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Have you been hearing about DNA profiling for dogs and cats? Are you considering having it done for your pet as well? Not only is DNA profiling one of the most commonly performed genetic tests among breeders – it has also become an obligatory test among several kennel clubs across Europe. Nevertheless, we often receive puzzled inquiries from dog breeders regarding their DNA profiling certificate. In this article you can read more details about what DNA profile is, what it shows and where it can be used.
A DNA profile is a map showing unique genetic identification of a dog, equivalent to fingerprints in humans. The technique is based on the analysis of specific markers in DNA known as microsatellites or Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). Microsatellites are specific DNA sequences widely distributed throughout the genome, which vary in length.
Imagining genetic microsatellites like this? The bottom image shows graphic representation of microsatellites or short tandem repeats, which are represented by arrows.
Based on the differences in the length of these sequences it is possible to distinguish individual dogs or compare family relationships between different samples. Members of same family will have microsatellites of same or similar length, however two individuals will never have the exactly same DNA profiles, unless they are identical twins. Due to this uniqueness of each individual profile, DNA profiling is also known as genetic fingerprinting.
Today DNA profiling is most famous for its use in forensic investigations, as well as parentage tests, but also in population studies of animal and plant populations.
In pets, DNA profiling is primarily used for parentage verification and genetic identity purposes. In several countries, kennel clubs have made DNA profiling obligatory for all registered dogs. So far, DNA profile is obligatory in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Slovenia. The main aim of these regulations is to prevent falsifications within the pedigree (documented family tree of a dog, showing at least 3 generations of previous ancestors of a dog). The future goal is to have DNA profiling done for all the dogs included in a breeding programme, and afterwards for their litters as well, which would ensure the accuracy within the pedigree. One major advantage of such type of identification is that, if the owner ever doubts the accuracy of the data stated in the pedigree, a dog’s DNA profile is permanent, and does not change during the life, making the test easily repeatable.
Another big application of DNA profiling is parentage verification. It is not uncommon that during a female dog’s heat period she mates with more than one male dog, meaning that puppies from same litter can be from different fathers. With DNA profiling it is possible to check parentage of the puppies, and verify if the suspected father is indeed the father of the puppies.
There are some misconceptions among breeders when it comes to understanding the purpose or the meaning behind DNA profile. It should be clear that the genetic profile cannot be used for dog breed identification and does not provide insight on the inherited disorders of the dog.
DNA profile can be done using a sample of buccal swab or blood sample. After the isolation of DNA, specific markers are analysed in order to create a DNA profile. AnimaLabs® performs DNA profiling based on ISAG (2006) panel, based on the analysis of 22 markers, assuring the highest accuracy standards. The accuracy of such performed a profile is higher than 99.99%.
By comparing specific markers of dam and sire, parentage of the puppies can be confired or excluded.
If you want to verify the parentage of your puppies, the pedigree of your dog, or simply wish to have the DNA profile of your pet in case you need it in the future? You can order DNA profiling here.
Anonymous (2016): What is a DNA fingerprint? YG – Your Genome. < https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-a-dna-fingerprint>
Anonymous: Dna Profiling And Parentage Verification In Pedigree Dogs. Pets4Home, < https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/dna-profiling-and-parentage-verification-in-pedigree-dogs.html>
Janeša, M.: Vruća tema - DNK profiliranje pasa - tko, što, kako, zašto? Pasji život by Rujana Jeger < http://www.rujanajeger.com/index.php/jeste-li-znali/item/628-vruca-tema-dnk-profiliranje-pasa-sto-kako-zasto>