Paw Print

I last wrote about Doggie DNA testing on March 27th after a co-worker had her dog Niko tested.  Niko was a rescue dog and although many people guessed at his breed no one of course knew for sure so she had him tested to know for sure.  Off went Niko’s cheek swab and photo to Canine Heritage Breed Test for his DNA breakdown and within 4 weeks the results were back with an official certificate—Niko was not what her owner and others had guessed but a combination of several different breeds.  Of course this process intrigued me and I immediately knew I had to have Ryder my 11 year old supposed sheltie-poo tested so off went my $79 to Canine Heritage for the swab kit.  I wanted Ryder tested mostly to know what mix of breeds he really is, although he and Tahoe (my older sheltie-poo) resemble one another they do have a few subtle differences—Ryder’s hair is much silkier and not as dense as Tahoe’s, his legs are about 2 inches shorter but more importantly he is the sweetest dog I have ever owned.  Ryder’s personality is amazing, he is sensitive and thoughtful and only wants to please and protect me 24/7.  I really wanted to know his breed make-up in case I ever stumbled across this mix again; I would not hesitate to take the entire liter.
Unlike my co-worker I did not include a photo, I wanted the DNA to test for itself and not have a photograph have any influence on the results (I was a little skeptical of the validity I have to admit).  Four weeks after the cheek was swabbed and sent in for testing the results and certificate were in my mailbox, my excitement and anticipation was nothing less than waiting to see if I’d won the millions of dollars.  Canine Heritage tests the swab for more than 38 recognized breeds; if the dog is a purebred or has a purebred parent it comes back (hopefully) as the Primary breed and their should be no other breeds listed—if others are listed you got ripped off and do not have a pure bred. Then the certificate breaks it down to the Secondary, and the third category is In the Mix found in the DNA. 
Remember, I think Ryder for the past 11 years is a sheltie-poo but had been thinking he had a little beagle in him (amazingly guided by his nose) or corgi to explain the shorter legs.  As you can see on the attached certificate Ryder’s DNA breaks down like this:  secondary (which is where his begins since we know he is a mix) is Collie and Shetland Sheepdog, and the In the Mix identified was not beagle or corgi, it was Yorkshire terrier!  I would have NEVER guessed that but it does explain the silky hair and the shorter legs.  And NO poodle?  It was amazing and well worth the $79.  Since the time I did the DNA test on Ryder there have been several local TV news reports on using a DNA blood test which can be completed for about $200 by your vet. 
See any yorkie in Ryder (Tahoe, left and Ryder, right)?