After researching MMI Genomics Heritage Test, I emailed Paul Chateris at MMI Genomics, Inc. and asked: can you tell me if the heritage test will differentiate between say a Husky and a Malamute, or a Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd? and: how did you go about building the genome directory (if that's the way to put it) that enabled you to differentiate between breeds? was that done by collecting millions of cheek swabs, blood samples or visiting pedigree breeders? how were you able to ensure that the samples came from genuine examples of each breed?
Paul answered: We can differentiate some of those breeds you mention, the complete list is here: http://www.mmigenomics.com/products2abreeds.html We built our genome database internally over 12 years of canine DNA testing. All reference dogs were known purebreds with at least 3 generations of verified DNA parentage testing in their ancestry.
I further asked: there has been a suggestion that dna can be used to isolate an 'aggressive gene', i.e. as pertaining to temperament. is this possible? and would the test be useful to authorities in identifying the breed make-up of a pit bull terrier?
Paul answered: I am sure this aggressive gene research is possible, I am not sure which laboratory is conducting this research. No, our test does not include American Pitbull Terrier, so our test is completely useless for authorities attempting to identify a dog of that breed.
04 August 2007
Paul Charteris
Canine Customer Service
MMI Genomics Inc.
1756 Picasso Avenue
Davis, CA 95618 USA
Ph. 530 297 2939
http://www.metamorphixinc.com
For balance I asked the same questions of Applied DNA Resources: hope you can help with an answer to the question of whether there is such a thing as a dna test for an aggressive gene, i.e. aggression in respect of temperament.
TDK replied: Thanks for the question. I'm not familiar with any such genetic marker. If there was a marker I would guess that it would most likely be "associated" with aggression and not a direct indicator that an individual carrying the marker is aggressive. Thanks!
04 August 2007
From Applied DNA Resources Website: Applied DNA Resources specializes in the review of forensic DNA testing, providing Court qualified expert witness opinions and testimony for legal professionals involved in cases where PCR based DNA testing, including STR and Mitochodrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis, has been performed.
At we're experienced in the use and interpretation of all modalities of DNA testing currently employed in forensic case work. Our experts have extensive experience with DNA testing in criminal and civil cases and can assist you with case development, defense preparation, counsel education, expert witness testimony and research.
Our goal at is to provide legal professionals, and private individuals, with the expert knowledge and tools required to evaluate the use, accuracy, and reliability of the DNA analysis performed in their cases. We strive to determine if the highest standards and practices have been employed in the casework presented to us.
And the response to the same questions from DDC Veterinary:
Thank you for your inquiry.
There is not a DNA test for temperament nor is there a definitive DNA
test that will determine breed make-up, breed mix, hybrids, breed
purity, or "bloodline" of a dog.
DNA Profiling (sometimes referred to as genotyping or DNA
fingerprinting) is used to establish a secure, permanent DNA ID for
your canine. Like humans, each individual will exhibit a unique set
of allele sizes.
DNA parentage verification can be performed by comparing the DNA
profiles to determine whether the offspring is the biological product
of a suspected mating.
For more information please refer to our list of Canine DNA
Frequently Asked Questions at http://www.vetdnacenter.com/canine-DNAFAQ.html
DDC Veterinary
One DDC Way
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
1-800-625-0874
www.vetdnacenter.com
About DDC:
DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) in Fairfield, Ohio is the largest, most
trusted private DNA testing laboratory in the world. DDC’s highly
developed testing methods using PCR and state-of-the-art genetic
analyzers have become the industry’s standard for accurate, legally
defensible human DNA testing. DDC performs 3 out of every 4 private
human paternity cases in the U.S. and recently, the Bahamian court
chose DDC to perform testing for the Anna Nichole Smith case. The
same high quality DNA testing is made available to veterinarians,
breeders, and pet owners through DDC Veterinary, DDC's wholly owned
animal DNA subsidiary.
DDC’s efforts to provide quality DNA testing services are nationally
and internationally recognized through a number of accreditations.
DDC has achieved perfect ratings in its past 7 consecutive
inspections, including those by the American Association of Blood
Banks (AABB) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). DDC is
also accredited by the National Forensic Science Technology Center to
meet the standards of ISO 17025 and the DNA Advisory Board (DAB).
Just to be sure I asked DDC Veterinary again: from what i understand of your advice so far, i could come to you with a pup and you could tell me if it was out of a particular bitch and sired by particular dog, but you couldn't tell me that it has 20% poodle hidden in it's genes. am i correct?
Randall replied: …You are correct, there is not a definitive DNA test available that is proven to be effective at determining breed make-up by percentage. 04 August 2007
Randall Smith
DDC Veterinary
One DDC Way
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
1-800-625-0874
