Toronto dog DNA testing company IDs woman as 40% Alaskan Malamute
Global News
In analyzing submitted samples, DNA My Dog determined that investigative reporter Christina Hager was part Alaskan Malamute, Shar-Pei and Labrador.
A Toronto-based company that analyzes canine DNA is in the doghouse after an investigative report raised questions about the accuracy of its dog breed identification tests. The company, however, has stood by its services in communication with Global News.
DNA My Dog claims to provide its customers with the “highest possible accuracy” in determining a dog’s breed, and also offers services to identify a dog’s allergies and “genetic age,” via analysis of a cheek swab.
These DNA testing kits cost between $79.99 and $199.99 and are analyzed at the company’s office in Birch Cliff, a neighbourhood in the eastern part of Toronto.
An investigative team at WBZ News, located in Boston, Mass., decided to put DNA My Dog, and other pet DNA services like it, to the test. But instead of sending in a cheek swab from a dog, they submitted DNA taken from the cheek of their reporter, Christina Hager.
Two companies, Orivet and Wisdom Panel, analyzed the swabs and found that the DNA provided could not yield a reliable result. But DNA My Dog determined that Hager was 40 per cent Alaskan Malamute, 35 per cent Shar-Pei and 25 per cent Labrador, according to the report.
One year ago, WBZ News carried out a similar investigation and had New Hampshire pet owner Michelle Leininger send in a cheek swab to DNA My Dog. The same thing happened. DNA My Dog identified Leininger as 40 per cent Border Collie, 32 per cent Cane Corso and 28 per cent Bulldog, according to the report.
“Some people might agree,” Leininger joked at the time, but added that she “wouldn’t waste the money” testing one of her pets.
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