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Originally Posted by chattiesmom  Has any of the Mars testing been submitted to an outside non-biased source for confirmation?
I generally don't read these threads, but this one intrigues me. The most interesting point is that the scientists who developed this test also have a financial intrest - meaning this is a product/idea that they sell. Where is confirmation of the Mars Test by an outside non biased source that has no financial interest in the outcome? |
It would seem to me to be a very complex topic, partly for the reasons that WoogieMan stated. Also, I would imagine that every breed would have to have a different test, with different accuracy rates? I don't think there's a sign anywhere in dog DNA that says "Hi! I am a _________". So presumably the determinants would be different for different breeds, and have different certainty levels. DNA-wise, what differentiates a Golden Retriever from a Dachshund? We can check out the phenotypes, but where are the genotypes?
To add some completely unscientific experience of my own, I saw an eppy of "Flipping Out" where someone had five dogs tested. The results were clearly ridiculous - the chihuahua came back with Husky and Great Dane markers, that kind of thing.
I do think this test matters, because I know at least one person on this board was unsure of her dog's heritage, and got a MARS test done, which indicated it was not a purebred yorkie. She considered suing the breeder over it. So I do think it's important that people know whether they can trust this test.