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The Science Behind Dog DNA Tests

The popular mail-in kits have arrived thanks to a sweeping research project that maps the canine genome, similar to efforts with human genetics.

Emilie Lucchesi
ByEmilie Le Beau Lucchesi
Credit: Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock

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The photo on the animal rescue’s website showed a small brown and tan puppy with amber eyes and floppy ears. “Sugar Plum,” as they named her, had a fuzzy backstory. She was taken from her mother when she was just five weeks old and dumped at a shelter. The rescue wasn’t sure of her breed, and their best guess was dachshund, perhaps with some chihuahua mixed in.

The author's dog, Sofia. (Credit: Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi)

Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi

We renamed our little puppy Sofia and marveled at her confidence and sass. She pranced from one room to the next like she had somewhere to be, and she authoritatively took all the toys from the bin and claimed them as her own. She struck us as a chihuahua, and we decided to do a doggie DNA test to learn her exact breed background.

These breed detection tests are only ...

  • Emilie Lucchesi

    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi

    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Ph.D., is a freelance journalist who regularly contributes to Discover Magazine. She reports on the social sciences, medical history, and new scientific discoveries.

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