DNA testing - YorkieTalk.com Forums

theporkieyorkie · 08-14-2013, 10:00 AM

I am wondering how you read the DNA tests. My dog had one performed on him with his previous owners and I have the paperwork, but I have no idea what it means.

The genetic testing is all new to me. Does it tell what kind of genetic problems they have in their lines?? Is it used to decide how to pair a male and female??
I did a google search and all I came up with was DNA testing on Mixed Breeds to find out what the mix was.

FTR....I am just curious....he is an older dog and he is now neutered and won't be breeding with anything. Both my boys are neutered and are exclusively spoiled pets.

Nancy1999 · 08-14-2013, 10:09 AM

From my understanding DNA testing is only accurate in telling you if the father was the father and the mother was the mother. For other things, it may not be all that accurate. You can get a general idea of what dogs are in the mix, but most dog people can just look at the dog and give you a pretty good guess. Right now, it's just an educated guess. Concerning diseases, I've read that many experienced breeders think it's more important to "know the lines." They are still searching for genetic markers for different diseases, I'm hopeful that in years to come they will have more answers. Maybe someone can recall which markers they have found.

tricia208 · 08-14-2013, 04:42 PM

I believe we are all learning with you. I agree that you probably have a DNA to prove parentage. That information will be limited to that. The company that did the test should have something on their website explaining the results. There are tests for coat color, parentage, some but few health issues.

I had to buy remedial DNA books and find a geneticist to be my friend so I could understand all of this new science. She has been very helpful. It is all still new and developing. 10 years ago we did not have all of the DNA information we have today. We are actually living through a time where all of this is developing and becoming part of our breeding programs. Read and ask questions on the forum. We will all learn together.

08-14-2013, 10:00 AM	#1
theporkieyorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: dearborn heights Posts: 1,148	DNA testing I am wondering how you read the DNA tests. My dog had one performed on him with his previous owners and I have the paperwork, but I have no idea what it means. The genetic testing is all new to me. Does it tell what kind of genetic problems they have in their lines?? Is it used to decide how to pair a male and female?? I did a google search and all I came up with was DNA testing on Mixed Breeds to find out what the mix was. FTR....I am just curious....he is an older dog and he is now neutered and won't be breeding with anything. Both my boys are neutered and are exclusively spoiled pets.

08-14-2013, 10:09 AM	#2
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	From my understanding DNA testing is only accurate in telling you if the father was the father and the mother was the mother. For other things, it may not be all that accurate. You can get a general idea of what dogs are in the mix, but most dog people can just look at the dog and give you a pretty good guess. Right now, it's just an educated guess. Concerning diseases, I've read that many experienced breeders think it's more important to "know the lines." They are still searching for genetic markers for different diseases, I'm hopeful that in years to come they will have more answers. Maybe someone can recall which markers they have found. __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

08-14-2013, 04:42 PM	#3
tricia208 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ocean Beach, CA Posts: 109	I believe we are all learning with you. I agree that you probably have a DNA to prove parentage. That information will be limited to that. The company that did the test should have something on their website explaining the results. There are tests for coat color, parentage, some but few health issues. I had to buy remedial DNA books and find a geneticist to be my friend so I could understand all of this new science. She has been very helpful. It is all still new and developing. 10 years ago we did not have all of the DNA information we have today. We are actually living through a time where all of this is developing and becoming part of our breeding programs. Read and ask questions on the forum. We will all learn together.