I'm posting in Breeding as I know you guys, like me, will know all about DNA testing for genetic conditions. I've been asked, by a pal, to enquire about a DNA test to determine their new rescue dog.

Now, I know there are a ton of companies out there offering such tests, and I also know there are the what I would term 'pro' places where I go for genetic testing. I also know that over the years there have been companies who really are not up to what they claim to be when it comes to determining a combination of breeds in pet dogs ... think the classic was Watchdog sending a DNA test for a cat but with a photo of a dog!!

Does anyone have experience of a reputable company for such a test and would recommend?

Tell them to keep their money & spend it on their dog.

As a genetist(PHD)the idea that you can differentiate what breeds(if any)are in the make up of a dog of unknown origin is seriously flawed.

The domesticated dog has been formed from a common set of ancestors that were around 60,000 + years ago, from these animals dogs have been bred & shaped to eventually produce the breeds that are recognised today. Orginally most breeds were developed for a reason around the world- eg guard dogs, stock dogs, hunting dogs etc

From what I understand there are no genes that identify individual breeds. There are genes that produce colour, coat length & type, eye colour etc etc, but none that indicate the individual breed.

You cannot even use the genes that produce certain conditions to identify a breed as for example- Collie Eye Anomaly(Choroidal hypoplasia)is not found only in the collie breeds.

You could find genes that are common in multiple breeds & guess which are representing a breed & give an educated guess, but that is all.

The Watchdog item illustrates the flaws in the tests available, cats have 19 sets of chromosomes & dogs have 39 !!! Something that should have picked up by the test

I'd save my money too.   I have seen the result of a DNA test where the parents, grandparents etc, going back 5 generations at least, were KNOWN and yet it was suggested the dog was anything but 'purebred'.

If your friend wants to do a dna test I’d recommend the Wisdom panel 2.

I see version 3 of their test comes with a "three generation family tree" ????

Sorry they are simply testing for things like colour, coat length & type, eye colour etc & attributing them to breeds(ie guessing) they are not accurate .& IMHO a waste of £50-£80

After seeing many complaints where people have tested a puppy where the mother was a known breed and the results came back without that breed it in and seeing some results that don't add up as the dog is merle or hairless and none if the breed listed have that I would take them all with a huge pinch of salt. The problem is most of the people using them don't know what's in their dog so they won't know if the results are right or not.

But if they want to do one I would personally look at something that also tests for health conditions as well as the breed id, at least that way if the breed id isn't fully trusted they still get some good info with the health testing. I know embark do one that tests for both but never used it myself.