Wednesday, May 16, 2012

DNA: The Results

Last week, I told you that I had my dog's DNA tested. Today, the certificate came in the mail. Did you guess the correct breeds in my pup's heritage?

(click to enlarge)

An explanation of the Levels: 

Level 1
This category is intended to help owners recognize when their pet's DNA contains a majority of a specific breed (75% or greater). If your dog has a strong match to one of our validated breeds, then it is categorized as Level 1. Most mixed breed dogs will not usually have a breed in this category unless one or both of their parents are purebred.
Level 2
This category reports breeds that are easily recognizable within your dog. While these breeds may have a strong influence on your pet, each breed listed makes up less than the majority of your dog's DNA, between 37%-74%. This usually means one of the parents was a purebred.
Level 3
This category identifies breeds that have between 20%-36% of the listed breed(s), usually coming from a grandparent.
Level 4
Represents 11%-19% of the breed DNA, usually coming from a great grandparent
Level 5
This level represents the lowest level of breed in your dog occurring at 10% or less. However, they still appear at a low and measurable amount in your pet's DNA.

Are you surprised by any of the results?  I never would have suspected beagle. I was fairly certain about German Shepherd, and I figured she had some kind of terrier in her. Many people guess Rottie because of her color and the fact she has not a tail. However, the lack of tail is not because of her heritage. She lost her tail before we got her. (There is a scar that shows there was once a tail) We do not know how. . The biggest surprise, for me, is that none of these breeds explain why Emma has a black tongue. Any idea??
 

5 comments:

Jen Sue Wild said...

I learned something new today I did not know you could dna test your dog.

Ali said...

Wow! I was not expecting those breeds, besides the German Shepherd. Very interesting! That is just so cool. No clue why the black tongue though, that is strange...

Jenners said...

The shepard seems obvious but beagle??? Never would have guessed that1

Caitlin said...

I would have guessed shepherd too... but certainly not beagle! Well, she is certainly a cutie!!

Susan said...

Hi there! I never knew you could have your dog's DNA tested, either! Your question about the black tongue got me curious so I googled it. For some reason my phone isn't letting me paste the link, but if you Google "what dogs have black tongues" you should find some answers. I think German shepherd and Rottweiler were among those listed. (News to me!) :)