DNA

Del Rio Dogo Argentinos

DNA

I have always been fascinated with science and genetics. I have taken genetic courses through Arizona State University and Cornell University, where the later emphasized canine genetics.

I love it when people ask me, "is my dog a dogo." The answer is almost always no. The main reason is color.

Black is a dominant color over all others, then brindle is dominant over brown, brown dominant over black & tan. Dogos are actually not "white." They are black or brindle with extreme piebalding.

If a dogo breeds with a rottweiler, 100% of the puppies will be black or brindle with white toes, possible mask, chest, belly & tail tip. No tan markings will be present. Color wise, "no one" would ever guess "dogo-mix." If a dogo bred with a mastiff, The puppies would either be brindle or black with white markings. Zero percent of the puppies would be tan -- even if their parent was. Same goes if a dogo breeds with a labrador -- even an extremely light colored lab. 100% of the pups would be black or brindle with white trim. Color wise, they wouldn't resemble either parent. Same color pattern would occur if a dogo bred with a poodle (not including UKC parti-colored poodles), 100% of the pups would be black or brindle w/white trim. The only way to get solid white dogo-mix puppies is to breed a dogo with another breed that carries the piebald gene -- like a bulldog, pitbull, boxer, pointer. If such a breeding occurred, the chances of getting a solid white puppy would still only be about 15%.

The above info has little to do with the DNA profiling I have done with my dogs, just a bit of my passion that I would like to share with other dog lovers.

DNA Profiling?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a double-stranded helix of nucleotides which carries the genetic information of a cell. DNA can be used for identification, verification of parentage and for other health-related genetic evaluations.

The main purposes of DNA profiling dogs is for parentage verification and genetic identity. DNA profiling helps to preserve the integrity of the registry.

Identificaton: The DNA profile is the ultimate in individual identification and offers a 'tamper-proof' means of identity.

Parentage/Pedigree Analysis: Provided that the DNA profiles of both parents are available, pups in a litter can be profiled and their profiles checked with their parents' profile to verify that the correct parents have been registered.

DNA-P and DNA-VIP are DNA profiles through UKC. UKC's DNA program is voluntary. Special designations DNA-P and DNA-VIP are placed on the dog's records and printed on all registration papers. DNA-P is a profiled dog and DNA-VIP means that the dog and both of its parents are DNA profiled. The parentage then, is Verified Identified Parentage (VIP). UKC was the first dog registry to establish a DNA program. All owners receive a Certificate of DNA Analysis from the lab.

AKC also has a DNA program which is done through the same lab as UKC's. However, Unllike the UKC, the AKC DNA Profile Number appears right there on the pedigree when a dog has been AKC DNA Certified. As we move forward, more and more dogs appearing on the pedigrees will have had their parentage verified, and the pedigrees will carry that extra measure of confidence.

Collecting a DNA sample from your dog is relatively easy. Both the UKC and the AKC have DNA sample kits. The kits include:

** sterile CheekSwab brand DNA Collection Brush

** sterile DNA Swab protective envelope

** mailing envelope to mail the swab and documentation back

The instructions for collecting the DNA sample are simple -- swab the inside of the dog's cheek with the CheekSwab brush as instructed. Thats it.

As of 2003, AKC currently charges $40 for a DNA profile analysis. UKC currently charges $49. Both AKC & UKC use the same lab for processing, MMI Genomics. For an $8 fee, UKC will accept profiles done by AKC, but not vice versa.

Although the Dogos are currently only AKC FSS registered, I still had Brillante DNA profilied first through AKC and then submitted a copy of the profile to UKC.

Brillante is now DNA-P with UKC and DNA certified with AKC FSS.

BSL: If it ever comes down to it, any of my pups can prove lineage back to Brillante through DNA profiles. This could prove useful in proving that the particular Dogo is indeed a Dogo and not a pitbull. This is just another reason why ALL breeders should be DNA profiling their breeding dogs.

To order your free DNA test kit from AKC go to http://www.akc.org and click on Shop AKC.

To order your DNA test kit from UKC go to http://www.ukcdogs.com and click on "Registration" then click on "Download Forms"

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