Last Updated on June 21, 2024 by Dr. Wendy Wilkins, DVM, PhD
You’ve probably heard stories of people who submitted their pet’s DNA to human genetics testing companies and received some hysterically inaccurate results.
But just how accurate are tests that are designed for dogs and used on dogs, and how useful are they for identifying your dog’s ancestry?
The Rise of Canine Genetic Testing
Commercial genetic testing for dogs has been available for over a decade, and its popularity continues to grow. With a simple swab, pet owners can send their dog’s DNA to a company and receive a detailed report outlining their pet’s breed makeup and potential genetic health risks.
These tests are marketed as a way to better understand your pet’s heritage and tailor their care accordingly. But how reliable are these results?
The Science Behind the Tests
Most direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests for dogs analyze single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using microarray-based profiling. These SNPs are compared to genetic variants from a reference panel of various breeds.
The test then deconvolves the genetic ancestry, estimating the proportion of different breeds in your dog’s lineage. The accuracy of these tests hinges on three main factors:
- Marker Density: The number of genetic markers analyzed.
- Reference Panel: The variety and number of breeds included in the reference panel.
- Diversity Within Breeds: The genetic diversity of individuals from each breed within the reference panel.
Evaluation of Six Different DTC Dog Genetic Tests
A recent study published in JAVMA sought to evaluate the accuracy of DTC genetic tests and investigate whether photographs submitted alongside DNA samples influenced breed predictions.
Researchers collected DNA samples and photographs from 12 registered purebred dogs and submitted them to six different genetic testing companies.
The results were illuminating. While most tests included the dog’s registered breed in their results, significant variability was observed:
- Five out of six tests consistently identified the dog’s registered breed.
- One test and a convolutional neural network (NASNet) showed a tendency to be influenced by the photographs, sometimes returning results that matched the appearance of the dog in the photo rather than the actual DNA.
Best and Poorest Tests
Best Test: Wisdom Panel
Reason: The Wisdom Panel showed the highest accuracy with a 100% match rate for the registered breed, demonstrating consistent and reliable breed identification.
Poorest Test: Accu-Metrics
Reason: Accu-Metrics had a 0% match rate for the registered breed, indicating a significant issue with the accuracy of their breed predictions, making it the least reliable test in this comparison.
Variability in Results
The study highlighted the challenges in achieving consistent and accurate breed predictions. Even among purebred dogs, discrepancies in breed ancestry estimates were common.
This variability raises questions about the reliability of these tests, especially for mixed-breed dogs where no ground truth is available.
Clinical Relevance and Implications
For veterinarians, the increasing prevalence of DTC genetic testing means they may be called upon to interpret and explain these results to pet owners. The study underscores the importance of approaching these results with caution and understanding their limitations.
Practical Usefulness
Despite the variability and potential biases, DTC genetic tests can still offer valuable insights:
- Breed Identification: While not perfect, these tests can provide a general idea of your dog’s breed makeup, especially for mixed-breed dogs where visual identification is challenging.
- Health Insights: Some tests include screening for genetic health risks, which can help inform preventive care and management.
- Behavioral Traits: Understanding breed ancestry can offer clues about your dog’s behavior and needs, aiding in training and care.
Conclusion
Canine genetic tests are a fascinating tool that can provide intriguing insights into your dog’s ancestry. However, their accuracy can vary, and results should be interpreted with caution.
For the most reliable information, consider using these tests as one piece of the puzzle rather than the definitive answer.
Whether you’re a curious pet owner or a veterinarian, understanding the strengths and limitations of these tests is key to making the most of the information they provide.
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Source: Rando, H. M., Graim, K., Hampikian, G., & Greene, C. S. (2024). Many direct-to-consumer canine genetic tests can identify the breed of purebred dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 262(5), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.23.07.0372
