When you send off a cheek swab to find out your dog’s breed, you expect results that match your furry friend’s genetics.
However, a new study has some surprising findings that might make you think twice about these tests.
Researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine looked into six companies that offer dog DNA tests to see how accurate they are.
They tested 12 different purebred dogs, each a different breed, to see if the DNA results matched what was expected.
What they found was quite shocking. Some of the results varied widely, and one company even guessed a dog’s breed based on a photo rather than its DNA.
For example, one beagle was identified as 50% poodle and 50% bichon frisé, and not a beagle at all, by this method.
The study started because of suspicions that some companies might not be using DNA at all but rather the dog’s appearance to determine its breed.
To test this, the researchers sent in DNA samples with photos of different dogs.
In one case, a photo of a big, silky-haired dog was sent with the DNA of a small, hairless dog. Surprisingly, most companies still got the breed right, except for one.
This one company, Accu-Metrics, made some peculiar mistakes. It identified a beagle as having no beagle DNA and made similar errors with other breeds.
The researchers pointed out that there’s no good reason to ask for a dog’s photo if the test is truly based on DNA.
These inaccuracies are not just amusing mistakes; they can have serious consequences. Some cities and insurance companies use breed information to restrict certain dogs. If a DNA test wrongly identifies a dog as a banned breed, it could lead to the owner facing fines, losing their home insurance, or even having to move.
The study also noted differences in the DNA markers each company uses, which could explain why some results vary. However, it doesn’t excuse completely incorrect breed identification.
The researchers advise dog owners to be cautious about dog DNA tests and the companies that offer them. Not all tests are the same, and some may not be as reliable as they claim. It’s important to choose these services carefully and to understand that the results may not always be accurate.
In conclusion, while dog DNA tests can offer interesting insights into your pet’s breed, this study shows that they might not always be reliable.
Owners should take these results with a grain of salt and perhaps rely more on the joy and companionship their pets provide than on their genetic background.
