Dog breeds are genetically distinct enough that scientists can accurately determine a dog’s breed through DNA testing. Elaine Ostrander, Ph.D., a researcher at the National Human Genome Research Institute, explained in an interview that identifying a dog’s breed can be done with high fidelity. Multiple companies can determine the major component breeds of a mixed breed dog with great accuracy.
Ostrander pointed out that there is more genetic variation between different dog breeds than there is between human populations. This means that the concept of a dog breed is not only based on appearance but also on genetics.
In a study Ostrander referenced, a computer successfully identified the breed of 99% of dogs based on their genetic profile alone. This demonstrates the real and definable nature of dog breeds through genetics.
Overall, DNA testing has proven to be a reliable and accurate method for identifying a dog’s breed, highlighting the uniqueness and genetic diversity present in different breeds of dogs.
