Can DNA Testing Determine Dog Breeds?
People have been trying to guess which breeds might be behind their lovable “mutts” for just about as long as there have been mixed breed pets. There’s an insatiable curiosity to know Fluffy’s ancestry, especially when she’s been rescued from the local pound. However, this curiosity isn’t limited to cross-bred dogs. Even people with purebred canines sometimes wish they could confirm if their pet is really 100% purebred, and if the canine parents identified are the correct pair. In some respects, the wait for this type of information is over. Human DNA testing techniques are now being used to analyze dog genetics in order to identify specific breed heritage, as well as check for specific genetic markers related to certain common diseases. The upshot of this is that not only will you be able to figure out which breeds are behind your pet, you may even be able to find out which diseases your dog is most likely to develop.
