Dog DNA Technology

The first question many people ask is "Is this the same type of DNA test I see on popular TV crime solving shows?" No, the Canine Heritage Breed Test is a much more advanced and complex type of DNA analysis that you see on TV. While a few basic forms of DNA analysis, such as PCR, are used in processing the DNA, the key DNA analysis used in the test comes from the latest advances in genomics science and technology, most of which have occurred in the past seven years.

Every DNA sample undergoes a lengthy analysis and results are reviewed as part of an extensive quality assurance and control process. Unlike TV, where DNA results are magically done between commercial breaks, the test does take several weeks to complete. We hope the information presented here will give you a better idea of what is involved in testing your dog's DNA.

Sample Analysis Process

Once MMIG receive your dog's DNA sample, it goes through multiple laboratory processes and rigorous quality control mechanisms. The following is a brief summary of the steps that each sample must go through prior to reporting the results.

1. Sample arrives via USPS at laboratory — Each sample must be properly opened, examined and logged into our proprietary Laboratory Information Management System so that it can be easily tracked and monitored through each laboratory process. At this time your pet's information is logged into our system and the sample is given several forms of identification.
2. DNA Isolation and Amplification — Each sample is then delivered to our DNA isolation laboratory where your dog's DNA is extracted from the cheek swab. We then perform PCR, a laboratory process that amplifies the concentration of your pet's DNA by making copies of it, to give us a sufficient amount of DNA for the test.
3. Breed Test Processing — Once the PCR process is complete, we are ready to begin the Canine Heritage Breed Test for your dog. DNA is then chemically enhanced and run through state-of-the-art laboratory equipment that identifies hundreds of key SNP marker locations.
4. Analysis — Now that the markers have been identified for your pet's sample, these markers are put through a complex proprietary analytical program that compares your pet's markers with that of our pure breed database markers, ultimately determining which breeds are in your pet's composition. The analysis software puts its findings into three categories.
   1. First, it determines if your dog's genetic profile is a strong match with any of the profiles of the purebred dogs in our database. If so, the breed(s) identified is placed into the "primary" results category and represents a very large portion of your pet's breed composition.
   2. If a good match is found, but it's not a perfect match, this information is placed into the "secondary" results category. While these breeds may have an influence on your pets look and personality, each breed listed makes up a smaller portion of your pet's breed composition.
   3. If the match looks good, but fewer markers match the profile of a purebred dog that information is placed "In the Mix" results category. This final category identifies breeds that have the least amount of influence on your pet's composition. They appear at low but measurable amounts in your pet's DNA.
   
   Once analyzed, each sample is then carefully reviewed by a scientific review panel to ensure that it meets all of our rigorous standards and numerous quality control checks.
5. Reporting — After final approval of your dog's breed results, it is ready for reporting. If you uploaded a picture of your dog, it is then linked to the results. Our Canine Heritage Team prints your Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis and ships your results to you via USPS.