Special Report: Doggy DNA

It's used to prove cases in the courtroom and to put paternity questions to rest. Now, DNA is going to the dogs. A new test let's owners find out exactly what their lovable mutt is made of! Like Benny.

Jacqui Hedstrom, Benny’s owner
"We got Benny from the MSPCA shelter in Springfield last June."

Can you guess Benny's breed?

Jacqui Hedstrom, Benny’s owner
"I always refer to him as a Shepard mix; some people have said that they see terrier in him, somebody else said they saw collie in him, and somebody else said husky."

Benny's owner is excited to find out for sure, and so is Misha's.

Andrea Bessler, pet owner
"I wanted a big dog and something about her just grabbed me and I took her home. Her paperwork said that she was a husky mix. I think that she's either an Australian Shepard or Border collie or a combination of the two."

The makers of the test say it can detect the genetics of up to 38 different breeds to find your pooch's pedigree.

Dennis Fantin, Metamorphix, Inc. representative
"We take a look at different pieces of DNA within a dog’s genome and then with those pieces we compare them back to how similar they are to certain purebred dogs and then make determinations on what the actual mix is."

The test is easy; just swab the inside of your dog's cheek for about thirty seconds and then send the swab off to the company's lab, about four weeks later you'll get a certificate detailing your dog's genetics.

The benefits of knowing this doggie DNA go beyond simply satisfying curiosity. It can actually help you make better health decisions for your pet.

Meagan Rock, MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center manager
"Certain breeds do have medical predispositions that they're going to face later in their life, so it certainly would be helpful for them."

Benny turned out to be a mix of an Akita and a Border collie.

Jacqui Hedstrom, Benny’s owner
"I had never in my life expected that Benny would be part Akita."

As for Misha, to her owner’s surprise, she's a German shorthaired pointer and an English setter mix.

Andrea Bessler, pet owner
"I was beside myself; I was like oh my god! I know nothing! I know nothing about the breed."

If you'd like to investigate the mystery of your pet's makeup it will cost about $65 to close the case with doggy DNA.

By early next year the test will be expanded to detect over 100 different breeds that might make up your mutt. The new test will cost about $100.

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