What Is DNA Breed identification?

DNA is the material present in living creatures that provides the building blocks from which that animal is made. The DNA that is present in a dog’s cells governs the dog’s appearance and contributes to the general behavioural characteristics for the breeds that are found in that particular mixed breed dog.

Every mixed breed dog is a unique individual. It is well known that sometimes the features that are seen as being characteristic for certain breeds do not appear in mixed breed dogs, even when that breed is present at a high level. Features such as coat colour, ear and muzzle or tail type are all influenced by genetics. It is impossible, even for experts, to predict how a particular mixed breed dog will actually look.

The unique way in which the inherited DNA combines from the different breeds that make up your dog can bring some real surprises. It is highly possible for two mixed breed dogs with the same ancestry to look very different. This can be clearly seen in litters of mixed breed dogs where the puppies vary significantly in size, shape and coloration, even when they have the same parents. Because the DNA from the parents mixes in a different way, every mixed breed dog will have a unique appearance. This is what makes them such attractive pets.

Yes, the collection process is very simple and can be performed at home by following the instructions included in the kit. You can see a brief explanation of the collection process on the About page.

No. The DNA collection is painless. The sterile, gentle polyester tipped swab minimizes any chance for infection or irritation.

Results are normally emailed within 6 weeks from the receipt of the sample.

At Biped, we have spent a considerable amount of time analyzing DNA from purebred dogs to build a comprehensive database that highlights the differences between different breeds. By comparing your dog’s DNA with our database we can identify which breeds are present in your dog.

The results of the DNA analysis are printed on a certificate that is suitable for framing. These results will identify the breeds present in your dog’s ancestry. You can see examples of the Certificate and the Ancestry Analysis report on our About page.

In processing, breeds are detected as ranges rather than absolute values. These are then listed on your certificate as Levels, which are defined as follows: Level 1: Over 75% of the DNA found in your dog is from the breed listed. Level 2: Each breed listed represents between 37-74% of your dog’s DNA. Level 3: Each breed listed represents between 20-36% of your dog’s DNA. Level 4: Each breed listed represents between 10-19% of your dog’s DNA. Level 5: Each breed listed represents less than 10% of your dog’s DNA

All dog breeds are related to each other to varying degrees and go back to a common ancestor – the wolf. If the breeds that make up your dog are not in our database, your result may include a very closely related breed or a combination of breeds that relate to the true breed ancestor of your dog. We believe that over 90% of the mixed breed population is covered by our validated breeds.

Please check the Breed List for the most up-to-date listings. Biped is actively working on adding more breeds to our database.

No. The DNA Breed Identification test is designed for the sole purpose of identifying breeds found in the genetic composition of mixed breed dogs. The test can only identify breeds, from those in our database, which are present. If only one breed is detected, it could be that there are breeds present that are not in our database, or that there is DNA present from another breed, but in amounts too small to be detected.