DNA parentage testing: what the comparison establishes

A specific comparison

UC Davis VGL describes a canine parent-verification test using genetic markers. The important reference question is which proposed parents and offspring were compared. A report should remain attached to those identified animals and the laboratory. Do not turn a parentage statement into a claim that the dog was screened for every inherited condition or belongs to a particular breed.

A recordkeeping example

A pedigree may list two parents while a separate lab report documents a parentage comparison. Keep both documents’ roles clear and check that the dog identifiers correspond. If one proposed parent was not included or the report is incomplete, do not describe a fully confirmed pair without the laboratory’s actual finding. Preserve the report wording and uncertainty.

Use professional interpretation where needed

This is a terminology guide, not a genetic diagnosis or breeding recommendation. Ask the laboratory about the scope of its method and an appropriate veterinarian or genetics professional about consequential interpretation. Private samples, owner contact details and unrelated health information do not need to be exposed in a public pedigree. A permitted source-linked confirmation is preferable to publishing the entire report.

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• UC Davis VGL — parent verification and genetic marker report (opens in a new tab)

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