A DNA test can reveal what your mutt’s made of

Published: Tuesday, March 5, 2013, 12:01 a.m.

All she knew was that he was the red-hot retriever prancing around the neighborhood.

So, she had a DNA test done.

It was obvious that Leila's mom, a mixed-breed who belonged to her in-laws, had some border collie, but McKee wasn't sure what else. She suspected Leila's dad was likely the product of some heat-of-the-moment mixed matings as well.

A drop of blood revealed more than Leila's pedigree, or lack of. "You can find out what kind of medical conditions they might run into," said McKee, a receptionist at a Mukilteo vet clinic. "Or how big the dog might get."

DNA analysis showed Leila's dad was half Labrador and her mom half border collie. Well, that explained the pup's bossiness and the spring in her step.

Her parents' other halves were of mixed breed ancestry, as was Leila's.

The DNA blood test, which distinguishes more than 235 breed types, determined the five next best breed matches in Leila's makeup were: Argentine dogo (17.75 percent); Russian wolfhound (10.88 percent); Akita (5.4 percent); Great Dane (4.75 percent); and Cesky terrier (2.95 percent).

Health risks for Leila's main breeds include exercise-induced collapse, drug sensitivity, narcolepsy, skeletal dysplasia and eye problems.

So far, she's a healthy, frisky 4-year-old who keeps a nose in everything that goes on with McKee's two kids and husband at their Marysville home.

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A DNA test can reveal what your mutt's made of