Canine DNA Parentage Testing

Dog breeders are increasingly turning to advanced DNA-based technology to verify the parentage of their puppies, and to protect the identity of their dogs. DNA-based parentage testing is especially useful for expert breeders to construct detailed pedigrees, and give them an advantage in the highly competitive breeding market.

Understanding the Technology

Every individual animal has its own unique DNA fingerprint, which includes markers that come from each parent. These markers are called microsatellites. VITA-TECH's state-of-the-art technology compares the microsatellite variations of an individual to those of the presumed parents. This technology can conclusively verify the biological parents of each animal. VITA-TECH’s canine parentage test utilizes ten different microsatellite markers to reduce the possibility of error to virtually zero.

State-Of-The-Art Technology 

As a result of inbreeding and the existence of hundreds of different dog breeds, it is very important for clients to ask about the parentage technology being used. Relatively inexpensive, in-house tests can result in the wrong sire being reported as the biological father of a puppy.

VITA-TECH uses the same proven technology used by the American Kennel Club and endorsed by every major purebreed canine organization. This reliable and thoroughly researched technology provides conclusive identification of individual dogs, and proves biological relations with 99.9% certainty and non-biological relations with 100% certainty.

The technology behind this test has been carefully designed by one of the world's premier genetics companies for maximum reproducibility and sensitivity. In addition, the equipment used at VITA-TECH, including the Applied Biosystems ABI377 Prism DNA Sequencer, are by far the most accurate and reliable tools for parentage determination available. This technology is recognized worldwide as the standard for canine parentage testing.

Sample Collection

Sample collection is simple and painless, and can even be done by the breeder/owner. All that's needed is a cotton-tipped swab that is used to collect cells from a dog’s mouth.  A small blood sample collected in EDTA (lavender-top tube) can also be used. VITA-TECH supplies the required materials and forms free of charge.

The VITA-TECH Advantage

VITA-TECH Laboratories has been offering professional diagnostic services to the veterinary and animal breeding community since 1984. VITA-TECH led the veterinary diagnostic market into the new field of genetics with the introduction of its state-of-the-art DNA laboratory in 1995. All services are performed using stringent quality controls and conform to the guidelines set out under ISO 9002 registration. Features of our testing services include:

• Experienced and professional in-house DNA specialists and technologists.

• Certified reports reviewed and issued by our DNA specialists.

• DNA storage services for future genetic testing

• State-of-the-art technology and equipment.

• Client confidentiality.

• In-house professional veterinary consultants.

• Open 24-hours, 6 days a week.

• Courier pick-up service available.

Please call our laboratory for further details.

Canine DNA Parentage Requisition form available in pdf format.