American Pit Bull Terrier Association Inc.
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05 August 2007
It has been claimed by an Animal Control contractor here in New Zealand that research is being done in Australia to identify an "aggressive gene", so I thought it prudent to do some research of my own. Very likely such research is being carried out somewhere, that's scientists for you, but so far what we do know is that you cannot identify a Pit Bull's breed or cross breed by his DNA, nor can you identify aggression by any known genetic markers.
Here are some quotes from qualified experts regarding the matter of genotype etc:
"A wild wolf is genetically little more distant from the domesticated dog than a wild mustang is to a quarter horse. (That wolf and dog can be hybridized, while a fox and dog cannot, points to the genetic and ancestral affinities of wolf and dog.)...."In actuality, a poodle, like any purebred dog, already has innumerable wolf genes since they share a close common ancestry." Dr. Michael W. Fox, D.V.M., Ph.D., D.Sc., Vice President, Bioethics, Humane Society of the United States. Affidavit.
"....Breeds of dogs can not be distinguished from each other by any known anatomical attribute or even biochemical genetic test, including DNA fingerprinting. Since a given breed of dog can not be defined by any scientific means currently known, our contention is that it is not possible to write any ordinance or law that would single them out for special treatment since they cannot be so defined in a legal sense. "Recently I attended a canine genetics workshop at Texas A & M University in which it was further emphasized that there is no biochemical genetic test that can even distinguish wolves from domestic dogs. "....I would taxonomically identify all wolves, wolf hybrids and domestic dogs as the species Canis lupus. Technically, the domestic dog and wolf hybrids should be designated as the sub-species "domesticus". I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr., Research Professor, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, The University of Georgia. Letter, 30, Jan. 1990
"There is not presently a valid test that will guarantee analysis of whether a particular canine carries wolf blood. Certain DNA studies have been conducted by a New York laboratory under contract by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, but a much larger population study of wolf and dog breeds would have to be done before conclusive results can be obtained." Jerry M. Conley, Director, Idaho Fish and Game Dept. From letter to Gov. Cecil D. Andrus, March 19, 1992
Granted, these quotes are dated, but read on because the experts I spoke to were only spoken to yesterday.
MMI Genomics, Inc. claim to be able to identify a dog's breeding using it's D.N.A., even if that dog is a mixed breed. They cite an example on their webiste (www.metamorhpixinc.com/products2guess.html) of a hybrid diagnosed as a Shepherd x Shar-Pei x Chow Chow x Bernese Mountain Dog.
The 38 Breeds they claim to be able to identify are as follows:
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Afghan Hound |
German Shepherd |
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Akita |
German Shorthaired Pointer |
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Basenji |
Golden Retriever |
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Basset Hound |
Greyhound |
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Beagle |
Italian Greyhound |
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Belgian Tervuren |
Labrador Retriever |
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Bernese Mountain Dog |
Mastiff |
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Border Collie |
Miniature Schnauzer |
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Borzoi |
Poodle |
|
Boxer |
Pug |
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Bulldog |
Rottweiler |
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Chihuahua |
Saluki |
|
Chinese Shar-Pei |
Samoyed |
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Chow Chow |
Shetland Sheepdog |
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Cocker Spaniel |
Shih-Tsu |
|
Collie |
Siberian Husky |
|
Dachshund |
St. Bernard |
|
Doberman Pinscher |
Whippet |
|
English Setter
|
Yorkshire Terrier
|
MMI Genomics, Inc. states on it's website:
"Introducing the first DNA-based diagnostic test that can genetically determine the breed composition of your dog...
MMI Genomics, Inc., a leader in animal DNA analysis and pedigree certification, is proud to announce the release of their Canine Heritage™ Breed Test. Developed exclusively by MMI Genomics, the Canine Heritage™ product uses state-of-the-art SNP-based DNA technology to genetically identify breed characteristics and certify 38 potential breeds.
MMI Genomics, Inc.’s DNA Cheek Swab kits are provided for DNA collection and can be returned by regular US mail - no special handling is required. The swabbing procedure is completely non-invasive. No blood, hair or tissue need be extracted. Swabbing is done easily and comfortably by the pet owner, avoiding the trauma and expense of other sampling methods."
Their disclaimer states:
"The Canine Heritage™ Breed Test is not designed for use as a purebred or paternity verification test and is not an established legal tool."
Their Terms Of Use state:
The MetaMorphix® Technology is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law, MetaMorphix® disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express, statutory or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties of title, data and content accuracy, merchantability, system integration, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement and any other warranty arising under the uniform commercial code, usage of trade, course of conduct or otherwise.
MetaMorphix® shall not be liable in any manner whatsoever for direct, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages resulting from the use of, or inability to use, the MetaMorphix® Technology. Subject to the foregoing, the cumulative liability of MetaMorphix® for all claims arising from or relating to this Terms of Use, the MetaMorphix® Technology (whether in contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise) shall be limited to direct damages actually incurred by the claimant up to the maximum amount of ten dollars ($10.00).
On the Flip Side...