DNA testing for humans is already very popular, but now, a dog DNA test is becoming more and more commonly sought after. Dog parents want to get to know their dogs better through a dog DNA test for their dog, in order to better care for them, and understand any genetic health risks their dog might have.
A dog DNA test is as simple as swabbing your dog’s cheek and sending it back to the CirclePAW lab with the free return shipping provided in the DNA testing kit. This DNA test for dogs can be done from the comforts of home, and your dog won’t mind their cheek being swabbed for one minute.
DNA testing for dogs is becoming more and more popular. If you have ever wondered what breed your dog is, or what mix your dog is, or why they have certain unique idiosyncrasies and personality traits, a DNA test can reveal a lot about your dog. (For one thing, certain breeds of dogs are known to have much friendlier and more docile personalities than other breeds of dogs.)
This type of dog DNA test is especially helpful for people who have a rescue pup, or an adopted or gifted pup they know nothing about. Many people with rescues don’t even know what mix of breeds their dog is, let alone what their personalities are like or what makes them tick.
You can now know more about your furry best friend through a dog DNA test.
However, a dog DNA test is not just about finding out fun facts about your dog. You could also discover potential health risks and behavioral tendencies, and try to prevent them proactively.
Below are 5 things a dog DNA test can reveal about your dog:
Breed (Find Out What Mix Your Dog is With a Dog DNA Test)
Not sure about your adopted dog's breed or mix? Or, is your family skeptical whether a breeder really sold you a purebred? A DNA test for dogs like the one from CirclePAW will be able to tell you the percentage breakdown of your dog's ancestry. The breakdown of different breeds and information about what breeds their ancestors are. Knowing your dog's breed(s) allows you to understand more about your dog's tendencies, likely personality traits, needs, instincts, and more.
Potential Health Risks
Some dog breeds are more prone to certain health conditions than other breeds, and some dogs have genetic mutations as well. Dogs can have certain genetic mutations that predispose them to certain cancers or diseases.
If, for example, you find out your dog is at higher risk for a certain cancer through a dog DNA test, this helps you plan better and get proactive about your dog's needs. For instance, if you find out that your dog may be predisposed to mammary cell tumors, you'll be able to spot them early by getting your dog screened more regularly. We encourage you to discuss the DNA test results with your vet for the best course of action for your dog’s preventative health.
If, on the other hand, you find out your dog has a genetic risk of liver disease, you can help prevent your dog from getting liver disease by addressing this risk with your vet and taking preventative steps.
A lot of dog parents get blindsided by a sudden turn in their dog’s health, and an unexpected diagnosis of disease or cancer. If they never got a DNA test for their dog, they likely had no idea their dog was at risk.
Wanting to find out what health conditions your dog may be at risk of developing through a dog DNA test makes you an extra-caring dog parent.
You may even find out some insight into possible allergies your dog might have, which helps you take better care of your dog.
Inbreeding Information
A common worry when buying dogs from breeders is the possibility of inbreeding. Fortunately, inbreeding can be detected by analyzing the genetic coefficient of inbreeding, or COI, known as the most accurate method for measuring inbreeding. Many breeding programs linebreed or inbreed in order to maintain certain characteristics and desired traits.
However, did you know that excessive inbreeding can have negative effects on a dog's health and lifespan? Sometimes, the breeder withholds information like this. A DNA test, however, does not lie.
Behavioral Traits
A dog’s DNA can tell us a lot about their behavior and personality traits including between-breed differences and within-breed variations. Researchers identified numerous sites in a dog's DNA that seem to be connected to a number of behavioral traits, such as loyalty, aggression, energy levels, attachment, trainability, irritability, and more. Understanding our dogs' behaviors can help us communicate better and foster deeper relationships with them.
Appearance and Physical Traits
Through a dog DNA test, we may also get to know the likely size the dog will be when it’s full-grown, and other variations in appearance through genetic testing. For example, researchers found that the variation in one gene (IGF-1), which codes for a protein hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1, strongly associates with the small stature in dogs.
A dog DNA test can also explain what color your dog’s coat should be. In terms of coat color, mammals have two pigments: eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red or yellow). There are genes involved in producing these pigments and determining how much is produced, resulting in a myriad of unique color combinations and patterns found in our furry buddies.
Test Your Dog’s DNA to Find Out Information That Can Improve Your Relationship With Your Dog
Getting a DNA test for your dog not only helps you be aware of potential health risks and provides you with information about what mix of breeds your dog is, but it also can help you get to know your dog.
The DNA test for your dog will reveal information about your dog’s personality and traits that helps you understand your dog better, thus helping you improve your relationship with your dog.
Find out a wealth of information about your dog with the CirclePAW DNA Test for Dogs. Sign up now to be notified the moment our CirclePaw DNA test for dogs becomes available.
References:
- Dogs' personalities and their DNA (AAHA) - https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2019-01/are-dogs-personalities-hardwired-into-their-dna/
- What dog DNA test tells you (GoodRX) - https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/pets/is-it-worth-dna-testing-your-dog-cat
- Dog DNA testing (The Kennel Club) - https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/getting-started-with-health-testing-and-screening/dna-testing/
