Is there any way to figure out specifically what kind of breeds make up my mutt for health research purposes?

Question

We want to know what breeds of dog comprise his mixed up DNA so we can understand both his temperament and health needs better. Are there DNA tests or is there a website that does searches based on characteristics of the dog and returns the most likely breeds? If there isn't a website like that, there should be.

Answer 1

I would never trust a vet to tell me what mix a breed is. They are experts in medicine and very, very rarely experts in breeds.
Check this out....
http://www.k9magazine.com/viewarticle.php?sid=15&aid=1796

I don't know how accurate it would be but it sure would be nice!

Answer 2

There is no way to currently use DNA to identify breeds or mixes there of. This part of the problem with breed specific legislation because there is no way to know for sure what went into a mutt.

The only way to be sure is to know the breeds of the parents but even then unless then are 2 pure bred you can't be sure what went into them.

A good trainer/ vet or someone else experienced in dogs is best suited to guessing but it is still a guess. My mutt came from 2 pure bred but the rescue group he was listed at thought he was a lab. Hehehe yeah right, if you saw this guy you could see his breeds.

Sometimes it seems really clear and other times you are just guessing. Your best bet is draw up a short list of breeds you think are the dominate breeds. You can ask around if you aren't sure or post a pic. Then I would ask good breeders who breed those breeds to assess the dog. You could also ask someone who judges conformation shows as they are trained to look beyond the whole at each piece of the dogs anatomy and know what each breed is meant to look like.

In regards to health issues it is very hard to know which problems your dog might have now or in the future. If you have specific health concerns ask your vet. You can also have a blood profile done which will give you the basic knowledge of the current health of your dog. You can also ask for genetic screening for certain illnesses that affect the breeds.

Hip Dysplasia can be tested for with x-rays. At last check Pen-Hips are considered the best testing and my guy had his done when he was 2 and will have another later (probably around 5 or 6).

The best defense against health issues is not genetic testing but a through annual health exam and you checking and knowing your dog. A good vet, food and exercise is critical too.

Every dog is different and no dog behaves a certain way just because of their breeding. If you want to understand your dogs temperament then you should consider temperament testing.

Other good programs are things like the canine good citizen (neighbor if in Canada) program and the guide dog puppy raisers have a good assessment section in this link http://www.guidedogsofthedesert.com/PDFs/PuppyRaiserInfo1203.PDF

Always remember that proper training can change a so-called fearful puppy into an outgoing puppy or however you train the dog.

Good luck and sorry I don't have a better answer

Answer 3

I think you are right! There should be..No, there are not yet DNA tests available to the public for breed identification. However, an *experienced* Veterinarian will likely be able to tell you pretty accurately..
If you can post a pic with your question, there are enough Dog World/Rescue people here who would be able to give you a pretty good idea, as well..
After being around all breeds of dogs for a lifetime, we learn to tell which characteristics are dominant in each breed, and how to identify them in a mixed breed dog, even if there are several breeds involved in its makeup.
If you go to www.petfinder.com, you can begin by looking up a basic breed that you think is apparent, and then see which characteristics your dog shares with others (mixes) that appear similar..Then, if you do a search for images of the mixes you see the most evidence of, you might get a pretty good idea..as there are pics of most combinations online when you do an image search..

Answer 4

A mutt is a mutt and not a thoroughbred, so most are ignored. I doubt that a single website exists, so maybe you should start one. The best way to determine heritage is to come the pooch to pictures of known breeds and pick out the parts that match. Look at things like fur type and coloration, ear shape, position and how it is held, tail type and how it is held, and face shape.