We love our dogs exactly for whatever they are, but as we look at them, we can’t help but wonder what breed they belong to. This happens particularly when they are adopted or rescued. Moreover, finding out your dog’s genetic makeup can give you valuable information about them!
In this article, we’ll talk about a way to identify your pooch: a Dog DNA TEST.
Figuring Out your Mystery Buddy
Walking around your neighborhood and people asking you every time what breed your dog is can be quite overwhelming. You can’t be blamed for being curious yourself!
With today’s science, dog DNA testing kits are available. It actually makes more sense to test it out rather than assume based on what you searched online. These kits are very straightforward, you only need a cheek-swab sample.
However, if your dog is more on the playful side, this can be quite challenging. One trick is to get their attention with a treat, but do not let them eat it! It would mix up in their saliva, altering the results. Get a swab first, then reward them with the treat.
After this, you will send the sample back to the provider. This will be analyzed and compared against other DNA samples of identified breeds to find a match. You will then receive the results in a matter of weeks! Depending on the company, some may even send you a breakdown of your dog’s breed mixes, telling you which is/are dominant.
Why Their Makeup Matters
Being a dog lover means you might be able to point out what kind you see with just physical attributes. However, looks can be deceiving, even with dogs.
As mentioned, knowing your dog’s lineage tells you a lot about them. Every single breed is different and possesses diverse characteristics.
Some other aspects associated with a dog’s DNA include:
Behaviors and Instincts
It’s no news that dogs can exhibit breed-specific behaviors. For instance, studies suggest that there’s a strong connection between aggression or fearfulness and genetics.
However, it’s not precisely known yet how this influences the behaviors of mixed-breed dogs. After all, their habits are largely influenced by how they are trained.
Knowing their ancestry just gives you a head start on what you can expect.
Lifestyle and Overall Health
Each breed has a different build that has developed according to their needs. Given that, each one follows different lifestyles, including their inclination to physical activities or eating patterns.
For example, Labrador Retrievers are natural family dogs, they are playful and gentle even with kids. Due to this, they are less likely to contract health issues concerning lack of exercise.
Yorkshire terriers or “Yorkies” are prone to digestive problems which can even be hereditary, so owners should be mindful of their diet. Toy breeds, in particular, need close dietary monitoring.
Final Thoughts
The main factor that makes us want to find out our dog’s breed is curiosity –knowing this can actually make you feel a little closer to them!
Once you have identified your dog’s predominant breeds, you can talk it through with a veterinarian to discuss how you can handle them better and what issues they are most likely linked with.
Still, if you are hands-on when it comes to tuning in with your dog and ensuring it gets everything it needs, you’re doing great and don’t have much to worry about.