What are the Possible Benefits of Dog DNA / Dog Health Kits?
Though many people test their dogs' DNA to satisfy their curiosity about the breed composition of their mixed-breed dogs, DNA tests also offer additional useful health and genetic information about your furry roommate. A breed identification DNA test can shed light on the genetic diseases, mutations, behavior patterns and characteristics that your dog and its associated breeds may be predisposed to. Knowing more about your dog’s current and future health and behavioral patterns can help dog owners customize their dog's healthcare plan to possibly prevent the onset of those conditions or catch them in their early stages.
Here are some of the benefits of dog DNA test kits.
1. Ancestry Identifications
Some dog DNA tests can identify your dog's lineage going back three generations. An algorithm will compare your dog's genes to millions of potential family trees and match it up with the most likely one based on genetic markers. This type of test may appeal both to dog owners who want to learn more about their dog's family tree out of pure curiosity and breeders who want to prove the pedigree of their dogs.
2. Health Index Identifications
Popular dog DNA test kits currently on the market test for up to 200 health conditions, genetic diseases and mutations. The results of the test will show which genetic diseases or mutations your dog is a carrier of, as well as those of which your dog has been cleared.
A standard breed identification DNA test does not screen a dog's DNA for any genetic diseases. It will simply provide information about genetic diseases that a specific breed is predisposed to. The more breeds the test identifies in a dog, the longer the list of potential health issues that the dog's owner needs to be aware of. This is why it is worth considering spending a little extra on a more complex DNA test that actually screens your dog for specific genetic diseases and mutations.
It's important to note that just because a dog carries the gene for a specific disease, that doesn't mean they have that disease. However, knowing your dog is a possible carrier of certain genetic diseases allows you to adapt your dog's healthcare and exercise regimes to help possibly prevent the onset of these conditions. It's also good to know more about your dog's health if you plan on breeding them, so you can avoid passing on genetic diseases from one generation to the next.
3. Breed Traits, Features, and Demeanor
A DNA test can tell you a lot about a dog's physical appearance. Hidden in your dog's DNA are markers that indicate features such as their coat color, length, or even texture. It can tell you your dog's eye color, as well as the color and length of your dog's muzzle. One of the most useful pieces of information that this test can give you is an estimation of their size when fully grown. In most cases, people adopting a mixed breed dog from a shelter can only guess at how big a dog will get. A DNA test can help prospective pet owners make a more informed decision on whether or not they want to take on a dog of a certain size.
Genetics also play a role in the personality of a dog. The breeds identified by a DNA test will tell you more about certain behavioral traits a dog is exhibiting. If, for example, a DNA test identifies a dog to be part Border Collie, that could explain its tendency to try herd small children. Or, if it's part Terrier, that might account for its high energy levels and strong prey drive.
4. Assistance with Training
A dog's genetic heritage will also influence its trainability. It's safe to say that just about any dog of any breed is trainable, but the approach to training a dog may differ depending on the breed or breeds identified by the DNA test.
You can tailor a dog's training according to what motivates them. Knowing your dog is part Golden Retriever tells you that the way to train this eager-to-please and food-obsessed pup is with loads of positive reinforcement and delicious treats. On the other hand, if you have a mixed breed who is part Siberian Husky, you're likely to find that this intelligent and strong-willed dog needs a strong alpha as well as short, spaced-out training sessions since they get bored very quickly.
There are many benefits to testing your dog's DNA. Whether you opt for a simple breed identification test or a screening for genetic diseases, there is so much you can learn about your dog and what makes them tick.
