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Instructions and Results 
Canine DNA Sample Collection Procedure
Your DNA sampling kit contains materials to collect a DNA sample from your dog. The DNA CheekSwab™ kits are provided for dog DNA collection and can be returned by regular US mail - no special handling is required. The DNA swabbing procedure is completely non-invasive. No blood, hair or tissue need be extracted. Swabbing is done easily and comfortably by the dog owner, avoiding the trauma and expense of other sampling methods.
- Complete the sample submission form
- When sampling more than one dog, wash your hands between each sample to prevent cross-contamination
- Withhold food at least one-half hour before collecting a sample for DNA testing. Visually inspect the dog's mouth between the cheek and gums for food debris. The objective is to collect cheek epithelial cells, avoiding food debris
- Write the dog's name or other identifier on the MMI Genomics' DNA CheekSwab™ wrapper (pic A)
- Open the swab package by peeling back the loose edges of the DNA CheekSwab™ sleeve about one inch (pic B)
- Grasp the swab's plastic handle and pull the swab out of the wrapper. Envision inserting a toothbrush inside your mouth, turning the bristles away from your teeth towards your cheek, and brushing against your cheek. Again, the objective is to collect epithelial cheek cells, not food debris onto the bristles (pic C)
- Steady your dog's head. Holding the swab by the applicator stick, vigorously rub and rotate the swabs bristle head against the inside surface of the cheek for about 20 seconds (pics D & E)
- Immediately reinsert the swab into the DNA CheekSwab™ sleeve (no need to reseal the sleeve) (pic F)
- Return the sample with the Sample Submission Form
Mixed Breed Test Results
In 4-6 weeks, results will be sent back to you in the form of a frame quality "Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis". If you have provided a digital photo of your pet, it will also be printed on the certificate at no extra charge.
Sample breed certificate with photo
Recommended Reading and Next Steps 
No Vet or Blood Required!
Our dog DNA test collection process is simple — no visit to the veterinarian and no drawing of blood. Our painless process involves a quick cheek swab in the comfort of YOUR dog house.
Click here for our new video!
Did You Know?
Approximately 75 million dogs have humans in the United States. 10% of those dogs were rescued from a shelter with little or no known history.
Source: APPMA.org
The top 10 dog names of 2007 were Buddy, Max, Sadie, Jack, Daisy, Lucy, Lady, Charlie, Rocky and Duke. The list of most unusual names includes "Not Pants," "Zhivago" and "Fat Alice".
Source: Petfinder.com
Endorsements
"The Canine Heritage Breed Test is one of the most innovative products I have seen in years. I am a huge proponent of adoption, so my four legged family comes from shelters and breed rescue groups. Finding out what breeds are in my dog's genetic makeup has not only satisfied my curiosity, but given me invaluable health and behavioral information."
Eric Theis
Senior Vice President,
Discovery Communications,
Animal Planet Media Enterprises
Dog Breed Testing on NBC
The Today Show's Meredith Viera discovers the heritage of her mixed breed dog Jasper with the help of our Canine Heritage™ Breed Test
Dog Breed Test Instructions
Be sure to follow the instructions and photos on this site or those included with your test kit to ensure a successful DNA collection and analysis
