DNA Testing?!?

[Eryn Wisdom]

I posted a discussion a year ago or so about Harlow, my rescued dog that we think is a doodle. For what it's worth, most of you thought she was a doodle, with goldendoodle trumping labradoodle. I think so too.

 

Anyway, I had considered getting a DNA test for a long time, but they are a bit pricey just for curiousity's sake. Well, I ended up purchasing an extensive DNA test (Wisdom Panel Insights) on Ebay at a great price.

 

Harlow's cheek swabs went in the mail yesterday! We will know her DNA results in probably 2-3 weeks. I'm excited, yet skeptical. Some people have claimed they knew (or really thought they knew) what they're dog was mixed with and DNA tests got it wrong. I know these tests are not 100% accurate but it is interesting.

 

But I was wondering...has anyone tried a DNA test or know someone who has and what were your thoughts and opinions on it? Of course this is really just all for curiousity and fun. We love Harlow no matter what she is and so does her mini goldendoodle buddy, Oliver!

[Eryn Wisdom]

Hmm...Harlow is built a bit stockier and thicker than my Oliver, who had an American golden for a mom. I often have noticed that English goldens are foreign bred, often from Europe. Is that true? If so, I wonder that if Harlow is an English goldendoodle that her DNA test may not come back accurate...the company says their test only recognizes American bred dogs because foreign breed lines are often quite different. I guess I'll have to wait and see!

[Susan and Sasha]

So sorry Eryn...but I'm not really familiar with DNA testing.
Your question is a good one though...
I never thought that they might not be able to do an accurate test if she was an English Doodle.
But...anyway you look at it...your girl is a true beauty!
In the meantime...I'm sure you will be enjoying... spending time with your beautiful family...

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

She is gorgeous and looks like a goldendoodle to me!

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

she absolutely bears a very strong resemblance to mine, an F1B mini goldendoodle. She's adorable!

[Ginny Nightingale]

She looks A LOT like my Australian Labradoodle, too! ALDs had lots of breeds mixed in a long time ago, so this could be really interesting! I did have a friend who suspected that her "pure-bred" chihuahua was half Jack Russell terrier and the test confirmed her suspicion.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I will be eagerly awaiting the results. I am dying to try this with my rescue, Clancy whom we suspect is also a goldendoodle. To me, there is NO question that Harlow is a doodle with a lab or a golden.

[Eryn Wisdom]

Clancy certainly looks like a goldendoodle to me! What a cutie! You will have to let us know if you get him tested.

[Eryn Wisdom]

The test that I ordered shows your dog's breed results in a possible three categories: Significant: at least 50% of your dog's DNA matches this breed, Intermediate: at least 25% of a breed DNA match and Minor: at least 12.5% of a breed DNA match. So for example if Harlow turned out to be a goldendoodle, the results should come back as significant for both golden retriever and poodle.

The results can show generations farther back than the parents. In fact, since all purebreds came from a mix of other purebreds, the results may even show those breeds that went into producing one of your dog's ancestors. (If that makes sense.) So in reality, a dog with only two purebred parents may have results that include more than two DNA matches, however the company says this usually only happens with relatively new breeds. That's why I wonder what the results will be! But I will definitely post them as soon as I can!