The Martha Stewart Show

Dog DNA Tests

The Martha Stewart Show

Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian at the North Idaho Animal Hospital, shares information on the dog DNA test that can determine your dog's breed.

Dog DNA Tests

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Of the 74 million dogs that are owned in the United States, 50 percent of them are mix-breeds. But now, thanks to Wisdom Panel MX, a brand-new doggie DNA test, the mystery is taken out of the mutt.

The Wisdom Panel MX was launched in September 2007 by Mars Veterinary. In development for nearly four years, the test looks at the genetic makeup of a dog, and is perfect for people who adopt mix-breed dogs and don't know exactly what they're getting. The test is able to detect 130 of the 157 American Kennel Club registered breeds.

Vets across the country can conduct this DNA test by taking a small sampling of your dog's blood (less than half a teaspoon). The vet will send the sample to a lab and within two or three weeks, Mars Veterinary will provide the vet with a customized, comprehensive report that includes the dog's breed analysis and detailed information on the appearance and potential behavioral characteristics of detected breeds. The test costs anywhere from $100 to $200, depending on where you are in the country.

The test is 84 percent accurate, so your vet shouldn't consider only these results; it's just one more piece that the vet has in order to make educated decisions. This information, combined with your dog's medical history and current health status, will allow your vet to give more targeted recommendations for diet, nutrition, and training. There are breed-specific foods, and, for example, a retriever is trained differently than a terrier.

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The Martha Stewart Show

Dog DNA Tests

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