If your mixed breed dog herds the neighborhood kids, he might be part herding dog; if she digs she might be part terrier; behaviors often reflect the purpose for which a dog was originally bred. Until recently there has been no reliable way to know the answer to "what breed is it?"

Manhattan, KS - infoZine- Now pet lovers have access to a new testing method using DNA markers to help determine what breeds are present in the make-up of the family's mixed breed pet.

Dr. Susan Nelson, a veterinarian at Kansas State University, said K-State's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital has recently begun offering the blood test "Wisdom panel MX" that can determine the heritage of the family dog.

"The new test uses a blood sample that looks for 'breed signatures' that are specific for more than 130 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, with more breeds being added as time goes on," Nelson said.

"Accuracy is estimated at 84 per cent for first generation mixes," she said. "Modern dogs have a lot of identical DNA as it is thought they have descended from the gray wolf. But scientists have identified 300 sites (called SNPs) in the DNA sequence where subtle changes can occur.

"Specific combinations of variations at these sites are known as breed signatures. The report will present the breed signatures that are present in each dog's DNA. In some cases a certain proportion of a dog's genetic material will be so mixed that no breed signature match can be made. In these dogs a mixed component will be reported along with other breeds detected."

Nelson said analyzing a dog's breed is more difficult the further back one looks. "Trying to take the results back to grandparents is difficult because the DNA changes are so subtle."

The testing process is simple, Nelson said. Owners bring their dogs in to the hospital for a blood test.

"The test requires just a small amount of blood to be drawn," she said. "Then, in a few weeks, owners can go online to get results, using the identifier number they receive when the blood sample is taken.

"The results are shown in the form of icons that represent a breed. The size of the icon and distance away from you dog's 'ID tag' suggest the relative prominence of each detected breed," Nelson said.

Owners are also shown pictures of the relevant breeds, along with a list of physical and behavioral traits common to that breed.

"Although you can't predict disease or behavior by this test, it provides information that may be very helpful in training and behavior modification," Nelson said.

Nelson said the test could potentially be used by owners in towns with breed specific legislation to prove their dog is not among the banned breeds. She said whether a community would accept the test would vary from one location to another.

Nelson noted there is a test using cheek swabs available online, but it currently identifies only 38 breeds.

"It is important to remember that none of these DNA tests are 100 percent accurate in detecting breed heritage and to keep this in mind when opting to have your dog tested," Nelson said.

"That being said, it is still a fun and medically relevant technological advancement which owners with a little extra cash may want to try."

For more information, visit: www.WISDOMPANEL.com or phone the K-State veterinary hospital at 785-532-5690.