Forget finding out about your own DNA, you can now delve into your dog’s past.
Ancestry now has a DNA testing kit for dogs – but let’s be honest, it’s really for owners looking to get to know their pet better, and find out more about the heritage and genetics of their four-legged friends.
In the UK, 60% of households have a pet in their family, but they might not know all the details they should to form the best bonds with their beloved dogs.
These tests can give owners a breed breakdown for each dog, genetic matches to other local dogs, and traits that are unique to their pet.
Ancestry says there are 30 behavioural and physical traits that, once learnt, can help you understand your dog even better.
Claiming to be the ‘most scientifically advanced dog DNA test on the market’, you can find out if you dog is more prone to issues like separation anxiety, stress levels at the vet, how willing they are to share with other dogs, and how sensitive they are to noise.
Identifying breeds is complex when many breeds are part of a dog’s genetic makeup.
So who knows, maybe your Yorkshire terrier isn’t entirely a terrier – perhaps other surprise breeds are in the mix.
And sure, your dog won’t be excited by the news they’re part Beagle, but you might be.
The test has been developed by DNA scientists and animal geneticists from Massey University and the University of Minnesota.
Once your dog’s DNA is received, scientists identify each dog’s unique genetic blueprint.
It will reveal each dog’s lineage, traits, and kinship connections.
‘One thing we hear from our customers who are dog owners is that many of them consider their pet to be a part of the family,’ said Brian Donnelly from Ancestry.
‘As a proud dog enthusiast, I was inspired by the love my family has for our dog to create a product that helps us better understand him and meet his needs based on his genetics.’
The Pet DNA kit retails for £79 and is available at an introductory price of £59 until September 30, exclusively on petDNA.ancestry.com.
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