Did you know that DNA Technology can now identify 38 major breeds. The Canine Heritage test launched in North America is apparently easy to administer and only requires a cheek swab sample to be mailed to the company for analysis. It takes 4-6 weeks for results to be returned to owners. Why would you want to know your dog's DNA? Well for a start if your dog is a mongrel or a cross breed, they say that knowing 'the mix' of breeds could help owners and adopters have a better understanding of their pet's behaviour.

Toffee our golden labrador certainly has all the labrador characteristics and I know her parentage, two lovely black labs, but she does not have a pedigree...often people stop me in the park to ask what breed she is, perhaps because she runs so fast and is very fit and trim which can be unusual for a city based labrador! Perhaps there was some mix a couple of generations ago...intriguing and it would be interesting to know! Perhaps it's time for the DNA test Toffee? But then again I would'nt want to offend your very pure labrador sensibilities! You are perfect whatever your DNA!