It’s not just humans who can celebrate their heritage. Your dog can too! With a simple dog DNA test, you can find out exactly what mix of breeds makes your fluffy friend so unique. Maybe they’re secretly a sausage dog with a side hustle in shepherding? It’s all in their DNA. 

Of course, heritage is fun, but health is everything. Pet insurance from dotsure.co.za covers a range of pets, regardless of their DNA test results! Do you need cover? Get a quote online or contact us for more info. 

 

Why Pet Heritage Matters: Honouring Diversity This September 

Discovering your pet's backstory is more than fun trivia for your friends and family: 

  • Health insights: Some breeds are prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia. Knowing their roots means you can spot health risks before they become emergencies. 
  • Training tips: When you understand their heritage, you understand their behaviour. A Border Collie mix might need more mental stimulation. Training a Pug mix may mean many more snacks for motivation. 

 

RELATED: TAKING CARE OF A BORDER COLLIEGERMAN SHEPHERD CHARACTERISTICS AND CARETAKING CARE OF A DACHSHUND 

 

What Is a Dog DNA Test and How Does It Work?

Testing labs can read your dog’s genetic code with one cheek swab and reveal the mix hiding beneath that fluffy coat.

The results usually come with breakdowns of breed percentages, possible genetic health markers, and even fun personality predictions.

 

What Can a Dog DNA Test Tell You About Your Pet? 

  • Breed breakdown: You’ll discover if your rescue pup is 60% Labrador, 30% Beagle, or 10% Dachshund. 
  • Inherited quirks: DNA can explain why your dog insists on digging, herding, or chasing tennis balls like it’s their life’s work. 
  • Health indicators: Some tests highlight genetic predispositions to conditions such as heart disease or joint issues. This is helpful knowledge for your vet so that they can keep your dog thriving. 
  • Coat colour and traits: DNA reveals why your dog looks the way they do. 

 

How to Do a Dog DNA Test at Home 

  1. Order a kit online. 
  2. Swab your doggo’s cheek. 
  3. Send it back. 
  4. Wait for the big reveal. 

 

Where to Get a Dog DNA Test in South Africa 

We sniffed out some options for you: 

Provider  Price 
EasyDNA SA  From R2 236 
PetGen  From R2 995 
homeDNAdirect  From R1 499 
MuttMix  From R1 350 

 

Heritage and Health

Discovering your pup’s roots with a dog DNA test is exciting, but knowing you’ve got their health covered is even better. Protect your pet with dog insurance from dotsure.co.za. We cover accidents, illnesses, and more! Contact us today and chat to one of our friendly consultants for more information about wholehearted cover. 

 

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