I volunteer with a rescue that does a fair bit of DNA testing - we rely on the tests to label some dogs as 'safe' or 'not safe' to be adopted within the province. So I find the topic of DNA testing really interesting.
A lot of people seem totally sold on the idea of DNA testing to determine what breed a dog is. I've had people show me their dog's DNA test and, although confused about the outcome, take it as fact. On the other hand, a lot of people find the tests totally laughable and claim they are a waste of money.
I'm on the fence. Leaning toward the latter group. I find it hard to wrap my head around it. Dogs are the most phenotypically diverse species on the planet. So... how... just HOW?
Are there any peer-reviewed, scientific studies to the accuracy of the tests? Or even any collected, organized anecdotal evidence of KNOWN mixes being tested?
So far, all of the information I have found to suggest the tests are actually fairly accurate has come from the labs or companies themselves, which is a red flag for me. Obviously they're going to be biased toward their own product and procedure.
A lot of people seem totally sold on the idea of DNA testing to determine what breed a dog is. I've had people show me their dog's DNA test and, although confused about the outcome, take it as fact. On the other hand, a lot of people find the tests totally laughable and claim they are a waste of money.
I'm on the fence. Leaning toward the latter group. I find it hard to wrap my head around it. Dogs are the most phenotypically diverse species on the planet. So... how... just HOW?
Are there any peer-reviewed, scientific studies to the accuracy of the tests? Or even any collected, organized anecdotal evidence of KNOWN mixes being tested?
So far, all of the information I have found to suggest the tests are actually fairly accurate has come from the labs or companies themselves, which is a red flag for me. Obviously they're going to be biased toward their own product and procedure.