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May 13, 2008 5:57 pm US/Eastern
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Who Let The Dogs Out
DNA Can Help Determine A Dog's Breed
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Appearance and a written pedigree have been used to define a dog's breed. But owners now have the resources to identify with some accuracy the different breeds of a dog based on its DNA.
A mixed breed dog is any dog that is not a purebred, often a mixture of two or more different purebred dogs. There are advantages and drawbacks of owning mixed breed dogs. But one thing for certain, owners do not have to have a purebred to get that wonderful unconditional love from a pet.
Judith Harris adopted her dog, 'Trip', when he was four-months old. Ever since then, she's asked herself the same question.
She told CBS4 Shannon Hori, "Did you often wonder, I wonder what kind of dog? We wondered what kind of dog because he's so shy, so nervous; black tongue, black gums. We just wondered what type of dog he was."
Fans of the hit CBS show "CSI" know the importance of DNA testing, which can be used to determine the genetic makeup of someone. DNA can also help an owner learn the different breeds that make up a dog, allowing one to know a mixed breed's genetic makeup.
Harris added, "I think more than anything, it's really fun because you get to know your dog better."
Dr. Marta Sanchez-Emden offers the test at her clinic, in which a blood sample is taken from the pet. In two weeks, one can learn if one's dog is part poodle or part bloodhound.
She said, "Sometimes they are completely surprised. I knew he had Dachshund. I knew it, and it's a big dog."
The Harrises always thought 'Trip' had Chow Chow and Rottweiler in him. It was worth $150 to quench their curiosity and learn that their dog is mostly Chow. It also has traces of Alaskan Malamute, and – a big surprise – part Shih Tzu.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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