What can DNA tell about breed and ancestry?
A breed calculation compares the DNA of your animal with genetic references from known breeds. The result can give a better picture of the origin, but is a statistical estimate, not a pedigree.
Breed ancestry is an estimate
A breed analysis compares your animal’s DNA with reference samples from animals of known breeds. It estimates which combination of reference groups best explains the markers in the sample. This approach is often called admixture analysis.
The result describes genetic similarity. It is not a pedigree, proof of parentage or confirmation of official breed status. Appearance and ancestry are also different: coat colour or ear shape can be influenced by a small number of variants.
The reference panel sets the limits
A useful estimate needs a suitable panel for the species, relevant breeds represented by reliable data and enough informative markers in the sample. Closely related breeds may be difficult to distinguish. A breed missing from the panel may be represented by its closest genetic matches instead.
Small estimated percentages deserve particular caution. Estimates can change when the panel or marker coverage improves; that does not necessarily mean the original DNA analysis was wrong. Siblings may also inherit different combinations of DNA and receive different estimates.
GenePaws allows seven species to be registered. Registration does not mean that breed analysis is available for every species. Check the panel, coverage and limitations stated in the actual result.
Use ancestry as background
An estimate can help you ask better questions about an animal with an unknown background. It cannot identify specific ancestors, predict behaviour or diagnose disease. Do not use it alone to choose food, treatment or breeding partners.
Explore genetic health, temperament, nutrition and lifespan for the limits of each topic. Before ordering, check test availability.