Dog DNA tests

How reliable are DNA kits for revealing your dog's breed, exercise needs and potential health risks? Mel Sherwood puts three to the test

-  Mel Sherwood

When out walking my rescue dog Lyra, the question I get asked most is: “Ooh, nice dog - what is it?” My standard reply is: “Oh, we’re not sure. Her mum is a Malinois - do you know them? They’re like next-level German shepherds. But we’ve no idea what her dad is. We think there’s some Staffy in her because she’s got that smile, and her colouring is very Rottweiler or Dobermann... but who knows?”

After the 379th time of hearing the breed question, I caved and started looking into dog DNA kits. I was surprised to find very few reliable reviews to guide my purchase. They’re expensive - at-home dog DNA tests start at around £60 and go up to £150 - and, after hours of research, I still had a lot of questions. How reliable are dog breed identification tests? Are they easy to use? So I started my own dog-breed analysis journey.

There are myriad benefits to finding out your dog’s breed mix. You can better meet their exercise and training needs, uncover potential health risks and test for breed-specific conditions. And, yes, you can finally answer your neighbours’ questions, as well as satisfying your own curiosity.

CHALLENGING TRAITS

Lyra was 17 weeks old when we adopted her from Hope Rescue in Pontyclun, south Wales. She was one of eight pups in a litter born to a breeding Malinois Belgian shepherd, who was removed from her owner after being found severely malnourished.

A few months after we adopted Lyra, we began working with a qualified behaviourist, Clair Hickson of Talk to the Paw, to help us deal with some of her more challenging traits.

Before I sent off any DNA tests, and after Clair had been working with Lyra for a few months, I asked for her thoughts on our dog’s breeding.