of the genetic health risks associated with the specific breeds.
That said, every dog breed is susceptible to certain health risks, and after you get your pup’s results, you’ll be able to work together with your vet to prevent these diseases. At-home DNA canine tests like DNA My Dog can help ease any health concerns you may have about your pup.
An Amazon review added, “I am extremely happy with DNA my Dog. It was easy to use, the company stayed in contact with me and made me feel as if I was part of their family. It only took about 3 weeks to get Mya’s results. Her results came with a certificate, a description of her breed and how they determine the results. I would highly recommend this company.”
Another review adds, “I am so glad that I tested my little mystery dog. Her results were a total shock and actually made a lot of sense of her personality and behavior with the background information that they provided. The test was extremely easy and the results were relatively quick. I’m so glad that I tested her and now I know.”
What we liked most about DNA My Dog’s canine DNA test is the specialized photo certificate. The test also includes a report on dominant species, personality traits, and health concerns. You’ll also discover the unique personality traits of your pup.
Here are the main features and pros and cons of this test.
Features
. Affordable for every pet parent
. Features two cotton-tipped swabs with free replacement
. Results as soon as two weeks
. Great customer service
. Testing kit includes testing fees and full-service package custom DNA.
Pros
. Budget-friendly
. Simple cheek swab needed
. Features a custom photo certificate and electronic report
. Determines breeds present in your mixed breed
. Health screening optional
. Tests for canid breeds like wolf or coyote in the DNA
. Tests a dog’s genetic age
. Free shipping
. Donates to shelters
Cons
. Does not offer disease screening
Dog DNA Test
Guessing a mixed breed’s background is not only exciting but fun! With dog genetic testing, dog DNA testing companies collects a swab sample for your pup and feeds the information onto a DNA reader known as a chip.
The sample is then genotyped on targeted gene points called markers—the result featuring billions of ancestry combinations, which then gets interpreted into the most accurate solution. The lab will show the results of your mixed breed dog mix. You can also opt for an inherited disease detection test to find out more about the health conditions that your pup may be genetically prone to.
With over 1709 positive Amazon ratings, DNA My Dog is perfect for animal shelters, multi-pet homes, at-home use, and veterinary hospitals. This dog DNA test includes a breed determination report and a canine breed DNA analysis certificate. It also lists breeds found by level percentage found in your pup’s genetics.
The Way Dog DNA Test Kits Work
Order the dog DNA test online, activate it, swab your dog’s cheek for 30 seconds, place the swab in the DNA My Dog testing tube, and mail the sample back to the lab in a prepaid envelope.
You’ll need to activate your account on DNA My Dog to get the results and your dog report. DNA My Dog is the most budget-friendly dog breed DNA test because it comes with a custom photo certificate and report sent via email.
If your pup is prone to developing certain health conditions, you can purchase a dog DNA test kit to help you find out more about your dog’s specific health conditions that have been linked to canine genetics.
Keep in mind that you should work together with your veterinarian to understand the genetic health concerns that your pup may face. DNA testing allows you to be more proactive about the health and wellness of your pup.
Canine Genetic Testing
All-in-all, this is one of the best priced dog breed tests because you can learn so much about your dog. When you figure out his genetics, you’ll be able to take excellent care of him by doing all you can to prevent any hereditary health issues.
Multi-Pet Households & Breeders
If you’re a multi-pet household, it’s super easy to test multiple pets. This dog DNA test can be used to test pups of any age for breed determination. Young pups who have not been weaned from their mothers should not be swabbed right after nursing.
You’ll need to wait for one to two hours before taking a cheek swab. The DNA dog test kit works by collecting cheek cells with the sterile cotton swab and mailing the swab to the lab for processing. The DNA My Dog can be used on dogs of all ages.
Canine Genetic Age Test
The DNA My Dog Canine Genetic Age Test can determine the biological age of your pup. It’s important to understand that the genetic age is different from your dog’s chronological age in that the genetic age allows you to see the predicted longevity of your pup from a cellular level. This is done by looking at telomere shortening, which is involved in the aging process at the cellular level and shows us our pup’s chronological age.
Dog Breed Testing Kits Health Advantages
According to the DNA Diagnostics Center, DNA testing kits can test for the following:
. Centronuclear Myopathy in Labrador Retrievers
CNM is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder characterized by weight loss, awkward gait, and exercise intolerance.
. Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Chorodial Hypoplasia
In affected dogs, the choroid does not develop properly and is thinner than usual, resulting in vision loss and retinal detachment.
. Copper Toxicosis (Copper Storage Hepatopathy)
Copper Toxicosis (CT) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder. A dog’s system accumulates excess copper instead of excreting it naturally, resulting in severe liver damage.
. Cystinuria in Newfoundlands and Labradors
Cystinuria is a metabolic disorder that can cause stones in the urinary tract. This test is exclusively for Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands.
. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in Canine Breeds
DM is a degenerative disease of the spinal cord characterized by muscle weakness in the hind limbs. This disease can eventually lead to paraplegia.
. Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
Dogs clinically affected by Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) often begin to exhibit leg weakness followed by a complete collapse after just 5 to 15 minutes of strenuous activity.
. Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK) in Labrador Retrievers
HNPK-affected dogs develop dry, rough crusts on the tip of the nose. In extreme cases, the dog’s nose cracks, causing severe discomfort. This test is exclusively for Labrador Retrievers.
. Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1)
MDR1-affected dogs are at risk of developing neurologic symptoms from several common drugs. Find out if your dog is affected.
. Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd)
PRA-prcd is inherited as an autosomal recessive disease. Degeneration of both rod and cone photoreceptor cells of the retina of PRA-prcd affected dogs usually occurs at 3 to 5 years of age or later.
. Uric Acid DNA Test (Hyperuricosuria)
Hyperuricosuria, or elevated uric acid level in the urine, is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder and is characterized by the formation of bladder stones and occasional kidney stones.
. von Willebrand’s Disease Type 1
vWD is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in canines. Type I vWD is characterized by abnormally-low production of blood-clotting protein.
Final Thoughts
Although DNA My Dog is not as comprehensive as some other testing kits around, like Embrace, it’s priced right and affordable for multi-pet households. This dog ancestry test is great for mixed breeds to give you some answers.
Keep in mind that mixed breeds are 1.4 times more likely to be carriers of a recessive disease, and purebreds 2.8 times more likely than mixed breeds to have a recessive disease. So, all in all, it’s up to every pet parent to check if their furbaby is susceptible to developing a certain health condition during his lifetime.
Questions & Answers
What Breeds Does DNA My Dog Test for?
This dog DNA test checks for common dog breeds in the US. These breeds are also most likely to show up in a mixed breed or designer dogs.
Who Owns DNA My Dog?
DNA My Dog is a trademark owned by Canadian Dog Group Ltd.
Does DNA My Dog Test for Wolf?
Yes, not only does DNA My Dog test for wolves but coyotes too. The hybrid test features added hybrid testing together with domestic breed determination.
Does DNA My Dog Test for Age?
Yes, this dog breed test kit estimates a dog’s genetic age and may try to help you with your pup’s calendar age as well.
What Does DNA My Dog Test for?
It tests for genetic health conditions that your pup may be prone to and features detailed breed information. This test features a Multi-Drug Resistance 1(MDR1) genetic screening test to check for DNA mutations. This checks to see which drugs your pup may be most sensitive to. Border Collies and dog breeds with herding heritage have a defect in the MDR1 (multi-resistance 1) gene.
How Long Does It Take to Get Test Results?
It may be as soon as two weeks, with some results taking as long as four weeks.
How Accurate Are DNA My Dog Tests?
Representatives add that their tests are 95-99% accurate.
Resources
https://www.chewy.com/dna-my-dog-breed-identification-test/product-reviews/156764
https://www.nature.com/articles/nature04338
https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1007361