DNA My Dog received human genetic sample and identified it as a malamute, shar-pei and labrador, according to news station

  • Flying Squid
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    51 year ago

    Can someone tell me why it’s this important to know what breed your dog is?

    I’ve always had mutts and I usually make an educated guess about what they’re bred from. Which is really all that’s needed, isn’t it?

    If my late dog Max wasn’t actually a Basenji/Chihuahua and just looked and acted like a mix of those two breeds… why does it matter?

    • @WindyRebel
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      81 year ago

      For breeders it is important. For everyone else? Bragging rights.

      • @[email protected]
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        121 year ago

        I’d argue it’s pretty important for working dogs too, especially ones that require specific temperaments for their jobs like border collies, livestock guardian dogs, and pointers.

        • @WindyRebel
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          51 year ago

          Yeah, I agree. I’m not a dog enthusiast so that didn’t even come to mind but it makes total sense.

        • @autumn_rain
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          11 year ago

          I have a service dog and have no questions what breeds my dog is, but for some working dogs it’s important like you said.

        • @[email protected]
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          31 year ago

          Similarly, we have two Danes and our second one is a bit smaller (only 90 lbs) and has slightly different facial structure than what we are used to seeing. So we got her DNA analyzed-and she’s 100% Dane. It helps to know that since we now can have clearer expectations of what kinds of needs she will have as she ages.

      • Flying Squid
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        01 year ago

        But shouldn’t breeders be able to trace their dog’s lineage through pedigree anyway?

        • @WindyRebel
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          1 year ago

          Anyone can lie and make fake paperwork. DNA is just that second check to have a much better read on the truth (assuming they don’t mix up the samples).

          Honestly, I’m not a breeder or a dog enthusiast though. However, I do love my shibas even if they may not exactly be pure bred.

    • @autumn_rain
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      31 year ago

      Litter loading is a thing. People buy a dog but it’s swapped for a cheaper or non pedigree. DNA testing is done for puppies to verify that they are what they’re supposed to be and AKC requires it sometimes.