MuttMix Dog DNA

Unlock the mysteries of your dog’s genes to reveal its breed by undertaking a Doggie DNA test.

The Sponsor for this week is MuttMix - Friday 21 August 2015

Prize: 1x MuttMix DNA Analysis of your mutt worth R495-00!

Question: Post a picture of your Mutt and tell us what Mix you think your doggie is.

Getting to know your Mix Breed’s roots

They have been called “Mutts”, mix breeds, cross breeds and several other descriptive names. My first dog was a mix breed of questionable ancestry but she had the speed of a Greyhound, the agility of a Border Collie, she gave love like a Golden Retriever and protected me like a Rottweiler. We often speculated about her ancestry but her DNA remained a mystery.

DNA breed identification is now easy to do and readily available. But what is the importance of it and does it have a place in caring for our pets?

The answer to this question is not a plain YES or NO but different aspects need to be taken in to consideration to be able to make an informed decision.

Breed specific health conditions

Certain breeds are more prone to develop certain conditions. It is a well-known fact that large breed dogs like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers and Labrador Retrievers are prone to certain skeletal abnormalities like elbow and hip dysplasia. If these breeds are identified in a mix breed’s DNA the owner can take precaution with the correct diet, exercise and joint supplements to support these joints from a young age. They will also be more aware to look for specific signs and to act promptly if the earliest symptoms develop.

Certain breeds are also very sensitive to specific medications. The collie lineage is a good example where the presence of the MDR1gene mutation can lead to a fatal reaction to certain drugs like macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin) (used in resistant cases of mange) or loperamide (Imodium) to only mention two of the potential dangerous drugs. If the DNA of a mixed breed shows up a collie-type breed these drugs can be avoided or the dog can be tested for the MDR1 gene specifically in case he/she needs the specific medication.

Breed specific behaviour

The temperament of a dog is influenced by many different factors. Genetics, socialisation, the environment and interaction with the owner all play a role. Knowing the dog’s DNA profile will provide some insight in to the type of temperament the dog may have. But remember behaviour is influenced by a wide array of different factors, not just breed.

Adult size

When a pet owner adopts a new cross breed pup they often ask how big the doggie will be as an adult. This is a difficult question to answer accurately in any cross breed even if the DNA profile is known. But knowing the main breeds in your dog’s ancestry will give you a more accurate answer compared to looking at external characteristics alone.

Establish ancestry

Knowing your doggie’s DNA profile will at least put an end to all the guessing and sometimes cruel joking.

What you need to know before taking the test

It is easy and not painful to take the sample at home.
You contact MuttMix and Order a Free Sampling Kit
Once you receive your MuttMix Kit, you use the Cotton Swab to collect the cheek sells of your dog.
At R495-00 per test, it is relatively expensive, but worth every cent.
Results take 6-8 weeks to be available. MuttMix will email you a certificate with the list of breeds detected, behavioural information on each breed and information on typical disease risks. This will help you to understand your dog’s personality and be aware of potential health issues.
Muttmix data base includes approximately 60 breeds against which they compare your dog’s DNA, they do add new breeds to the list from time to time. Recently they added the Boerboel and Bloodhound .

What you will get from the test

An ancestry analysis certificate: Breeds are detected as ranges rather than absolute values. These are then listed on your certificate as Levels, which are defined as follows: Level 1: Over 75% of the DNA found in your dog is from the breed listed. Level 2: Each breed listed represents between 37-74% of your dog’s DNA. Level 3: Each breed listed represents between 20-36% of your dog’s DNA. Level 4: Each breed listed represents between 10-19% of your dog’s DNA. Level 5: Each breed listed represents less than 10% of your dog’s DNA
Behavioural information on each breed identified
Typical disease risk on each breed identified.

At PetHealthCare.co.za we think this is an excellent concept and a good way of getting to know your mix breed doggie better.

If you would like to see examples of previous test results please go to http://www.bipedbiotech.com/muttmix

or visit them on Face Book. The FAQ section on their website is also very informative.

^{References:

http://www.bipedbiotech.com/muttmix

http://www.awca.net/drug.htm

http://www.mwcr.org/be_aware.htm}

Product Reviewed by: Dr Adel Ferreira

#Freebie Friday Question: Post a picture of your Mutt and tell us what Mix you think your doggie is.

Competition Entry Rules:

Winner/s will be chosen from the comments in the Facebook post relating to this competition.
Competition Starts on Friday 21 August and ends at midnight on Monday 21 August. (You have 4 days to enter)
Late entries will not be accepted.
One entry per dog is allowed.
Only people residing within the borders of South Africa are allowed to enter.
People who reside outside the borders of South African may offer to donate their prize to a South African Animal Rescue or Shelter listed here.
Winners will be announced on this page, as well as on the PetHealthcare Facebook page the following week.
Winners have *1 week from date of announcement to claim their prize. After this, should they not come forward to claim their prize/s, it will be awarded to the next person/s.
Winner/s give PetHealthCare permission to post a photo of them or their pet/s enjoying their prize, on our Facebook page and in the monthly Newsletter.
PetHealthCare and the Sponsor/s reserve the right to choose the winner/s, and no correspondence will be entered into.