Our dog had a mysterious bowel issue that wasn’t treating with the standard food change methods. Vet did a dna and found he’s more chihuahua than Australian Shepherd despite being dead on shepherd by appearance. Then more or less immediately they worked out his issue since chis have specific bowel issues that don’t usually happen in aussies.
So it does have valid uses for assisting diagnostic medicine
Similarly, we have two Danes and our second one is a bit smaller (only 90 lbs) and has slightly different facial structure than what we are used to seeing. So we got her DNA analyzed-and she’s 100% Dane. It helps to know that since we now can have clearer expectations of what kinds of needs she will have as she ages.
Anyone can lie and make fake paperwork. DNA is just that second check to have a much better read on the truth (assuming they don’t mix up the samples).
I’d argue it’s pretty important for working dogs too, especially ones that require specific temperaments for their jobs like border collies, livestock guardian dogs, and pointers.
For breeders it is important. For everyone else? Bragging rights.
Our dog had a mysterious bowel issue that wasn’t treating with the standard food change methods. Vet did a dna and found he’s more chihuahua than Australian Shepherd despite being dead on shepherd by appearance. Then more or less immediately they worked out his issue since chis have specific bowel issues that don’t usually happen in aussies.
So it does have valid uses for assisting diagnostic medicine
Similarly, we have two Danes and our second one is a bit smaller (only 90 lbs) and has slightly different facial structure than what we are used to seeing. So we got her DNA analyzed-and she’s 100% Dane. It helps to know that since we now can have clearer expectations of what kinds of needs she will have as she ages.
Good point.
But shouldn’t breeders be able to trace their dog’s lineage through pedigree anyway?
Anyone can lie and make fake paperwork. DNA is just that second check to have a much better read on the truth (assuming they don’t mix up the samples).
I’d argue it’s pretty important for working dogs too, especially ones that require specific temperaments for their jobs like border collies, livestock guardian dogs, and pointers.
Yeah, I agree. I’m not a dog enthusiast so that didn’t even come to mind but it makes total sense.