Documenting your dog’s designer genes

Dying for a designer dog? A schnoodle, dachsipoo or an Aussie labhound perhaps?

You’re in luck. No matter what kind of designer genes you desire, a shelter or rescue is certain to have the right fit for your family.

Even better: Both municipal and nonprofit animal organizations typically offer gorgeous, healthy, quality pets complete with vaccinations, microchipping and spaying/neutering for less than $100. One thing they haven’t been able to provide is scientific evidence of a dog’s lineage. But, now, Meg Retinger can.

Since 2007, Retinger’s company, BioPet Vet Lab, has specialized in providing affordable DNA breed identification. By analyzing a sample of a dog’s cheek cells swabbed by the owner, the laboratory compares each pet’s unique DNA to the genetic profile of 63 breeds that make up approximately 92% of the American dog population.

The results are fascinating, but not always conclusive. For example, Gulf South Golden Retriever Rescue recently fostered a stray golden girl and her five newborn puppies. Potential adopters inquired about the father’s breed, so they could predict the pups’ future temperament and appearance. BioPet indicated the pups’ ancestry included 37% to 74% golden retriever and 10% to 19% each German shepherd, poodle and Weimaraner.

The Knoxville company tests for only for American Kennel Club breeds, so common Louisiana curs—such as pit bull and Catahoula—are eliminated as potential matches. Silky terriers, Chinese cresteds and other rare, tightly controlled breeds likewise have yet to make the database.

And, while BioPet certainly knows a bichon from a poodle, the test cannot identify trace amounts of DNA, which means it cannot confirm purebred status.

Of the tens of thousands of tests the company has run over the past two years, Retinger says owner curiosity leads the pack in motivation.

Collie, German shepherd, Maltese or other purebred dog lovers can be assured of a similar appearance and personality to a cherished pet within the same breed.

Because a litter can have more than one father, each pup in a mixed breed litter is absolutely unique. So, Retinger explains, “We’ve had many people call and say their mixed breed is the best dog they’ve ever had. They want to find out what breeds are in the dog’s genetic background. That way when they get ready for another dog, they know what breeds to look for.”

The results have surprised more than a few owners. “One thing that we’ve learned,” Retinger says, “is when there are four or five mixed breeds in a dog, that dog can look like a purebred something else.”

Besides the ability to predict appearance and temperament, the knowledge about breed health concerns that accompanies DNA results has proven invaluable to owners. Since some Afghans are sensitive to anesthesia, the presence of Afghan DNA in a mix may cause the vet to monitor the dog more closely during surgery. In fact, Retinger reports, one rescue dog’s genetic composition included a number of breeds with eye disorders, so the vet became more vigilant in screening.

BioPet Vet Lab kits (which yield a DNA analysis, ancestry analysis certificate and behavior, health and personality summary) are available for $60 online and at national retailers.

*With the Federal Trade Commission’s new blogger guidelines, it’s important to disclose the BioPet Vet Lab test used on the golden retriever mix puppies was purchased, not provided gratis.

For a sample of the Capital City’s best designer dogs (and cats)…

Click here for this week’s Creature Feature.

Click here for this week’s City Lynx.