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

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Are well-established dog breeds like the German Shepherd or the Labrador Retriever genetically superior to the humble mutt or is this merely an old wives’ tale (myth)! So the question of the day is "What’s In A Breed?"

Ever noticed the sniffy hauteur with which purebred dog owners appraise mixed breed dogs? You can almost see them flinch as their condescending eye roves across the form of the objectionable mutt while they grudgingly concede that perhaps their refined canine specimen and that pollutant mutt do indeed belong to the same species! In fact you need only trawl various online dog forums to experience firsthand just how contentious the issue of mutt versus purebred really is. Yet much as purebred dog owners may put down the humble mutt or mixed breed dog the strange thing is:

Purebred Dogs Are Merely Strain-Refined Mutts!

Doberman Pinscher: The Doberman Pinscher dog breed was the brainchild of door-to-door tax collector Herr Louis Doberman. Whether Herr Doberman developed this dog breed as enforcer or protector has never been truly established but one aspect that is not in contention is the fact that his was an unenviable profession! It is well documented that since biblical times the tax collector has been much reviled; even today the tax collector is the subject of scorn and disgust. If you truly want to belabor the point, the next time you are at a social gathering, casually mention that you work for the IRS and watch the little-witnessed phenomenon of how so many can disappear so quickly!

However back to Herr Doberman and his dangerous profession; tired of being pushed about and quite possibly being set upon by irate tax payers, poor Herr Doberman came up with the novel yet economic solution of developing a dog breed that would be both enforcer and protector! The "ingredients" for his new dog breed included the following: Rottweiler; German Pinscher; Greyhound and the Manchester Terrier. Though some wishful fanciers contend that the German Shepherd dog was also involved in the genetic compilation of the Doberman Pinscher, this is highly unlikely since the development of the German Shepherd occurred a little later than that of the Doberman Pinscher.

The early form of the Doberman Pinscher dog was not the sleek lean machine that epitomizes the breed today, but it was a heavier-boned dog somewhat more similar in appearance to the Rottweiler dog breed. Subsequent tweaks by later breeders eventually resulted with the sleek contemporary dog that defines the modern Doberman Pinscher. The point of note here is that the Doberman Pinscher, a well-known dog breed that is officially recognized by countless of International Kennels such as the AKC, was a crossbreed developed from various other dog breeds before it attained the holy-grail status of purebred!

Verdict: The Doberman Pinscher, like all the other so-called purebred dogs is nothing more than a strain refined mutt. Sniff! What can I say…these pesky mongrels are everywhere, most of them disguising themselves as well-established purebreds!

Designer/Hybrid Dogs

Though the Labradoodle is widely accredited as the crossbreed dog that set the whole designer-dog movement rolling along at a good clip, the truth of the matter is that other well established crossbreeds already existed. One such crossbreed or so-called designer dog is the Cockerpoo (Cockapoo), a cross between the American Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. The Cockerpoo has been in existence since the 1960s (in contrast to the Labradoodle which was developed in the 1980s). The Cockerpoo is currently so well established in North America that there is a strong movement to consolidate a breeding standard.

These days "Oodles" or "Poos" (Poodle hybrids) are practically everywhere in North America for the simple reason they translate into mega bucks. Though the Labradoodle (perhaps the best known Poodle derivative) was developed with a utilitarian purpose in mind, most designer dogs have no other function than to propel a burgeoning and lucrative market for these hybrid dogs; as it so happens, backyard breeders very quickly recognized the enormous profits to be had from designer dogs.

To date the designer dog market is flourishing, strong evidence that people are quite willing to shell out mega bucks so as to differentiate themselves from the rest of the crowd. And perhaps you’ve noticed, nobody refers to these mutts as well…mutts, for the simple reason crossbreeds do not satisfy people’s sniff factor! (Sniff Factor defines the human tendency to snobbishness; in earlier times the upper classes were predisposed to strolling about with their noses pointed skywards as an expression of their obvious class superiority (as though reaching for air unpolluted by the masses!) Calling a mongrel a designer dog is certain to guarantee a far better price than if the animal were addressed as a crossbreed.

The unfortunate fallout of this whole designer dog issue, is that there’re now many more dogs in shelters and rescues, as well as dogs being euthanized, because of unethical breeders, who without regard to genetics, breed thousands of these dogs every year in a bid to capitalize on the public’s ignorance and insatiable appetite for "exclusive" or "limited" dogs.

So how did this designer dog brouhaha really begin?

Good Intentions Open Pandora’s Box

Sometime during the 1980s, Wally Conron, the breeding manager for the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia embarked on a quest to develop a non-allergenic guide dog for a visually impaired client whose husband happened to be allergic to common dog fur. Conron settled on the standard Poodle as the ideal cross with the already established Labradors in use at their center, for the simple fact that the Poodle,s as a highly trainable working dog with tightly curled coat, constituted a the best-fit match.

After two years of trials including 33 successive disappointment runs, Wally Conron hit pay dirt! A cross mating between one of their most prized Labradors and a Poodle specimen resulted in a litter of 3 non-allergenic puppies. Sultan the 1st ever Labradoodle destined for guide-dog greatness was introduced to his new owner amidst great fanfare. The bonding was a great success and Conron was confident that the remaining two puppies would quickly be snapped up; after all, the center at which he worked had a 6-month backlog of requests from people hoping to foster a dog. But he miscalculated; nobody it seemed wanted a dog that was associated with the dirty word crossbreed.

As eight weeks rolled by, the remaining two pups still hadn’t found homes and the critical-period window in which they needed to bond with a new owner and thus become successful guide dogs was closing fast. Out of sheer frustration Wally Conron decided to call his new dog breed the Labradoodle and thenceforth stopped referring to them as crossbreeds. That was the eureka moment he had been waiting for (evidence of the sniff factor in play again)!

Within weeks, requests for this new "miracle dog" inundated the center…the rest as the saying goes, was history! Other than the Labradoodle, few designer dogs have been developed for utilitarian purposes and in fact for the most part new breeds are introduced for purely cosmetic purposes. Having said that though, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the fact that some new dog breeds are currently being developed to address the all pervasive problem of genetic disease in the canine; especially in the more popular breeds.

Some other well-established crossbreeds are the Bull Boxer which is a cross between the Boxer and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The Bull Boxer is said to be a more affable dog, especially towards other pets, than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and is also reputed to be less inclined to exhibit the immature behaviorisms characteristic of the Boxer. By and large though, the substantial prevalence of the designer-dog set is to be found firmly within the realm of Poodle mixes. Such Poodle mixes usually go by names, which if not exactly flattering, are to say the least, colorful:

1. Doxiepoo (Dachshund Poodle Mix)

2. Papipoo (Papillon Poodle Mix)

3. Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever Poodle Mix)

4. Jack-A-Poo (Jack Russell Terrier Poodle Mix)

5. Irish Doodle (Irish Setter Poodle Mix) to name but a few.

Verdict: Sniff! These dogs may go under the guise of designer dog…but let’s be honest, they are no more than glorified mutts!

The Humble Yet Ubiquitous Mutt

So where does the lowly mutt fit in this picture of brave new doggy world; that is to say, other than bearing the brunt of the purebred afficionado’s scorn! Well as I have amply illustrated in the paragraphs above, all dog breeds are essentially mixed breeds even the purebreds. Purebred dogs are so entitled because over several generations they have been specifically bred for selective traits. But therein lies their Achilles’ heel or weakness. Due to such selective-trait breeding, purebred dogs have an inherently high prevalence of genetic disease.

A classic example illustrating some of the problems encountered in trait-selective breeding can be found in the history of the Dalmatian. Breeding for the sharply-defined spot trait unintentionally also led to selective breeding for an abnormal uric acid gene (case of gene linkage). The result was that the Dalmatian dog breed was dogged (no pun intended) with hereditary urine stone disease. In an attempt to rectify the problem yet retain the desired spot pattern, the Dalmatian was crossbred with various Pointer breeds (Sniff! Sniff! What did I tell you…all mutts the lot of them!).

Conversely the lack of trait-selective breeding and a diverse gene pool in the mutt makes such dogs so much healthier and more robust than their purebred counterparts! Thus unless you’re going to develop your own dog breed, if all you’re looking for in a dog is a pet, do yourself, your pocket as well as the millions of dogs on death row a favor and adopt a dog from a shelter! Trust me, they make excellent pets. (Shelters cannot house dogs forever and each year more than 7,000,000 cats and dogs are euthanized!)

Verdict: Hmmm…the lowly mutt. At last! A dog without pretensions!

Crossbreed dogs – hybrid names
Poodles are by far the most popular breed for crossing because of the non-shedding coat – and the fun of thinking up “oodle” names for the resultant cross.

Cross breed dogs  
These are hybrid dogs that are produced in cross breeding two pure breed of dogs.

What Is A Hybrid Dog?
"Designer" dogs and "hybrid" puppies are making headlines – but do they make great pets?

Dog Genetics Testing
It’s widely believed that dogs originated over 17000 years ago; recent DNA testing and closer fossil examination is suggesting that dogs originated as far as 150000 years ago.

DNA Testing for Mixed Breed Dogs
Knowing what breeds are in your dog’s genetic makeup, might help you better care for and understand your pet.

For more information visit, Hybrid Dogs.

Technorati Tags: best dog dna test, Dog DNA Testing, mixed breed dog dna

Surprisingly, there are handfuls of dog owners who have the wrong perception about DNA breed testing for mixed dogs. As a result, it is extremely difficult to get along with your dog as it keeps disobeying your orders. It is time to clarify the common myths that widens the gap between you and your pet.

Myth 1: Collection of your pet’s DNA were obtained from blood test

This is untrue. Basically, collection of your dog’s DNA involves painless and hazardless procedure in which means it does not require any blood samples. It only involves cheek swabbing in which the dog owner collects cheek cell from his dog by using a small brush-like DNA collection kit. Then, you will send the collection to DNA testing lab for dog breed analysis.

Myth 2: This particular breed test can track down your mixed-breed dog’s ancestors.

In this case, DNA testing is currently used as a genealogical tool to trace one’s ancestors and verify their relationship. However, breed test like these could only identify your dog’s breed based on established database and results are categorized into three main categories – Primary, Secondary and In the Mix. This particular breed test is strictly meant for mixed-breed dogs and it is not meant to use as a purebred and paternal verification test.

Myth 3: This particular test is meant for mixed-dogs from all around the world.

Unfortunately, this particular breed identification tool is sold only in the U.S. and Canada. It was developed and validated using United States dog breed populations. Breeds that are not from United States and Canada may not be represented or identified by this current breed identification tool.

 
NEW DOGGIE DNA TEST – "WHAT’S MY DOG?"
Launches a DNA-Based Mixed Breed Test for Dogs.

Shaggy Dog DNA Story: Genealogy, Man, Dog | Ancestry Magazine
But DNA testing can turn up surprises. Fretwell said his lab has found up to half dozen breeds in a single dog’s roots.

Politician demands DNA dog poop testing
DNA testing to identify the canine culprit and fine its owner.

Smiley’s supporters take action as DNA test awaited.
Once the testing has confirmed his identity the DNA sample will be held for use in any future criminal prosecution and “Smiley” will be released to WAIF.

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: dog breed dna test, dog breed identification, Dog DNA Testing

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

Various contentions have been put forward in the dog world by some, (eg those against mixed dog breeds), that ‘hybrid vigor’ is allegedly not possible (for example) when breeding mixed breeds such as Labradoodles (ie mixed breeding of purebred Labradors and Poodles) as it is alleged that hybrid vigor is only possible with mixed breeding of unrelated animals (eg horse and donkey). However, that is not correct, and the benefits and nature of hybrid vigour or heterosis in mixed breeds such as Labradoodles has been known of some some time. It should be noted that it is well regarded and recognised that hybrid vigour or heterosis effect is ’strongest’ or ‘highest’ in the first generation of progeny produced from the crossing of the two purebred breeds, such as in Labradoodles. That is, when the two parents are purebred (eg Labrador Retriever and Poodle) and are crossbred, their progeny or offspring have the most hybrid vigour or heterosis effect. And this first generation of progeny or offspring are commonly referred to as the F1. And the next generation F2, etc, etc. If, for example, you were to then breed an F1 progeny to another F1 progeny, then the hybrid vigour or heterosis in the progency or offpsring produced would be significantly lower than in the F1 generation. And the further down the generations you continue (eg F2, F3, etc), the hybrid vigour or heterosis continues to diminish to the extent that it is insignificant. Some breeders, for example, of mixed dog breeds such as Labradoodles, even further minimise hybrid vigour or heterosis by ‘back breeding’. For example, they may breed an F1, F2, etc back to one of the original purebred breeds (eg Poodle). And may even deliberately continue this practice, in attempts to ’strengthen’ a desired characteristic in the offspring or progeny (eg the soft curly coat of the Poodle). However, not only would this significantly reduce and/or remove the hybrid vigour or heterosis (which is one of the main advantages of mixed dog breeds such as Labradoodles), but it would be producing offpsring or progeny which are basically just more and more Poodle, and less and less Labrador Retriever. And if that is what is truly desired, then why not just breed Poodles in the first instance? Rather than creating a mixed breed (eg Labradoodles), which initially has significant benefits from the hybrid vigour or heterosis, but which is gradually reduced or removed through the back-breeding etc? I have provided various extracts, links etc below that relate to hybrids, and to hybrid vigour or heterosis. And hope that these may assist with the understanding etc of hybrid vigour or heterosis. Firstly, in a New Zealand government publication(1): "What is a hybrid? A hybrid is an organism resulting from a cross between genetically different parents. Hybrids can arise from crosses between closely related species (interspecific hybrids) or by crosses between different types (subspecies, varieties, cultivars) within a species (intraspecific hybrids). Hybridisation occurs naturally, but it is also widely used in selective breeding programmes for both plants and animals. The mule is an interspecific hybrid between the horse and the donkey, bred to combine some of the favourable characteristics of each parent. Intraspecific hybrids often show ‘hybrid vigour’ (heterosis), growing more vigorously and yielding more than in-bredlines." Hence, mixed dog breeds such as Labradoodles are ‘intraspecific hybrids’ (ie are within species breeding) and do show hybrid vigor or heterosis. In an article titled ‘Heterosis Effect, Hybrid dogs’,(2) it states: "Heterosis effect results in a healthier, more vigorous dog with a reduced chance of genetic disease. It is well known in all domestic animal breedings, hybrids 50%-50% mixes of two different breeds will raise the chances of having less genetic diseases because all doubling of detrimental effects will stop in the first generation. The genetic term for this is HETEROSIS EFFECT. This effect often gives non-related individuals stronger descendants than inbreeds." "Once one goes beyond first generation purebred to purebred, you loose the heterosis effect, which is the goal for most hybrid breeders." A noteworthy extract from ‘Principles of Genetics I’, D.H. "Denny" Crews, Jr., Ph.D., P.A.S.; Breeding and Genetics Section, LSU Department of Animal Science, Baton Rouge(3), states: "Mating of animals which are not alike in their pedigree or that are not related are those which will generally exhibit higher levels of hybrid vigor. Closely related animals do not exhibit high levels of heterosis. " Also noteworthy is the extract from ‘Heterosis and Outbreeding Depression in Interpopulation Crosses Spanning a Wide Range of Divergence’, Suzanne Edmands, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, (4), which states: "Relative to parentals, F1 hybrids showed a trend toward increased fitness, with no correspondence with population divergence, and a decrease in variance, which in some cases correlated with population divergence. In sharp contrast, F2 hybrids had a decrease in fitness and an increase in variance that both corresponded to population divergence." From a United States Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, and County Governments Cooperating: "The highest level of hybrid vigor is obtained from F1’s, the first cross of unrelated populations." "Hybrid Vigor – An increase in the performance of crossbred animals over that of purebreds, also known as heterosis." From a transcript of the Senate of Australia(5): "veterinarians recognize the concept of hybrid vigor,’ especially in first generation hybrids" In New Zealand, it was reported that keynote speakers at a series of Lincoln University Animal Industry workshops(6) indicated that: "Another important but often forgotten principle is what happens when you interbreed the first cross (F1) progeny. In essence if you breed (F1) sires and dams together, there will be less hybrid vigour in the progeny. Like wise hybrid vigour also drops if you breed back to either of the parent breeds." From a report by the Australian Government’s CSIRO(7): "The benefits of hybrid vigor only appear in crossbred animals that have parents of completely different breeds." From MSN encarta online: ‘hybrid vigor improved traits resulting from crossbreeding: the increased growth, disease resistance, or fertility seen in hybrid species.’ From Encylopedia Brittanica online: ‘Increase in such characteristics as size, growth rate, fertility, and yield of a hybrid organism over those of its parents.’ ‘Plant and animal breeders exploit heterosis by mating two different purebred lines that have desirable traits. The first-generation offspring generally show, in greater measure, the desired characteristics of both parents. Since this vigour may decrease if the hybrids are actually mated together, the parental lines must be maintained and crossed for each new crop or group desired.’ From Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: ‘heterosis the marked vigor or capacity for growth often exhibited by crossbred animals or plants — called also hybrid vigor’ From Britannica online (8): ‘heterosis’ "also called hybrid vigour, the increase in such characteristics as size, growth rate, fertility, and yield of a hybrid organism over those of its parents. Plant and animal breeders exploit heterosis by mating two different pure-bred lines that have certain desirable traits. The first-generation offspring generally show, in greater measure, the desired characteristics of both parents." Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds. Hybrid dogs are the result of controlled cross-breeding. Hybrid Dogs: Having hybrid dogs, also called designer dogs, is one of the hottest trends among canine lovers nowadays. Bibliography: 1.http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/publications/pdfs/ER-IS-03-01.pdf 2.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/heterosiseffect%20.htm 3.http://www.continentalkennelclub.com/Articles.aspx?ArticleNum=38 4.Journal ‘Evolution’, Vol. 53, No. 6 (Dec., 1999) , pp. 1757-1768 5.http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/pubs/occa_lect/transcripts/280203.pdf 6.http://www.country-wide.co.nz/article/449.html 7.http://www.csiro.au/proprietaryDocuments/BreedMeans.pdf 8.http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9040306 By: Jim Blayney Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com The Author has been involved with dogs almost all of his life, to different extents and in many different ways. From his first mixed-breed dog as a pet when he was a child, through to the use of dogs for guarding/security, bomb detection, drug detection, etc. Later, he has also been involved with dog breeding for many years, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs. See www.labradoodles-australia.com for various details relating to Labradoodles.

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