Rising popularity of dog DNA tests-but is their credibility ensured?
In the ever-evolving world of genetics, dogs have become an unexpected star. From identifying genetic predispositions to various conditions to aiding in medical research that benefits humans, the study of canine DNA is a fascinating field.
In 2004, scientists made a groundbreaking discovery by sequencing a full dog genome for the first time. Since then, the understanding of our furry companions' genetic makeup has grown exponentially.
However, the accuracy of dog DNA tests among companies can vary significantly. As recently as 2022, a genetic analysis found that some commercial canine ancestry identification services might rely more on photos than actual genetics. One company, for instance, misidentified a purebred Chinese crested dog as a long-haired Brittany spaniel based on a photo alone.
But it's not all doom and gloom. The five other companies correctly identified the registered breed, but gave different predictions for other 'ancestor' breeds in dogs with mixed breeding in prior generations. This highlights the importance of researching the DNA panel used by the testing company to ensure it includes the breeds you suspect might be in the mix.
Differences in accuracy among companies arise mainly from the size and quality of their reference databases. Best practices to assess a company's DNA panel transparency and diversity include reviewing how extensive and updated their reference database is, verifying if they include a wide range of breeds and genetic markers, and whether they provide clear information about the scientific methods and limitations of their tests.
The growing direct-to-consumer testing market has raised concerns. There is a fear that it could perpetuate breed stereotypes, leading to potential social and economic consequences. For example, such tests could be used in decision-making that could affect people's housing, insurance coverage, and ability to live in certain locations with dogs whose breeds are forbidden under local law or flagged by insurers.
On the health front, it's crucial to note that dogs with less genetic variability are more likely to have health issues due to an increased number of disease markers in their DNA. In a 2023 study of over 1 million dogs, researchers found that 57% of dogs carry at least one studied disease variant. This underscores the importance of DNA testing for both mixed-breed and purebred dogs, especially those with shepherd ancestry, to look for potential genetic anomalies that can cause neurological symptoms when they take certain veterinary drugs like ivermectin.
Interestingly, dogs' genetics may point to one breed, but widely accepted breed definitions were defined in a time before DNA analysis. Dogs separated from wolves approximately 23,000 to 10,000 years ago, and today, there are nearly 400 modern breeds of dogs worldwide. A 2022 genetic analysis found that behavior is linked more closely to individual dogs than breeds, concluding that 'dog breed is generally a poor predictor of individual behavior.'
In conclusion, while the world of dog DNA tests offers fascinating insights, it's essential to approach them with caution. As a consumer, it's important to research the DNA panel used by the testing company and understand the limitations of the tests. For veterinarians and pet owners, a balanced approach is key, considering the lack of industry standardization and the potential reliance on photographs instead of DNA analysis by some companies.
