http://caveat.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/21/3894523.html

There have been several cases I’ve read about, using the first two heritage tests available, where purebred dogs’ test results came back not just as mixed breeds, but as completely implausible breeds.

Knowing that all dog breeds are genetically identical (save these “markers” which may indicate ‘breed’ in dogs, or ‘race’, in the case of humans), I’m still suggesting people view these tests (rather, THE CONCLUSIONS based on the test parameters and results) as entertainment, rather than true science.

In humans, “markers” can hint at genography – the seeming geographical origin of certain mitochondrial DNA strains linked to certain DNA “markers” – which can, then, suggest a possible race/appearance. (I.E. People of primarily middle-eastern origin may be more likely to have a certain appearance, whereas someone with a mix of middle-eastern and scandinavian “markers” may be expected to have a different appearance.)

But I’ve been cautioned never to assume race/appearance, based solely on genographic “markers”. How the various genes linked to many aspects of appearance are expressed, can be quite varied and unpredictable.

A canine geneticist definitively stated that dog breeds are essentially the same as races, in humans. This leads me to believe the same caution should be used with this kind of DNA testing in dogs, especially given that even most pure breeds were derived from a combination of other breeds.

What say the heritage test supporters, other than to (likely) deride other kinds of tests, and protest their own to be more accurate?

Are we to believe there is a test on the market that can, absolutely, without (reasonable) fail, determine any dog’s breed ancestry? And if there isn’t, what is the use of such tests, other than as mere entertainment?

(I mean, as an experienced dog trainer, a dog’s breed has little relevance, in terms of raising a good canine citizen. You base a dog’s training on it’s individual temperament, energy level, and behaviour. It matters not if a dog is pulling on its leash or being allowed to upset the community with nuisance barking, if it is a mix of hound and retriever, or non-sporting and working breed. There are methods of dealing with these problems, and they need not be breed-specific. In fact, good training isn’t breed-specific. It may be temperament-specific or predicated on existing behaviour. But the training solution for most problems is rarely defined by the dog’s breed.

Most of the common, everyday training issues faced by dog owners are solved by relatively simple principles which apply to all dogs, regardless of breed. Short of attempting some kind of pointed, breed-specific training regime, all dogs are perfectly capable of learning all the basics that make a good canine citizen. Whether a dog is a JRT or a Rottweiler, it can be perfectly-trained to heel, come, and sit. All dogs should be properly socialized. No dog should be permitted to bark incessantly or roam or otherwise be a nuisance or a danger to anyone in the community, nor should any dog be left unsupervised outside the home, or with children. Breed really isn’t much of a factor, in this regard.)

Sincerely,

Marjorie Darby,
Dog trainer and aggression specialist (Ret.)
Author
Canine legislation consultant.
Dog bite researcher.
Responsible ownership instructor/advocate.
Pet travel author and advisor.
Lifelong Great Dane owner & rescue supporter.

I would ask the question of paid endorsements directly to Dr. Becker.

And I would ask it to you as well, since your web site was giving away the Widom Panel a few months ago. Can it be said that you are in the “pay to say” business as well?

I would also ask why the Wisdom Panel says it cannot ID your breed if you actually know what it is, but that they are accurate if you have no idea of what your breed is. This is absurd on its face.

By the say, who are these “satellite interviews” for?

If they are not for ABC and Good Morning America, then why is that network and television show being mentioned?

And what does a “satellite interview” really mean? Every time I am on my phone, or interviewed by TV or radio, a satellite feed is generally involved. So what? Are we still supposed to be amazed by satellite technology when the handheld devices in our pocket use it?

Sorry for the harsh tone of the questioning, but the ethics of “pay to say” blogging and journalism are such that someone needs to ask a few questions.

PBurns

How do you collect you DNA samples (blood or swab)?

Thanks!

Kelley & Sailor