Over the last two decades, genetic testing has moved from a revolutionary scientific breakthrough to a common health practice. Whether it’s ordered by a doctor to better understand your health or requested on your own to learn more about where your family comes from, DNA can tell us valuable stories.
For pet owners, DNA screenings also mean that you can be a better pet parent than ever before, with cat and dog genetic testing allowing you to understand what makes your best friend unique.
How New Is Dog Genetic Testing?
The canine genome was first mapped in 2005, only two years after the completion of the Human Genome Project. The dog genome was initially sequenced based on one boxer named Tasha. Just like with humans, the information gained from dog genetic testing made it possible to better understand and predict everything from eye color to congenital issues like degenerative myelopathy.
Since then, the number of identified gene markers for dog genetic testing has grown rapidly. A 2012 study on canine genetics noted that there were approximately 80 different testable DNA mutations associated with inherited disease in domestic dogs. By 2019, that number had nearly doubled to over 150 disease-associated mutations, as noted in a scientific paper on the proposed standards for DNA testing in domestic dogs.
Multiple versions of the canine genome now exist, and that number continues to grow as technology improves. Still, there are regions of dog genetic testing that are poorly understood. But with the Dog10k genome project underway, thousands of dogs are getting sequenced to deepen our understanding of canine genetics.
Types of Dog Genetic Testing
Depending on what you’re hoping to achieve, different types of dog genetic tests are already available and reliable. Breeders are most often interested in DNA profiling, which can verify the parentage of a dog, and genetic trait testing. Similarly, if you have a mixed-breed dog, ancestry testing can tell you what mixture of breeds your dog is.
Perhaps most importantly, dog genetic testing can give you a heads-up on whether or not your dog is genetically predisposed to diseases. With this knowledge, you can preemptively take steps to mitigate the effects of many conditions and ensure that they don’t continue down family lines. Knowing about things like autosomal recessive conditions that wouldn’t otherwise be apparent helps breeders ensure that their new puppies won’t suffer from avoidable genetic health issues.
Orivet Genetic Pet Care
A leader in genetic testing for dogs and cats, Orivet offers a range of genetic services to owners, breeders, and veterinarians, including screening of genetic diseases, coat colors, traits, parentage confirmation, and much more. As one of the world’s most established dog DNA testing companies, Orivet offers a comprehensive range of specially developed canine and feline tests.
Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a seasoned breeder, Orivet’s at-home testing kits provide a surefire way to better understand your dog’s breeding and lifestyle needs. With actionable insights and a 360-degree understanding of each pet, you can predict health issues, give them a more rewarding lifestyle, and raise dogs that are happier overall.
To learn more and see the full range of available testing kits, head to orivet.com.