Genetic testing in dogs is a scientific method used to analyze a dog’s DNA to gain insights into its breed composition, inherited traits, and potential health risks. These tests can identify mutations or genetic variations that may predispose a dog to specific diseases such as retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, or drug sensitivities like MDR1.
What is Genetic Testing in Dogs?
Genetic testing in dogs is a diagnostic and predictive tool used to examine a dog’s DNA—its genetic code—to identify breed ancestry, inherited traits, and potential risks for genetic disorders. This testing involves collecting a small biological sample, typically through a cheek swab (buccal swab) or a blood draw, and analysing it in a laboratory using advanced techniques.
Understanding The Whys of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing in dogs allows early detection of inherited diseases—often before symptoms show—helping pet parents and vets take proactive steps for better health outcomes. It can identify conditions like Degenerative Myelopathy or MDR1 sensitivity, enabling timely care and lifestyle adjustments. Testing panels may be breed-specific or broad, providing tailored insights for both purebred and mixed-breed pets.
The results presentation will vary from test to test, but will likely include something similar to the following categories –
Negative or clear – Your pet does not have the genetic mutations associated with this disorder. Please note that this does not mean that your pet will never develop the disease in question. Yet unknown genetic factors, as well as lifestyle and environment, can also influence disease risk.
Carrier – Your pet may pass the genetic mutation associated with the disorder to its offspring. However, the tested animal itself is unlikely to develop the disease.
At risk – Your pet has a genetic mutation associated with a polygenic disease (where more than one gene is implicated) or one associated with a disease where the severity may vary depending on the number of mutated gene copies inherited from the parent.
High risk – Your pet has a genetic mutation associated with a condition where even a single copy of the mutation is highly likely to result in developing the disease.
Microbiome Tests
The microbiome refers to the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses living in specific areas like the gut, skin, or even soil. Shifts in its composition are often linked to disease, either as a cause or an effect. Studying the microbiome through available tests can help detect early signs of health issues.
Some of the most common microbiome tests are –
- Oral health DNA tests
- Gastrointestinal health DNA tests
Pet Intolerance Testing
Pet intolerance testing helps identify foods or environmental factors that a dog may not tolerate well, causing adverse reactions. Unlike allergies, which trigger immediate immune responses (IgE), intolerances usually involve delayed or non-immune reactions, often linked to IgG antibodies or metabolism. The most common ones are –
- Hair/Fur Sample Testing (Bio-resonance or Electromagnetic Testing)
- Blood-Based IgG Antibody Testing
Personalized Veterinary Care
Genetic testing enables personalized veterinary care by revealing a dog’s unique genetic makeup. This helps vets tailor treatments, avoid harmful medications, and recommend specific diets or exercise plans. Such targeted care improves well-being and reduces trial-and-error in managing chronic conditions.
Breed Identification in Mixed-Breed Dogs
For parents of mixed-breed or rescue dogs, genetic testing offers valuable insights into their pet’s breed ancestry. This helps explain traits like appearance and behavior, while also guiding training and care based on breed-specific tendencies. Understanding genetic background can also highlight potential health risks, allowing for proactive medical care.
Responsible Breeding Practices
Genetic testing is essential for responsible breeding, helping identify carriers of inherited diseases and prevent at-risk pairings. It also verifies pedigree, supports desirable traits, and promotes the long-term health and integrity of dog breeds.
Planning for the Future
Genetic testing helps pet parents plan long-term care by revealing health risks early, aiding decisions on insurance, savings, and treatment. It also allows owners to contribute anonymously to research, advancing canine genetics and supporting discoveries in rare diseases.
Behavioural Insights
Genetic testing can reveal behavioral tendencies like anxiety, fear responses, or prey drive that may be influenced by a dog’s genes. While environment and training remain key, understanding genetic traits helps owners train and socialize their pets more effectively and empathetically.
DNA-based Ancestry Testing
Some companies offer DNA-based ancestry tests to identify a dog’s breed or geographical roots, mainly for mixed-breed owners curious about their pet’s heritage. However, these tests rely on owner-reported data, which may not be fully accurate, and shouldn’t be used as purity tests for purebred dogs.
DNA Profiling – Parentage
The primary use of canine DNA profiling is to validate parentage. Parentage panels rely upon sets of standardized markers used to establish unique dog identities. The markers vary based on the panel and are not interchangeable.
DNA Banking
Lastly, DNA can and should be banked for future testing as technology improves. However, banking is futile without meticulous records for traits that breeders are interested in, such as structure and health. Paired with a semen sample, banking can provide a valuable resource for breed preservation as well.
Early answers, lifelong care – How is Genetic Testing Done?
Genetic testing examines a dog’s DNA to detect mutations or changes linked to inherited diseases and traits. It can identify risks for conditions like hip dysplasia or heart disease, and determine if a dog is a carrier of genetic disorders. These insights help vets, breeders, and pet parents make informed decisions about health care and breeding.
Different types of genetic tests in dogs –
Breed Identification Test
This test identifies the breed composition of a mixed-breed dog by analyzing DNA markers and comparing them to a breed database.
MDR1 Mutation Test (Multi-Drug Resistance Gene)
This test identifies whether a dog carries the MDR1 gene mutation, which causes sensitivity to various drugs (e.g., ivermectin, loperamide).
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) Test
PRA is a group of genetic diseases that cause blindness in dogs. Genetic testing helps detect carriers or affected animals.
Hip Dysplasia Marker Test
Although primarily detected via radiographic evaluation, some genetic tests can identify a dog’s predisposition to hip dysplasia.
Thalassemia and Haemophilia Tests (for certain breeds)
These are inherited blood disorders. Genetic screening is recommended for at-risk breeds.
Parentage (DNA Profiling) Test
Confirms parentage, often used to verify pedigrees in dog shows or breed registration.
Key Institutions Involved
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly – Leading public institute conducting genetic studies in dogs.
- Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) – Active in veterinary genomics and research.
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad – Occasionally involved in canine DNA analysis.
- Private Labs – Emerging services in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi offer sample collection and shipping to global genetic testing companies.
DNA tests are powerful tools, but they don’t tell the whole story
While genetic testing in dogs offers significant insights into breed identification, inherited diseases, and traits, it is not without its limitations and ethical concerns. As this technology becomes more popular among pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians, it is important to consider the following aspects carefully –
Accuracy depends on database size and quality
Genetic test results are only as accurate as the database they are compared against. Different companies have varying levels of reference data for different breeds, mutations, and genetic markers.
Not all genetic risks lead to disease
Genetic testing often detects mutations that indicate a predisposition to a disease, not a guarantee that the disease will develop. For example, a dog may test positive for a gene linked to hip dysplasia, but never develop symptoms if managed properly.
Misuse of breed information
While breed identification can be helpful, it can also be misused in ways that harm both dogs and pet parents. Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) – Some localities have laws against owning certain breeds (e.g., Pit Bulls), and DNA results could lead to wrongful restrictions or pet removal.
Data privacy and ownership concerns
Most pet DNA testing companies store and may use genetic data for research, product development, or third-party collaborations.
Genetic testing in dogs holds great promise for improving health, guiding breeding, and advancing personalized care. However, its current limitations—such as accuracy, interpretation, and ethical concerns—mean results should be viewed as one piece of a larger diagnostic puzzle. Most tests focus on single-gene traits, while many conditions are influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. As research progresses, combining genetic data with other diagnostics could pave the way for precision veterinary medicine tailored to each dog’s unique biology.
(Dr. Deesha Gupta – Ph.D Scholar, Animal Genetics and Breeding; Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu)