All dogs have unique genetic characteristics that contribute to both their behavior and their pre-disposal to certain health concerns. For many dog owners, knowing your dog’s breed is not an issue. Your best friend’s traits and health concerns are well known by you and your vet. But if you have a mixed-breed dog, it can be impossible to know the various breeds that make up your dog with the “eye test” alone. With the simple swipe of a cheek swab, the DNA sample can determine the ancestry of a mixed-breed dog by testing for more than 170 breeds. When training or trying to solve behavior problems, knowing what breed characteristics influence your best friend’s behavior can be helpful in your training routine. Does Buddy chew the furniture, herd the family cat, hide his food, or point at hidden birds or rabbits? Each of these traits is identified with certain breeds. Knowing that breed makeup in your dog can help you and your trainer positively affect those character is usually tics to produce a more pleasant household environment.
When taking your dog to the vet, informing the doctor of the breeds that comprise your canine will help him or her tailor the correct diet, exercise, and preventive medicine regimen. All of this leads to a healthier and happier dog, and a more rewarding relationship for you, the owner.
How the Dog DNA Test works
To determine a mixed-breed dog’s breed chemistry, a safe WISDOM PANEL® INSIGHTS™ Dog DNA Test is performed.
Why you should know your mixed-breed dog’s ancestry
An estimated half of all dogs are mixed-breed and each of these breeds is characterized by unique behavioral traits. Within three weeks, dog owners are e-mailed an official Ancestry Report that reveals the dog’s genetic background.