How do I know what breeds are in my mutt?

Modern advances in DNA testing have provided a way to find out the composition, or breed ancestry, of your mixed breed dog. When was the last time your took a look at your furry companion and thought to yourself, “Is Max a shepherd or a collie?” If this is something you confront often, then Mars Veterinary is here to answer your questions.
Mars Veterinary is a branch of Mars Incorporated, which specializes in pet care and nutrition. After years of study and research at the Waltham Center in the United Kingdom, the Wisdom Panel™ MX Mixed Breed Analysis was born.
This laboratory test requires a small blood sample to be drawn at your local veterinary clinic and sent off to the Wisdom lab in Lincoln, Nebraska. Once the sample reaches the lab, Wisdom’s highly trained staff begins to analyze the DNA structure of your dog. The process is lengthy because over 300 sites on the DNA code are examined. Once the lab has analyzed your pet, they then compare it’s results to that of their database, which is composed of over 130 breeds. Once the test is complete, you and your veterinarian will receive a customized report containing the information about your dog as well as characteristics of the breeds in its ancestry. The process takes about two weeks, and the cost is dependent on your veterinary clinic. The Wisdom Panel is, so far, only for dogs. The test also does not test the purity of premium-bred dogs, although, this is something that Mars Veterinary is working toward.
One might ask, “Why do I need to know my dog’s composition?” This is a very good question. Breed analysis allows the owner to know disorders and problems that your pet could be at risk to having. For instance, Boxers are prone to develop cancers, heart conditions such as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. If your pet is a cross-bred dog with a significant amount of boxer genetics, then it is pre-deposed to these problems as well. Knowing your dog’s breed can not only ease your curiosity, but help you and your veterinaian to stratagize a wellness plan to keep your little (or big) friend happy for a long time to come.
If you are seeking any additional information or wish to run a Wisdom panel on your special friend, then please contact Hillsboro Veterinary Clinic at (503) 648-4117.