Getting Harlan (my dog) a DNA test!

[Ultralight]

Anyone else do this?

[Chicken lady]

I do not have a dog, but I’ve missed your voice and I want to hear how Harlan is doing these days.

[iris lilies]

Nah, what’s the point of that? I mean it’s fun so I guess you’re doing it for fun.


The blood test of my bulldog would reveal he is a bulldog! Because he’s one of the new “color “ types I think he has something else mixed in a couple generations back, tho.

[Teacher Terry]

Most of my dogs are pure Maltese. I have been curious about a few I rescued but not enough to spend the money. How old is Harlan now?

[LDAHL]

I doubt my dog much cares whether he’s 1% Cherokee or whatever. That’s the sort of thing lesser species worry about.

[Ultralight]

I do not have a dog, but I’ve missed your voice and I want to hear how Harlan is doing these days.

Harlan is still spry at 12.5. I am okay. You okay?

[razz]

Why are you getting a DNA test on your dog. Checking to see if he has any siblings or to meet his biological parents;)

[Ultralight]

I doubt my dog much cares whether he’s 1% Cherokee or whatever. That’s the sort of thing lesser species worry about.

Its just for funzeez.

[frugal-one]

Nice to see you back UL.

[LDAHL]

Its just for funzeez.

I think he’d have more fun with a dead squirrel. But his tastes aren’t all that sophisticated.

[Teacher Terry]

That’s great for a big dog! Noki who was 74lbs died shortly after turning 13. It was sad because he was so healthy but despite 2 kinds of pain medications he had too many orthopedic problems and was walking so little his back legs were atrophying. He used to love long walks. My vet said this happens to many big dogs especially ones that have German Shepard in them. It’s been 3 years but I still miss him. I hope Harlan does well for a long time.

[Ultralight]

That’s great for a big dog! Noki who was 74lbs died shortly after turning 13. It was sad because he was so healthy but despite 2 kinds of pain medications he had too many orthopedic problems and was walking so little his back legs were atrophying. He used to love long walks. My vet said this happens to many big dogs especially ones that have German Shepard in them. It’s been 3 years but I still miss him. I hope Harlan does well for a long time.

I am sorry to hear about your dog.

Harlan is only 43 elbeez. He still jumps like 40 hurdles a day. No regular meds. His main problem is tooth decay. He has had 8 or 10 teeth removed.

[Teacher Terry]

UL, for some reason I thought Harlan was bigger. My Maltese all had issues with their teeth. It’s usually a tiny dog problem. Cassie had no teeth by age 7 and most of the others had about 10 left. Harlan sounds like he is in great shape!

[Chicken lady]

I am good. Job has had a lot of rough stretches, but avoiding covid and loving the grandmother gig.

I’m glad Harlan is doing well. I’m sure you will be sure he eats well even if he loses all his teeth.

[beckyliz]

My DIL and son got one for their puppy. She's 100% pibble (pit bull). She's mostly white and is deaf. I think there's something about white dogs and cats tending to be deaf?

[Teacher Terry]

Becky, yes something about the gene for the color white and deafness go together. Dalmatians also have a higher than normal rate of deafness. I had a deaf Maltese that was a puppy mill dog and she knew nothing.

I taught her 7 signs that I made up to communicate with her. I made them simple and dramatic. Some she knew instantly and others took a month to learn. I could tell her to go potty when we traveled. Like deaf people if she didn’t want to hear what I was saying she would either close her eyes or look away:)).

[boss mare]

I don't know if you would call it exactly DNA testing, but Corgi's are genetically prone to Degenerative Myelopathy. It's very similar to ALS . My lovely Holly was showing signs of what was either Intervertebral Disc Disease ( IVDD) or DM . We had her tested for DM ( when I got her, there was no testing available. She tested positive for DM . It required swabbing her cheek. Had she been negative, surgery would have been an option . Unfortunately, DM is 100% fatal. We escorted her to the Rainbow Bridge 1 1/2 years ago. She was almost 13.

Fun Horse Fact of The Day : Almost all the major breeds require DNA testing. It's usually obtained by pulling a section of mane hair and it requires the roots of the mane. not simply cutting the mane.

[iris lilies]

There are genetic markers for common bulldog ailments that good breeders have performed on their puppies. I don’t remember what they are, but they exist.

[pony mom]

I was curious about DNA tests for my mixed breed dogs but it was only available when I had my last dog; she was some really cute Chihuahua mix with ears and coloring of a Yorkie, but short haired. Never did the test.

I thought about having one done for my pony, since my trainer thinks he's part Welsh pony and I think he's too mellow and is more likely a Quarter horse cross. Someone at my barn has a very large mare; her result was part Shire and part Caspian Pony!! Not a common breed at all, and pony sized, when this mare is enormous. After that result, I'm really doubting the accuracy of the test.

His name is Merlyn, which is Welsh for pony. So Welsh in name only.

[Ultralight]

Results are in! Harlan is mostly a pit bull/chihuahua mix! Some other terriers and boxer mixed in too.

[iris lilies]

Results are in! Harlan is mostly a pit bull/chihuahua mix! Some other terriers and boxer mixed in too.
Strange combo!

[catherine]

Harlan is definitely a mixed breed!!