Who Is That Dog?

by Greg Westfall

Thanks to Melanie, for sending me to NPR to hear this delightful story about doggie DNA test results, Got a Mutt? Labs Will Test Your Dog's DNA.

It seems to me that mutt owners and folks who found their dogs at shelters will probably experience the most happiness from the results of these doggie DNA tests. With these dogs there's always the question of the dog's ancestry and what life was like for your beloved dog before coming into your home.

I remember when Krystal and I went to obedience school, one of the first questions the trainers asked us was the background and lineage of our dogs. The folks with purebred dogs had ready answers. The rest of us had answers peppered with speculation on lineage, behavior, and how the original owners might have treated their dogs.

During obedience training, Krystal's dominant West Highland White Terrier characteristics were definitely in evidence--so much so that at one point, one of the instructors held me after class for almost an hour explaining the special personalities of Terriers, and how to live with them. She had 4 Terriers, so she knew what she was talking about.

I've always been grateful for that special attention from the instructor. Hearing her tell me that Terriers demand "fairness" above all else, truly helped me develop a stronger more compassionate relationship with Krystal.

So when someone tells me they've got a mutt, and haven't a clue to their dog's ancestry, I'm respectful and  amazed. I admire the dog, and how creative the dog has to be to communicate important lineage characteristics like "fairness." I admire the human for developing that special flexibility to have a companion animal in their household with no guide to the special characteristics and needs of their dog.

I can just imagine how fun it it might be to receive part of the "back story" of your dog. Filling in some of the gaps can open new vistas on personality and health characteristics, providing endless hours of conversation, speculation and delight.

Please let me know if you've learned your dog's DNA lineage, and what you think about the results. Have any personality or health characteristics suddenly been "explained?" I'm curious to hear your experiences. It sounds like fun.

Comments

[Barbara Swafford]

Hi Cousin Kaye,

This is the first I've heard of DNA for dogs, but I'm guessing it could prove to be quite interesting.

We have two dogs (neither are pure breeds)and we just love them for what they are, and the joy they bring to us.

Can you imagine? An online genealogy service for pets?

Hey, maybe our dogs are cousins too. :)

[Dr.Cason]

Hi There!

We have two labs- they are in KY right now as we didn't think the older yellow lab would make the trip.

We know their lineage as they are pure breeds but it is nice to know their history and loyalty. It makes me feel safe around them. Also we adopted Cameo when she was 5 and it made a big difference in understanding her personality.