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Who’s Your Daddy? DNA testing will tell you

The DNA of any dog governs the appearance of the dog as well as being related to the general behavioral characteristics of the dog breed. In recent years, there has been a great deal of research performed on how differences in DNA give rise to the differences that are seen between dog breeds.

Advances in DNA testing technology mean that it has become possible to identify the ancestry of any dog by performing a simple test using a cheek swab. The DNA required for the test to be run is isolated from cells that are trapped on the swab. All cells carry the same genetic material, regardless of type or location in the animal. Taking a cheek swab is therefore the easiest way to obtain the samples needed for testing.

On receipt at the BioPet testing site, samples are prepared and analyzed, resulting in a rapid and accurate determination of the breeds that have contributed to the makeup of your dog.

They believe that 92.5% of the mixed breed dog population in the USA is covered by our 62 validated breeds.

Most professionals see the tests as providing a fun fact. “Does it really matter? In reality, no. But some people want to know,” says Bonnie Beaver, former president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Understanding DNA

If 2 pure bred dogs are bred together to create a mixed breed puppy. If this mixed breed puppy is bred with another puppy from 2 other breeds then the inherited traits seen in the offspring would not be what you would expect to see. Common sense would indicate that the dog should be 25% of each of the 4 breeds of their grandparents, however when the genetic make up of those puppies is examined then that is not the case. If there were 16 puppies in the litter then 4 of those puppies would be expected to show 25% of each of their grandparents breeds, 8 puppies would only show 3 breeds, and 4 puppies would only show 2 of the breeds.

The DNA Breed ID test only shows the Breeds that actually contribute DNA, so the fact that 12 of the 16 puppies do not show all 4 breeds would be shown by the Breed ID Test.

Where to Buy

Dog DNA Breed ID Test (www.Dog-Power.com)

German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD), (German: Deutscher Schäferhund) is a breed of large-sized dog that originates from Germany. German Shepherds are a fairly new breed of dog, with their origins only dating back to 1899. Part of the herding group, shepherds are working dogs developed originally for herding sheep. Their strength, intelligence and obedience often sees them employed in police and military roles in forces around the world. They are popular as pets and guard dogs because of their loyal and protective nature.

Their popularity has seen multiple references to the breed in popular culture. The performing dog Rin Tin Tin is credited with being the world’s most famous German Shepherd.

The English Kennel Club first accepted registrations for the breed in 1919. Originally 54 dogs were registered, this number inflated to over 8000 in 1926. German Shepherds are currently the third most popular breed in America.

German Shepherds are a large-breed dog which are generally between 55 and 65 centimetres (22 and 26 in) at the withers and weigh between 22 and 40 kilograms (49 and 88 lb). The ideal height is 63 centimetres (25 in), according to Kennel Club standards. They have a domed forehead, a long square-cut muzzle and a black nose. The jaws are strong, with a scissor-like bite. The eyes are medium-sized and brown with a lively, intelligent and self-assured look. The ears are large and stand erect, open at the front and parallel, they are often pulled back during movement. They have a long neck, which is raised when excited and lowered when moving at a fast pace. The tail is bushy and reaches to the hock.

German Shepherds are highly active dogs, fearless but not hostile and are often described in breed standards as self-assured and never shy. The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Shepherds can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialised correctly. Due to their loyal nature Shepherds bond well with children they know. While typically approachable, Shepherds do not become immediate friends with strangers. German Shepherds are highly obedient and not easily distracted, but due to their self-strong will must be trained by a firm hand.

The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is 11-12 years, which is normal for a dog of their size.

Many of the German Shepherds common ailments are a result of required inbreeding early in the breed’s creation. One such common issue is hip and elbow dysplasia which can lead to the dog experiencing pain in later life, lameness and can cause arthritis. Due to the large and open nature of their ears, Shepherds are also prone to ear infections.

Other health problems sometimes occurring in the breed are von Willebrand’s disease, skin allergies and canine degenerative myelopathy. German Shepherds, like all large bodied dogs, are also prone to bloat.

Wikipedia contributors. German Shepherd Dog. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. September 22, 2008, 18:51 UTC. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=German_Shepherd_Dog&oldid=240266334. Accessed September 23, 2008.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a dog breed which originated in China. The name is both singular and plural. The spelling “Shih Tzu”, most commonly used for the breed, is according to the Wade-Giles system of romanization. The Shih Tzu is reported to be the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs, its vaguely lion-like look being associated with the Tibetan Snowlion. The Shih Tzu therefore also has the nickname “Tibetan temple dog”. It is also often known as the “Xi Shi quan”, based on the name of Xi Shi, regarded as the most beautiful woman of ancient China, and, less often, the Chrysanthemum Dog, because its face looks very much like the flower, and the Chinese or Tibetan Lion Dog.

The Shih Tzu is characterized by its long, flowing double coat; sturdy build; intelligence; and a friendly, energetic, lively attitude. Here is an excellent example of lively Shih Tzu puppy behavior at 10 weeks. In breeding all coat colors are allowed. The Shih Tzu fur can be styled either in a short summer cut or kept long as is compulsory for conformation shows.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Shih Tzu breed standard calls for the dog to have a short snout, large eyes, and a palm-like tail that waves above its torso. The ideal Shih Tzu height at 9 to 10 1/2 inches. The dog should stand no less than 8 inches and not more than 11 inches tall. The Shih Tzu should never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Regardless of size or gender, the Shih Tzu should always be solid and compact and carry good weight and substance for its size range.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) define the Shih Tzu as an adult dog that weighs between 9 to 16 pounds as the official breed standard. (This may vary for the runt of the litter, who can weigh in at 8 pounds). Descriptions such as “imperial”, “teacup”, “tiny teacup” are used, but dogs that fit such descriptions are often an undersized or underdeveloped Shih Tzu. Both the AKC and ASTC consider these variances to not be in conformity with the official breed standard. These tiny variances are also not what was defined as a standard by the professional circuit. Many people prefer to have these canines buzzed to a short cut, as their hair starts to mat and become dry as it grows. To have it long, the owner must give the dog’s hair intensive care. A medium length coat is therefore recommended but not necessary.

The life span of a Shih Tzu is 13-15 years, although some variation from this range is possible. Some health issues common among the breed are portosystemic liver shunt, renal dysplasia, and hip dysplasia in standard sizes. In addition, they also can suffer from various eye problems. Shih Tzus (and many other breeds) may present signs of allergies to red dye #40, and owners should respond to scratching in the absence of fleas by eliminating pet foods that contain this commonly used additive.

Wikipedia contributors. Shih Tzu. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. September 17, 2008, 21:42 UTC. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shih_Tzu&oldid=239116942. Accessed September 18, 2008.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a breed of dog, historically developed as a gundog to retrieve shot waterfowl and upland game during hunting. As such they were bred to have a soft mouth to retrieve game undamaged and an instinctive love of water. Their intelligence and versatility sees them employed in a variety of roles including illegal drug detection, search and rescue, as hunting dogs and as guide dogs. Its friendly, eager-to-please and patient demeanor has also made it one of the most popular family dogs (by registration) in the world today.

The median life span for Golden Retrievers is approximately 10 to 12 years. While the breed is recognized for its vitality, many retrievers are susceptible to specific ailments. A responsible breeder will proactively minimize the risk of illness by having the health of dogs in breeding pairs professionally assessed and selected on the basis of complementary traits.

Breeding Golden Retrievers can be profitable for puppy mills and backyard breeders. As a result of careless breeding for profit, Goldens are prone to genetic disorders and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is very common in the breed; when buying a puppy in the US the parents should be examined by the OFA or by PennHIP for hip disease.

The ideal Golden is athletic, and well balanced. It is a symmetrical, and active dog. An American Golden is less stocky and lankier than a British. A male should stand from 22–24 inch (58–61 cm) in height at the shoulders, and females should be 21.5–22.5 inch (55–57 cm) at the shoulders. The males weigh 60–80 lb and the females weigh 55–70 lb. The coat is dense and water repellent, in various shades of lustrous gold, with moderate feathering. Excessive length, lightness, or darkness is undesirable. The gait should be free, smooth, powerful, and well-coordinated. They originated in Scotland during the late nineteenth century and were a mix of the Tweed Water Spaniel, which is now extinct, and the Wavy-Coated Retriever.

Field line Golden Retrievers tend to be smaller and have a less dense coat than their conformation line counterparts.

The coat is dense and waterproof, and may be straight or moderately wavy. It usually lies flat against the belly. The American Kennel Club (AKC) standard states that the coat is a “rich, lustrous golden of various shades”, disallowing coats that are extremely light or extremely dark. This leaves the outer ranges of coat color up to a judge’s discretion when competing in conformation shows. Therefore, “pure white” and “red” are unacceptable colors for the Golden coat. The Kennel Club (UK) also permits cream as an acceptable coat color. Judges may also disallow Goldens with pink noses, or those lacking pigment. The Golden’s coat can also be of a mahogany color, referred to as “redheads”, although this is not accepted in the British show ring. As a Golden grows older, its coat can become darker or lighter, along with a noticeable whitening of the fur on and around the muzzle. Puppy coats are usually much lighter than their adult coats, but a darker colouration at the tips of the ears may indicate a darker adult color. A golden’s coat should never be too long, as this may prove to be a disservice to them in the field- especially when retrieving game.

Wikipedia contributors. Golden Retriever. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. September 12, 2008, 04:35 UTC. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Golden_Retriever&oldid=237868481. Accessed September 13, 2008.

Boxer

Developed in Germany, the Boxer is a breed of stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog. The coat is smooth and fawn or brindled, with or without white markings. Boxers are brachycephalic, and have a square muzzle, mandibular prognathism (an underbite), very strong jaws and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to large prey. The Boxer was bred from the English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser and is part of the Molosser group.

The Boxer was first exhibited in a dog show for St. Bernards at Munich in 1895, the first Boxer club being founded the next year. Based on 2007 American Kennel Club statistics, Boxers are the sixth most popular breed of dog in the United States—moving up from the seventh spot for the first time since 2002—with 33,548 new dog registrations during the year.

The name “Boxer” is supposedly derived from the breed’s tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and “boxing” with its front paws. According to Andrew H. Brace on his “Pet owner’s guide to the Boxer” this theory is the least plausible explanation. He claims “it’s unlikely that a nation so permeated with nationalism would give to one of its most famous breeds a name so obviously anglicised”.

Boxers are prone to develop cancers, heart conditions such as Aortic Stenosis and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (the so-called “Boxer Cardiomyopathy”), hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation and torsion (bloat), intestinal problems, and allergies (although these may be more related to diet than breed). Entropion is occasionally seen, a malformation of the eyelid requiring surgical correction, and some lines have a tendency to develop spondylosis deformans, a fusing of the spine. Responsible breeders use available tests to screen their breeding stock before breeding, and in some cases throughout the life of the dog, in an attempt to minimize the occurrence of these diseases in future generations.

Wikipedia contributors. Boxer (dog). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. September 10, 2008, 00:20 UTC. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boxer_(dog)&oldid=237398352. Accessed September 11, 2008.

Beagle

The Beagle is a breed of medium-sized dog. A member of the Hound Group, it is similar in appearance to the Foxhound but smaller, with shorter legs and longer, softer ears. Beagles are scent hounds, developed primarily for tracking hare, rabbit, and other game. They have a keen sense of smell and tracking instinct that sees them employed as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. They are popular as pets because of their size, even temper, and lack of inherited health problems. These characteristics also make them the dog of choice for animal testing.

Although beagle-type dogs have existed for over 2,000 years, the modern breed was developed in Britain around the 1830s from several breeds, including the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, the Southern Hound, and possibly the Harrier.

Beagles have been depicted in popular culture since Elizabethan times in literature and paintings, and lately in film, television and comic books. Snoopy of the comic strip Peanuts has been promoted as “the world’s most famous beagle”.

As a pedigree dog, Beagles have always been more popular in the United States and Canada than in their native country. The National Beagle Club of America was formed in 1888 and by 1901 a Beagle had won a Best in Show title. As in the UK, activity during World War I was minimal, but the breed showed a much stronger revival in the US when hostilities ceased. In 1928 it won a number of prizes at the Westminster Kennel Club’s show and by 1939 a Beagle, Champion Meadowlark Draughtsman, had captured the title of top-winning American-bred dog for the year. On 12 February 2008, a Beagle won the Best In Show category at the Westminster Kennel Club show for the first time in the competition’s history. In North America they have been consistently in the top ten most popular breeds for over 30 years. From 1953 to 1959 the Beagle was ranked number one on the list of the American Kennel Club’s registered breeds; in 2005 and 2006 it ranked 5th out of the 155 breeds registered. In the UK they are not quite so popular, placing 28th and 30th in the rankings of registrations with the Kennel Club in 2005 and 2006 respectively.

The median longevity of Beagles is about 12.3 years, which is a typical lifespan for a dog of their size.

Beagles may be prone to epilepsy, but this can be controlled with medication. Hypothyroidism and a number of types of dwarfism occur in Beagles. Two conditions in particular are unique to the breed: Funny Puppy, in which the puppy is slow to develop and eventually develops weak legs, a crooked back and although normally healthy, is prone to range of illnesses; and Chinese Beagle Syndrome in which the eyes are slanted and the outer toes are underdeveloped but otherwise development is as normal. Hip dysplasia, common in Harriers and in some larger breeds, is rarely considered a problem in Beagles.

In rare cases, Beagles may develop immune mediated polygenic arthritis (where the immune system attacks the joints) even at a young age. The symptoms can sometimes be relieved by steroid treatments.

Wikipedia contributors. Beagle. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. September 10, 2008, 18:34 UTC. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Beagle&oldid=237546671. Accessed September 11, 2008.

• Dog Breeders Poll

  Top ten registered dog breeds released by the AKC. Which do you breed?

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