K9 Chava DNA Test
What is K9 Chava made up of? Besides pure excitement, drive and kisses. If you read the welcome K9 Chava, than you know that she came to us by way of a rescue group, called Woof Project Rescue. Woof project specializes in finding fur-ever homes for Belgian Malinois. They rescued her as a stray from a shelter in Southern, Ca. Due to this, there was no certainty of what her genetic makeup was. Don’t get me wrong, she looks like a mal, she acts like a mal, and she eats like a mal. So the question is, why does it matter? Is it necessary to know her genetic makeup? Is she truly Belgian Malinois? Around the firehouse one thing is certain. Anywhere there is uncertainty, speculations will be imposed Speculations launched quickly to fill the void of any uncertainty. And within no time at all, the question was not just, “Is Chava part coyote?” But, “How much coyote is she made of exactly?”
Were we curious about her background? Absolutely, but that is not why we tested her. By that point she was part of the program and she is here to stay. Regardless of what her makeup is, she is excelling at exponential rates. So why test? Well our team veterinarian, that you know as CritterDoc, brought up a good point. It would be good to know if she has any genetic medical predispositions. Learning more about her “breed” would be an added bonus. The test checks for numerous genetic predispositions. Some of which can interfere with which medications she can receive, should she need them. It also checks for things like endurance induced collapse, and many more.
Rathdrum Animal Clinic generously donated the test, and we impatiently waited for the results. I am happy to know that Chava is not positive for any of the listed genetic predispositions. The next question, as listed above, was still how much coyote is in her blood? Any guesses??? As it turns out… she has a whopping…. 0% coyote in her. In fact quite the opposite.
The test doesn’t actually measure percentages like many of the tests that people take. But it does measure traits, and makes a scientific determination that goes back a few generations in her ancestry. Per the test results, the only blood in her, is Belgian Malinois. There were no other noted breeds in her ancestry. A dogs genetic makeup does not provide any guarantee of success. Tons of incredible dogs, come from mixed genetics. As far as workability and drive, I don’t hold a high value on a dog being a purebred. I think it is truly the drive and determination of the dog specifically. I do however, see value in knowing that dog has a clean medical background. Thank You to Rathdrum Animal Clinic for donating this test. It was super interesting and I am glad we did it.
CritterDoc Corner:
Dogs spend a lot of time in our yards, so as you are working to clean up outside after the winter, remember to keep it a safe place for animals. If you use a lawn service, notify them that you have pets. Store fertilizers and insecticides securely, and read labels for safety instructions. Cocoa bean mulch contains the same toxin to animals as chocolate. Mothballs used to repel pests are highly toxic to dogs and cats. I use the ASPCA.org website to check which plants and flowers are safe to have in my gardens. Have fun creating a yard where both you and your dog will enjoy spending time!
