Hi! I'm Peanut Butter. Can you guess my mixed up family heritage? Who was my mom? My dad? You could win a free DNA test for your doggie mix-up! And how about adopting me? I’m all heart and wiggles and that’s a sure thing!

What is he or she? For sure your dog’s got a fluffy tail, long body, pointy ears, and the personality of a Labrador. Welcome to the mystery quest that most mixed-breed or mutt dog owners ask themselves. Finally, for those curious dog lovers tired of playing the breed guessing game, new technology is making it possible for them to identify just what their mutts are made of.

Two noteworthy companies, Mars Veterinary and MMI Genomics, perform DNA testing to help identify a dog’s breed(s). Mars Wisdom Panel requires a blood sample which can be done here at Founders. Your dog’s DNA is then matched to their database, which includes 153 AKC breeds. Mars’ database of breeds is one of the largest available. MMI Genomics offers the Canine Heritage Breed Test which requires the owner to take a cheek swab of their dog’s saliva to collect the DNA sample. Their database is composed of 108 AKC breeds. Note: we only offer the Mars test which requires a blood sample.

Each company then reports the results in 3 categories: Significant, Intermediate and Minor. If a breed is identified as Significant, it shows that 50% of your dog’s DNA matches to that breed. Intermediate shows a 25% match to that breed, and Minor is a very minimal match to that breed. So, unless one of your mutt’s parents was a purebred, most results will not report a breed in the Significant category. However, any breed reported as Intermediate is a good indicator of heritage. And those breeds reported as Minor simply means your best friend is so mixed-up, only doG knows!

How valid are the results? They are only as good as the company’s database and the number of branches on your dog’s genetic tree. If your dog is 5 or more breeds, the results will most likely be reported in the Minor category, making for some clueless but interesting cocktail party conversations. 

So, if you want to know just what Fido could possibly be made of – or your dog is suffering from an identity crisis – this simple DNA test may come as a shocking surprise or confirm your secret suspicions. The cost to discover all that your dog can be is a reasonable $125. But for the month of April, we are offering an April Fools Discount, bringing the price down to only $99.

Now who will have the last laugh – you, your dog, or your friends?

Another clue before you guess! Good luck!

Special contest to win a Free DNA test: What is our foster dog Peanut Butter? Place your guess on this blog – winners will be notified when her test results are back!

SAVE THE DATE – SATURDAY, MAY 15^TH – FLEA MARKET FOR FLEABAGS AT FOUNDERS – OUR SECOND ANNUAL FUNDRAISER TO HELP OC HOMELESS PETS. We welcome all useable items in good condition. Start cleaning out your closets!