Are dog DNA tests reliable?

When investing in the well-being of our pet, we ask ourselves the following question: how reliable is the dog DNA test? Canine genetics has advanced by leaps and bounds, going from being a curiosity to a crucial tool in preventive medicine. The answer, with expert nuances, is a clear yes, as long as one chooses well.

Key factors in the reliability of the dog DNA test

The level of confidence we can place in the results is directly related to three decisive factors intrinsic to the test itself. These are key to choosing the most reliable canine DNA test:

• Database size: Leading laboratories compare your dog’s sample with tens of thousands of genetic markers and a database that includes hundreds of validated pure breeds. The larger and more diverse this library is, the greater the accuracy of the canine DNA test will be.

• Technology and markers: High-end kits analyse a greater number of SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers, which allows for distinguishing even between closely related breeds with a minimal margin of error.

• Continuous research: Constant updating of the database as new health markers are discovered and breed profiles are refined is a guarantee stamp.

Unveiling the family lineage and the precision of your dog’s breed DNA test

The main curiosity of many owners is breed identification to understand their dog’s family lineage. Here, the precision of the dog breed DNA test in recognised laboratories stands at a high percentage.

It is fundamental to understand that this precision is achieved by tracing the inheritance over several generations, providing percentages that total 100%. For purebred dogs, identification is almost perfect. In the case of mixed breeds with a complex genetic background, the test can detect the breeds with great confidence, although minority percentages may be subject to the limits of the current database.

The greatest reliability is offered by health

Beyond the lineage, where the reliability of the dog DNA test gains its most critical value is in health screening. The Koko Genetics test can identify the presence of genetic markers associated with more than 200 hereditary diseases (such as degenerative myelopathy or sensitivity to certain medications due to the MDR1 mutation).

• High degree of certainty: The identification of the specific gene has very high precision.

• Preventive value: If your dog is a carrier or is at risk, this information allows your veterinarian to design a proactive care plan (diet, exercise, check-ups), which can significantly prolong the quality and duration of its life.

The investment in a more reliable canine DNA test is an investment in scientific knowledge. Modern genetic data is robust and equips you to be the best possible caregiver.

Koko Genetics offers advanced kits that analyse more than 710,000 genetic markers. With a database of over 415 breeds and screening for more than 150 hereditary diseases, these tests not only satisfy your curiosity but also provide you with the detailed health plan your dog deserves.