Recently, my sister sent me an article from the June 24, 2007 edition of the L.A. Times entitled, ‘Decoding the secret lives of dogs‘. It seems as though the age old question, “What kind of dog is that?” can finally be answered. Through the miracle of science, DNA testing can now be applied to man’s best friend to determine genealogy. For approximately $72, Metamorphix Inc., a life sciences company, offers the Canine Heritage Breed Test. Straight out of an episode of CSI, Metamorphix sends you a kit containing a “cheekswab collection brush” in which you’re required to capture and return Fido’s saliva for DNA analysis.

Two years ago, we rescued what we were told was a female Jack Russell Terrier. Since we already owned a male purebred J.R.T, we knew a female would make a perfect addition to the family. Two years later, “Sophie” aka “Soapy Noodle” looks nothing like a J.R.T. We’ve been asked time and time again what her breed is but could only speculate. Hopefully, this test will answer that question once and for all. I’ll have a follow-up once the DNA results are in!

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