Dog DNA Tests, Testing to Learn the Breed of Your Canine

Archive for the ‘Dog DNA Test’ Category

American Brittany Rescue, Inc. (ABR) is working with the Canine Genetics and Genomics Group at the UC Davis Center for Veterinary Genetics to collecting as many DNAs as possible from Brittany dogs for several, synergistic research efforts. The samples are being gathered by ABR volunteers across the country, from Brittanys the organization has rescued, and from the volunteers’ own Brittanys as well. The study was spearheaded by Gordon Theilen, Director of the American Brittany Club (ABC).

The DNA sampling project actually began in August 2006 with the first batch of 450 DNA cheek swab kits. The DNA testing coordinator had to place a second order of kits, because of an overwhelming response from Brittany owners across the country. The swab kits have been free to the owners. Sampling has taken less than five minutes per dog, with four swabs being taken per dog.

There will be a time in the future where ABR’s efforts in the collection of DNA for the UC Davis Brittany DNA Study will help eliminate inherited health issues in the Brittany breed. Numerous samples are the key to successful DNA studies with the continuous submission of new pups and non-sampled dogs.

Besides the DNA study, ABR is also actively working on solutions for senior Brittanys who need new homes. The first of two solutions is the Senior Companion Program: Active adopters aged 65 years and older, who are willing to adopt a senior Brittany, aged 8 years and older, would have their adoption fee waived. Younger adopters are encouraged to adopt these wonderful seniors too, but they will be asked to make a donation which generally covers the dog’s expenses while in foster care.

ABR believes the Senior Companion Program can benefit not only our older rescued dogs, but also older owners who want to provide companionship and a home for one of these special dogs. Foster space is always at a premium. Senior dogs (eight years and older) may stay in foster care for a long time; sometimes spending the remainder of their days in foster care, which may mean losing a space that could
be available to other dogs. We believe that matching older adopters with older dogs can only benefit them both, and it’s a way to continue to save more Brittanys that might otherwise not find forever homes.

In 1999, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society published a study, demonstrating that seniors that have pets tend to have better physical health and mental well being than those that do not.

They’re more active, cope better with stress, and have better overall health. A 1997 study showed that elderly pet owners had a significantly lower blood pressure overall than their contemporaries without pets.

These senior dogs can offer years of companionship and happy memories. They’re calmer, and often just as active as their younger counterparts. The average lifespan of a Brittany is 12-13 years. Anyone interested in joining the Senior Companion Program should contact ABR at 1-866-BRIT-911 or at info@americanbrittanyrescue.org.

The second solution for seniors is the Senior Brittany Retreat. This retreat has long been a goal of ABR. In 2007, the Senior Retreat Committee has set a five year goal for creation of the retreat. The committee consists of three state coordinators, a builder, an architect, a grant writer, a financial analyst, an attorney and 2 business consultants.

ABR plans to have a location where senior Brittanys can come when there is no available foster space for them. Some will still be available for forever homes, while other will spend their remaining days at the retreat. Some of these senior dogs will be qualified as ‘Therapy Dogs.’ For more information about the Senior Brittany Retreat, please contact Terry Mixdorf, Iowa state director, at terrymixdorf@gmail.com.

BioPet Vet Lab Canine DNA Test Pet Product 
I recommend you go to the BioPet Vet Lab Canine DNA Test website for more information

Doggy DNA Tests for the Canine Curious
The questions have stoked my curiosity to the point that I’m dying to give my dog a DNA test, but is it worth it? The Canine Heritage Breed Test kit sells for $119.95 on their website and will test for over 100 different breeds.

Get Your Dog DNA Questions Submitted
We’ve used all the different places that do the canine DNA and we prefer the DNA Diagnostics Center.

Canine Heritage Breed Tests Roll Out
MetaMorphix, Inc. is a life sciences company that uses DNA to improve animal wellness. Its wholly owned subsidiary, MMI Genomics, has more than a decade of experience in the area of canine DNA research.

How well do you know your dog breeds?
So you know you can tell a poodle from a collie and you think you can tell a corgi from a dachshund, but how well do you really know dog breed characteristics? And how good are you at determining the possible breeds for a mutt?

The Most Aggressive Dog Breeds
Identified locations in a dog’s DNA that contain genes believed to contribute to behavior, trainability and longevity, as well as body and skull shape, weight
By: American Brittany Rescue

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

www.AmericanBrittanyRescue.org

Technorati Tags: brittany health issues study, dog cheek swab kit, dog dna breed

It’s widely believed that dogs originated over 17,000 years ago; recent DNA testing and closer fossil examination is suggesting that dogs originated as far as 150,000 years ago. However the dating in relation to the Bible seems a little far fetched. We know they were around in Bible days because it is mention in several passages.

Scientists and researchers have come up with several possible paths that the development of modern dogs has followed.
Dogs have lived and worked with humans in many different roles throughout the ages. Even today people are continually finding new ways in which dogs can enhance their lives, or perform useful services to people.

In order to understand dogs and their complex relationship to humans we need to look back to the origins of the species; and take a closer look at the habits of wolves.

Wolves are very social animals; they live in packs and derive not only assured survival but also enjoy relationships within the pack. We can clearly see evidence of wolves’ social structure systems if we look at our own dogs today.
In a healthy relationship the human is the alpha member of the pack. A less socialized dog is widely believed to think that he is the leader of your pack, instead of you – the owner.

Today it is widely believed that domestication is occurring at a much greater speed than was previously thought. It seems dogs are now born with highly prized traits.

Not only their temperaments but also the way they look is greatly changing. Scientists have had a tough time telling some skull and bone fragments apart. It’s mainly differences in the skull and teeth that scientists can sue to determine if the specimens are wolf or dog remains.

At a farm in Siberia researchers have been experimenting with foxes and how quickly they can be tamed. They believe that this might lead to an understanding of how our own dogs have evolved.

Researchers around the world are also becoming interested in the cognitions of our dogs and how our dogs have become accepted into our human social structures. History cannot trace the exact routes of wolf to dog.

Wolves are now on endangered lists around the world. Many valiant efforts are being made to curb the steady decline in wolf numbers.

Is it all part of evolution?

Dogs have evolved slowly from wolves and found a home with humans. They’ve become an essential part of human life. If all wolves had formed such relationships with humans they too might be assured of life without extinction.

It is far easier to envision a world without wolves than it is to imagine a world without Boston Terriers, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Shih Tzu’s or Pugs.

DNA Testing for Mixed Breed Dogs: How to Find Out Which Breeds
Knowing what breeds are in your dog’s genetic makeup, might help you better care for and understand your pet.

Healthy Basset Hounds
I also believe it is sensible to educate would-be dog breeders. I personally took a course on dog breeding run by the kennel club in Stockholm. I also studied dog genetics as part of a course.

Crossbreed DNA Test Now Available
What is my dog? Wisdom Panel, the gold standard in mixed-breed genetic identification for dogs and the most veterinarian- recognized name in canine genetics.

On Dogs and Research
We know that’s just an overview of dog genetics and the basics of breeds.

What do dogs have in common with fruit flies?
Some will try to argue that dog genetics is no different from genetically manipulated fruit fly studies.
By: Steve Allison

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide

Technorati Tags: biopet dog dna breed identification test kit, canine dna test, Dog DNA Test

Throughout the years, mixed breed dogs in which contain traits that inherited by their parents have been genetically bred for wide range of uses such as:

• Watchdog
• Herding
• Cart pulling
• Sight following
• People companions

Even though mixed breed dogs are domestically treated as man’s best friend, there are some dog owners who are still incapable to train their dogs due to its common mischief.

How do I know my dog’s breed makeup? You do not have to visit your veterinarian to get obtain your dog’s breed make up. DNA sampling can be done by the dog owner by using the buccal swab to collect the cheek cells for thorough breed analysis. Bear in mind that there are no needle injection procedures and no blood test involved. It is definitely safe and you could perform this sampling procedure at home. Your dog’s DNA test results will be printed on a certificate (a.k.a. Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis).

If I know my dog’s breed makeup, how do I improve my dog’s behavior?

If your mutt’s breed makeup is known, here are the few things you can do to improve your dog’s behavior:

1. Understand predisposed behaviors and personalities

In the case of Boston Terriers breed, they rarely bark, although some of them will bark at a knock at the door. They also do not perform well if they are left alone for long periods. Knowing their inborn temperament and personalities of your mixed breed dog well – primary breed is Boston Terriers; can guide them to a better behavior so that they can get along with your family and friends as well as other pets.

2. Train and play with them in the ways that will appeal to their natural talents

If your dog’s breed is more towards the Beagles breed, then you will find your dog is a very energetic breed but it is easily won over by strangers. Due to this reason, they basically known as poor guard dog compared with well-known watch dog breeds such as German Sheppard and Bulldog. They are intelligent and eager to please, although their energetic character makes them prone to misbehavior, so proper training and playing are extremely important.

 American Kennel Club – Authority to Ban Breeds.
The list of regulated breeds or types could grow every year without ever addressing responsible dog ownership. Breed identification requires experts.

Discussing Breed identification help
This sure is a pretty dog. She seems small for a standard breed, more like a toy breed.

Breed Identification 
I am curious as to what breed or breeds she may be.

Top 2 Reasons Why Your Dog Needs a DNA Breed Test
There are two common reasons why people should their dogs need a DNA breed test and start any of these dog breed identification process.

Author: J.J. Yong

Finding out what breeds are in your dog’s genetic makeup has not only satisfied your curiosity, but given it has given you both invaluable health and behavioral information. For more information about dog DNA testing as a dog breed identification tool for mixed breed dogs, visit http://dogdnabasics.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.J._Yong

Technorati Tags: biopet dog dna breed identification test kit, canine dna test, dog breed dna

Volunteering for the Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue has made it clear that sometimes it’s very difficult to determine what breeds have combined to make some dogs. Until recently, a guess was all that could be done.

Dog Breed Testing kits are now readily available and are more affordable than ever before.

Why is it so important to know the breeds present in a dog? Dog Breed Testing can tell you how big or small your dog might be. It might help you determine grooming for your dog. It can even determine what illnesses and diseases your dog might be prone to, due to genetics.

The most important reason is to help you determine your dog’s potential temperament. Temperament is like the character of your dog. It’s what has been handed down from generation to generation to make a breed what it is.

Temperament is why Border Collies like to herd. Temperament is why Labradors like to retrieve. Temperament helps determine if a dog is going to be good with children, or if they are going to like to running with you. It can help you understand your dog and its behavior.

We have a little 5 pound dog named Leon. He is black and tan, similar to a Doberman. We were told when we got him at 7 weeks, that he was a Chihuahua and we had no reason to think otherwise.

As he grew, we noticed that his head wasn’t as round as a Chi’s and he was rather lanky to be a pure Chihuahua.

Temperament wise, he was mostly Chihuahua, although he seemed to tolerate strangers better and he learned things very quickly. It took him only five minutes to learn the command "sit" when he was only 9 weeks old.

We thought that this was due to the fact that we took him everywhere and that we used positive training methods. As an adult, he is a very well adjusted dog and he is even registered as a therapy animal.

Everywhere we went, people would always ask what he was, even though Chihuahua owners always knew he was a Chi. Most people focused on his coloring and guessed he was a Miniature Pinscher.

When we noticed an advertisement for a Dog Breed Testing Kit, just had to see for ourselves what genetics had made this wonderful dog.

The kit came in the mail and was self explanatory. There are levels to each breed present that make up Leon and they will be indicated in descending order. For instance, Level One is any breed that is 75% or more present in Leon, Level Two is any breed or breeds that is 37%-74% present in Leon all the way down to Level Four.

We were sure that he is mostly Chihuahua, but very curious to see what other breed or breeds could be in his ancestry.

We took the cotton swab and ran it inside his mouth for the determined amount of time and were careful not to contaminate the evidence as we shipped it back to the laboratory.

Two weeks later, we got a letter in the mail stating that there weren’t enough cells to test and they asked for another sample.

We thought that this was due to his small size and did another sample, but using his gums to get the sample, instead of the inside of his cheek.

Two weeks later, the packet came in the mail and it was proven that there were only two breeds present in his little lineage. He was Chihuahua in Level Two and he was poodle in Level Three.

We decided that this meant that one of Leon’s grandparents was a poodle and that one of his parents was half poodle, half Chihuahua.

After knowing what dog breeds make up little Leon, there are a few things about him that now make sense.

His large ears that stand straight up are clearly the end result of a poodle that has large ears that lay down and a Chihuahua that has smaller ears that stand up.

His small frame and skinny body are clearly that of a Poodle, while his coloring is obviously from the Chihuahua breed.

Understanding his temperament is the most valuable information stemming from the results of the Dog Breed Test.

Taking after his Chihuahua side, Leon is very entertaining and lively. He is very playful and has lots of energy. He has bonded closely with one of his owners and cries if she leaves. He very tough and is an excellent watch dog.

On the other hand, he loves to play with dogs of all different sized and shapes and he meets most strangers with a friendly wag of his tail. He is extremely intelligent and he is really easy to train. These are the traits of the Poodle Breed.

Having the Dog Breed Test done on Leon has helped us to understand is behavior better and helps us to keep him happy.

If you ever have a chance to use the Dog Breed Testing Kit, we don’t think you should hesitate one bit. It was an interesting and informative test that has brought us closer to our Leon.

 
DOG BLOG
Breed identification is a major problem when it comes to breed bans.

Breed recognition 
A study on breed identification: Given that breed bans are based on, well, breed identification, she and others are gathering breed identifications.

Breed ban info; MARS Wisdom Panel.
If we thought it was a mix, we were asked to identify the primary and (if relevant) secondary breeds contributing to the dog breed identification

Author: Jennifer Andrade

Written by Jennifer Andrade of A Dog for Life, LLC , dedicated to helping you choose and find the best dog for your family. We also feature many other resources that help you have a more positive and closer relationship with your canine companion. You can find us at http://www.adogforlife.com/dog-blog

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Technorati Tags: dog breed identification, dog dna origins test, Dog DNA Test

There are two common reasons why people should their dogs need a DNA breed test. These reasons have to be completely understood by dog owners before they start any of these dog breed identification process.

1. The ability to identify and record the breed composition

You are annoyed by people asking that common question, "What are they?" DNA collections via cheek swabbing and mailing this sample to lab for DNA breed analysis able to learn more about your dog’s ancestral heritage.

It is easy as this particular breed testing kit comes as a package that contains one K9CheekSwab DNA collection brush, sample submission form, customer reference sheet, DNA sample instructions and pre-paid return mailer.

The sample will be analyzed via advanced SNP-based DNA technology process in MMI Genomics, Inc. (MMIG) in which is a highly experienced laboratory. At the initial process of the sample analysis, your dog’s DNA profile will be obtained and compared it with other purebred dogs’ DNA profile in the database.

The primary breed is identified when your dog’s DNA profile strongly matches the profiles of the purebred dogs in the database and it represents a very large portion of your dog’s breed composition. Therefore, it is displayed in the "primary" results category in the Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis. In this certificate, you will find other related breed information of your dog in "secondary" and "in the mix" category. The results will be completed within 4-6 weeks period of time.

2. Understand predisposed breed health risks and diseases

If you are able to identify your dog’s breed, you can work out a better health and wellness management for your dog. You will be able to deal with your dog misbehaviors and personalities by training and playing with them in the ways that will appeal to their natural talents and temperaments. Hence, you can discuss with your veterinarian to plan a diet and exercise customized to your dog’s needs.

 
DNA test confirms ID
While several theories pointed to Bench, a positive identification could not be speculated or confirmed without DNA testing.

DNA test can ID your mix-breed’s background 
Barking up your dog’s family tree recently got a lot easier with a new cutting-edge DNA test for mixed-pedigree pups. The Canine Heritage Breed Test and Canine Heritage XL

Dna Breed Id Kit
The DNA Pet ID kit gives you peace of mind.

Basics of Dog DNA Sample Collection
How to collect a cheek swab for dog dna testing product. Get instructions for a valid genetics test for your dog. 

Dog dna test Amex Panel Mixed Breed Analysis
Doggy DNA test results have arrived.

Author: J.J. Yong

Finding out what breeds are in your dog’s genetic makeup has not only satisfied your curiosity, but given it has given you both invaluable health and behavioral information. For more information about dog DNA testing as a dog breed identification tool for mixed breed dogs, visit http://dogdnabasics.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.J._Yong

Technorati Tags: canine heritage breed test, dog dna breed, Dog DNA Testing

Since canine DNA sample collection is risk-free and painless, it is easily performed by dog owners before sending it to accredited laboratory for DNA breed analysis. If you are a Canine Heritage XL Breed test client, you will receive the DNA test results in form of Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis within 4-6 weeks period of time.

What do the results actually means on the certificate?

The results are categorized into three main categories (Primary, Secondary; and In the Mix) on the certificate.

Primary category – This category is intended to assist dog owners recognize when their pet’s genetic makeup contains a majority of a specific breed (i.e. 50% or greater). If your dog’s DNA profile has a strong match to one of our 100 validated breeds (based on US dog breed populations), then it is categorized as primary. Please take note that most mixed breed dogs will not usually have a breed in this category unless one or both of their parents are pedigree.

Secondary category – This particular category elucidates breeds that are easily recognizable within your dog. However, these breeds may have a strong influence on your pet genetic makeup, each breed listed makes up less than the majority of your dog’s DNA.

In the Mix category – It is the last category that identifies breeds that have the least amount of influence on your pet’s genetic makeup but they do still appear, at a very low and measurable amount, in your dog’s genetic makeup.

By referring to these three categories, you are able to identify your dog’s breed and you are able to understand your dog’s needs based on your pet’s temperament and behavior.

DNA Test for Dogs – The Canine Heritage™ XL Breed Test
This dog DNA test kit tracks over 100 different breeds which they claim to account for 99% of all dogs.

Dog DNA Swab
If you choose Canine Heritage Breed XL Kit for your mixed breed dog DNA breed test, simply read the instructions, included with the Canine Heritage kit, and place the swab in the packaging tube.

Canine Heritage XL Breed Test
A recognized leader in canine DNA technology announces the Canine Heritage XL Breed Test, A DNA-based diagnostic test that can genetically identify and certify over 100 potential breeds!

Basics of Dog DNA Sample Collection
Now easily order and collect a dog dna test to determine the breed of your dog.

DNA Tests for Mixed Breed Dogs: Do Dog Owners Find Test Results.
Happy Dog DNA is an online reseller of the BioPet Vet Lab DNA Breed Identification Test.

Author: J.J. Yong

Ever wonder what your dog’s heritage is? If you are still curious about your dog’s breed, dog DNA breed test can be done in simple steps – firstly, swab the animal’s mouth and send it to a lab and lastly it will discover what breeds comprise the animal’s history. For more information about dog DNA testing as a breed identification tool, visit http://dogdnabasics.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.J._Yong

Technorati Tags: Canine Heritage XL Breed Test, dog breed dna test, verify purebreed dog dna testing

Now easily order and collect a  dog dna test to determine the breed of your dog.

Dog owners can perform DNA sample collection on their dogs without the visiting any veterinarians as it requires no blood test for DNA analysis. A breed identification tool for mixed breed dogs like  Canine Heritage XL Breed Test are commonly used by dog owners due to its convenience and efficiency of the breed testing product.

Before we discuss about the steps of the sampling procedure,  Canine Heritage XL Breed Test comes as a package that contains:

• Data sheet
• Sample submission form
• One DNA cheek swab collection brush
• Easy-to-Follow DNA sample collection instructions
• Pre-paid return mailer

Now, here are the quick and easy steps of DNA sample collection for your dog:

1. In the beginning, you have to complete the sample submission form.
2. When sampling is more than one dog, wash your hands clean between each sample to prevent cross-contamination as it affects the DNA analysis process.
3. DNA collection has to be performed before meal. Therefore, you have to withhold food at least one-half hour before collecting a sample for DNA testing. Carefully observe the dog’s mouth between the cheek and gums for food debris. The main reason is to collect cheek epithelial cells, avoiding food debris that could cause DNA contamination.
4. Write down your dog’s name or other identifier on the MMI Genomics’ DNA CheekSwab wrapper as provided in the package.
5. Then, open the swab package by peeling back the loose edges of the DNA CheekSwab sleeve about one inch.
6. You have to grasp the swab’s plastic handle and pull the swab out of the wrapper. Visualized inserting a toothbrush inside your mouth, turning the bristles away from your teeth towards your cheek, and brushing against your cheek. Again, the main task is to collect epithelial cheek cells, not food debris onto the bristles. Unlike brushing your teeth, do not brush or scrub it too hard as it will cause bleeding on the gums.
7. Hold steady your dog’s head. Holding the swab by the applicator stick, briskly rub and rotate the swabs bristle head against the inside surface of the cheek for about 20 seconds.
8. Immediately reinsert the swab into the DNA CheekSwab sleeve (there is no need to reseal the sleeve)
9. Finally, return the sample with the Sample Submission Form as provided in breed testing kit and drop it in a mailbox. Since it is a pre-paid return mailer, no postage is necessary.

DNA Testing
 Dog, dinner-guests. It can be hard to get a really clean sample.

Dog DNA Test | THE BIOTECH FILES
Our little dog Cindy tested as being a pure-bred Maltese. We are really amazed since she seems a bit large for the breed. I encourage anybody who wants a behavior analysis of their mix to have a DNA test.

Dog DNA
The police Sargent sent a message they wanted us to test it for DNA.

Author: J.J. Yong

Within 4-6 weeks period of time, your dog DNA test results will be sent back to you in the form of a frame quality "Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis" – in which displays breed test results in several categories such as "Primary", "Secondary" and "In the mix" categories. For more information about dog DNA testing as a breed identification tool for mixed dogs, visit http://dogdnabasics.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.J._Yong

Technorati Tags: cheek swab for dog dna testing, dna test your dog at home, instuctions for dna test for dog

You might be wondering, how is this DNA testing tool able to identify your dog’s breed?

In the sampling process, cheek cells are obtained by cheek swabbing before sending it to the lab for breed analysis. Many people have mistakenly collected saliva from their dogs for further analysis. The swabbing process is completely painless and non-invasive. It is done easily by the dog owner without the presence of veterinarian.

If you choose  Canine Heritage Breed XL Kit for your mixed breed dog DNA breed test, simply read the instructions, included with the Canine Heritage kit, and place the swab in the packaging tube, and finally reverse the tube liner so that the pre-paid mailing label can be seen through the tube and drop in a mail box for DNA breed analysis. The Canine Heritage Breed XL Kit can determine if any of the 100 validated breeds make-up your pet’s breed composition

Therefore, cheek cells samples will be analyzed via the advanced SNP-based DNA Technology Process in which able to identify over 100 major breeds (as compared with US dog breed population). This process normally takes 4-6 weeks to complete and the results will be displayed in the form of a frame quality Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis along with your dog’s picture in which also included on the certificate at no extra charge.

Dog owners have to know that this particular test is not designed for use as a purebred or paternity verification test and is not an established legal tool. It was developed and validated using United States dog breed populations. Therefore breeds outside the United States and Canada may not be represented or identified by this particular breed identification tool.

Canine DNA test can help owners.
Dog owners use the brush-tipped swab in the kit to collect DNA from the epithelial cells inside their dog’s cheek, just like they do on “CSI.” 

DNA technology used for identifying mixed dog breeds

Verify who a dog’s parents were. DDC Veterinary saves all of the DNA swab samples it collects.

DNA Tests for Mixed Breed Dogs
The test sample can be obtained at home using a cheek swab and then mailed off for results. It detects 62 breeds.

Dog DNA
It’s simple enough to obtain the DNA sample, all you have to do is take a swab (non-invasive) from the dog’s cheek, mail it off and wait….you can even send a picture and when they send you the results your dog’s picture.

Author: J.J. Yong

There are many benefits of having the answers to the mystery that is your mixed breed dog including diet and exercise customized to your dog needs and understands predisposed breed health risks and diseases. For more information about dog DNA testing, visit http://dogdnabasics.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.J._Yong

Technorati Tags: dna testing for dog ancestry, dog dna kits comprehensive, dog dna swab

Are you considering getting a mastiff as a family pet?

These large, imposing dogs not only make great pets, but they are also incredible guard dogs. Invariably, mastiffs will require extra training and attention because of their massive size. The last thing you want is an out-of-control 200 pound dog on your hands! But if you feel you are ready to take on one of these wonderful animals, here are some tips to help you choose which specific breed is right for you.

The English Mastiff is the largest of all the mastiffs. A full-grown male is 30 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs anywhere between 160 and 230 pounds! This is a grand, dignified animal with a long proud history. He has been used as a guard dog for many years, and is considered one of the top ten guard dogs of all time. The English Mastiff is an extremely loyal to his family, and will go to any length to protect them. More than other dogs, this breed is especially prone to develop bone cancer.

The Brazilian Mastiff is also an excellent guard dog. He is generally gentle with his owners and family members, but can be quite fierce with strangers. His extreme physical power and fearless nature require that he be well-trained and supervised to prevent unwanted aggression. This dog also has a keen sense of smell, which is useful for tracking. A male Brazilian Mastiff weighs over 100 pounds.

The American Bandog Mastiff is actually more of hybrid than a recognized breed. Like the others, he is an excellent guard dog. This dog is blessed with some qualities that make him especially suitable as a family pet: high intelligence, an even temperament, and a love for companionship. This is not a dog that likes to be left alone. Though he is reluctant to bark, he tends to whine loudly when he gets lonely! An adult male American Bandog Mastiff weighs between 100 and 140 pounds.

This is just an introduction to the wonderful world of mastiffs.

The Dog Files
Dogs don’t need to be purebred to be special breed.

Canine DNA test can help owners determine breed.
Determining a dog’s breed can both satisfy curiosity and help identify potential health problems.

Technorati Tags: hybrid dog breed identification, mixed breed dog test