By Samantha Bartlett
To explore the accuracy of dog DNA tests, an investigative journalist for CBC News in Canada sent samples to four DNA testing companies. The samples were obtained from two mixed-breed dogs, one purebred dog and one human. The samples were sent to each of the four companies, Wisdom Panel, Embark, Accumetrics and DNA My Dog. The companies each claimed accuracy of nearly 100 percent, yet most of the results were different from the different companies.
Molly is a five-year old rescued from Kuwait. At her adoption, it was suggested she may be a mix of Saluki and Anatolian Shepherd, but her actual lineage is unknown. The second mixed-breed dog is Loki, who was rescued from Istanbul and is about 3 or 4 years old. His owner’s guess is some type of terrier mix. The purebred dog is a 16-month-old Great Dane named Quinn. Quinn comes complete with papers documenting his lineage as a purebred.
Molly’s breed was identified differently by each of the four DNA tests. Wisdom Panel detected 19 breeds including pit bull, chihuahua, German shepherd, Segugio Italiano and Xoloitzcuintli. Accumetrics suggested that one side of Molly’s lineage is purebred cocker spaniel, while the other side is a mix of Labrador retriever, American Staffordshire terrier and rottweiler. DNA My Dog identified bulldog, flat-coated retriever and German shepherd. Finally, Embark stated Molly is 100 percent Arabian village dog, which the company says predated recognized breeds and is indigenous to the region.
Loki also received different results from each of the four companies. Wisdom Panel identified 23 breeds including Segugio Italiano, chihuahua and Anatolian shepherd. Accumetrics never provided results for Loki. DNA My Dog stated that Loki is primarily Belgian Malinois with some Australian shepherd. Embark stated that Loki is 100 percent West Asian village dog – another ancient indigenous breed.
Quinn’s results were a little more consistent among the companies. Both Wisdom Panel and Embark identified her as 100 percent Great Dane. DNA My Dog identified her as primarily Great Dane with some Staffordshire terrier. Accumetrics identified Quinn as 100% Chihuahua.
AS for the human sample, DNA submitted to a lab that is testing for dog DNA should yield an error without identifying any dog breed. The samples sent to Wisdom Panel and Embark did yield errors. However, the two other labs identified breeds. DNA My Dog identified the human DNA as part basenji and part beagle. Accumetrics identified Central Asian shepherd dog, Turkish Kangal and mastiff.
When submitting DNA for breed testing, it is best to judge the results against on the characteristics of the pet in question. DNA is only part of the story of a pet’s health and behavior.
