Pet Orphans begins dog DNA testing
Now dog DNA testing has been around for awhile (actually since 2007 according to this wikipedia article) but Pet Orphans has just recently began doing dog DNA testing on a few of our harder to place dogs, because, according to them, the test is beneficial to both the dog and the adopter. The Wisdom Panel MX Mixed Breed Analysis can identify 134 of the approx 150 AKC registered breeds, and with 90% accuracy give a dog's heritage going back 3 generations. A blood sample is taken from the animal and sent off to a lab. Approximately 3 weeks later the results come back. There are several benefits:
The adopter has a better idea of what they might be getting, and whether that particular mix of breeds is right for their lifestyle. One of the most common reasons dogs are given up at the shelter is because they got one that wasn't right for their lifestyle. Different breeds have different needs, and it's important to make a good match.
When adopting a mixed breed puppy, you have no idea what you're getting. Some people can handle a mystery, but other people have limitations on size or exercise requirements etc. Once you know what breeds the puppy is, you know how big it's going to get and what type of personality it's likely going to have. Rescue organizations often see puppies that are puffy fluff balls when they're young and mislabeled as chows because of their coat. Chows are much harder to adopt out than other breeds because of their temperment. However, their coats can often look quite different as an adult. Pet Orphans has seen many puppies come back and visit them as adults only to determine that they mislabeled them. "We had them labeled as Chow-mixes, and it was clear as an adult that there wasn't any Chow in them after all," said the press release.
Some breeds are harder to find homes for than others. While all breeds are wonderful in the right home, some are simply more sought out by the public. Pit Bulls are especially difficult to adopt out in a timely manner because of their false reputation as a being vicious. There is a lot of misinformation out there about the breed, and a LOT of media distortion about pit bull attacks that really hurt this wonderful breed. Again, dogs are often mislabeled as being pit-mixes because of certain physical characteristics. If a DNA test can prove a dog that looks like a pit bull doesn't actually have any pit in him, it greatly benefits the dog. Even insurance companies will make it more difficult for people who own pit-mixes.
Click the following link for photos and stories of various mixes that have been tested. Sorry for the large photos. I was unable to do this on my computer at home. Traveling does that to you. I hope to get to Colorado in one piece tomorrow. See you on the fly!!
Peanut was tested because he looked like he had some pit bull in him. It turns out he has none! He is mostly Rottweiler, with traces of Beagle and Bulldog. It's easier for us to find a home for a Rottweiler than a pit bull, so this helps him.
Danny was tested because he was getting overlooked for a while (he has since been adopted). We had him listed as a shepherd mix, and it turns out he has no Shepherd in him. He is mostly lab, with traces of curly-coated retriever, Irish setter and Bulldog. People are more interested in adopting Labradors than shepherds, so this helped him.
Glenda was listed as a rottweiler/shepherd mix. The group tested her, and it turns out she's Rottweiler with traces of Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and Toy Fox Terrier in her. Again, she benefits from those breeds over being a shepherd.
I think DNA testing is not a good idea. By their own admission, pitbulls, who have a very bad rep, will now definitely not even be given a second chance. You are condeming pitbulls to death with this ridiculous canine racist activity. Does Pet Orphans have nothing better to spend its money on?????
Shame on them. I will make sure to advise my rather extensive list of supporters to not contribute their hard earned dollars so that Pet Orphans can waste it on DNA testing, rather than rescuing and supporting dogs!
PS
We also recall speaking to a representative on a phone call to Pet Orphans and during our discussion about types of humane harnesses to use, she explained how they euthanize dogs who get "cage mania", in which dogs stop eating and go crazy from living in a cage or kennel all the time. What kind of rescue organization are they? This was in June of 2006. We were horrified.
ps
Remember now, re the email just sent. The representative I spoke to in June 2006 called the condition dogs can get that justifies them being euthanized at Pet Orphans as "kennel rage".