Interesting on that particular DNA test.

I can tell you biewers were tested using the test developed by MARS.

The Wisdom Panelâ„¢ MX Mixed Breed Analysis test answers 'What's My Dog?'

Kathy785 had her biewer tested and one time posted the results...I don't remember any percentage given...it include yorkie, maltese, and an unknown marker. Interesting side note....not all the dogs tested had identical genetic markers.

I have been told the test itself identifies back thru 8 generations.

LOL that is not surprising. As I said I bet there would be a lot of hidden skeletons if these test would be made mandatory.

Do we know how many lines of yorkshire terriers were tested as a comparison to the Biewer tests? In other words, did the "pure" yorkshire terriers come back with only yorkshire terrier in their percentages?

I believe I had read somewhere (a few weeks ago) that the Mars test only had an 82% accuracy rate (it was an article about the test). I couldn't find that info on the site that you posted?

I believe you are correct Sue. As far as pure Yorkies being tested...I couldn't tell you. (Although technically, shouldn't that have been what was happening when the Biewers were tested, if in fact the breeds history is that the derived from pure, standard Yorkies?)

Yes, that's what I'm thinking, that Mars testing the pure yorkie would be the controlled group to compare the Biewer test results to. Did it happen that way though, that's the question?

I couldn't tell ya. The whole subject of Biewers in general is usually met with such hostility everytime it's brought up that alot of people just run in fear. LOL. Lots of people interested to learn more, but few who will pursue it at the cost of being met with insults and not so friendly discussion

Disclaimer ..... I haven't been involved in any mars testing. LOL. The information I know....I've read. ;)

Yes, the test is only 84% accurate and not accurate when testing purebreed dogs. According to the website in order to test purebreed dogs...they would have to test EVERY line out there in a particular breed.

They have genetic markers from 130 akc recognized breeds. It's those markers they are looking for when examing a particular dog.

Here's a FAQ page from the website...

Frequently Asked Questions about Mars Veterinary

A dvd is supposed to become available explaining the genetics and the biewers involved in the testing. I haven't heard if that's happened yet or not.

Originally Posted by Pinehaven
Yes, that's what I'm thinking, that Mars testing the pure yorkie would be the controlled group to compare the Biewer test results to. Did it happen that way though, that's the question?


That's probably what they should have done. Then compare the results to see how many differences are found. I think that's the only way to know for sure if they are the same breed or not.

Well they claim to have the results of most of the breeds on file, and when they test for breeds they compare the DNA markers to those that they have on file.

Here is a link to the accuracy rating.

Thoughts on Paws : Mixed breed DNA test says Cassie's a basboxollie

That same 84% accuracy is also stated in an article on TheDogChannel.com

There isn't a "control group" so to speak. They took samples from so many breeds...and used those to determine the genetic markers. This isn't the dna that determines parentage...there are specific markers for the breed itself. Like a boxer's genetic markers are different from a yorkie's genetic markers.

Quick question for clarification...

Are the genes for coat color used in determining the breeds with the MARS testing? If yes, then do they include the gene for tri/parti within the genes for yorkies? If not wouldn't that make it impossible to tell if biewers or tris are full yorkie or not? The reason I ask is because if all blue/tan yorkies were used to establish the database for the yorkie then when the "parti gene" was present wouldn't that lead the results into the belief that there had to be another breed to account for the color?

I personally do not care if "partis" are full yorkie or something was mixed in, it makes no difference to me since I will not be using any in my breeding program. If I had one pop up in a litter, just like any incorrectly colored yorkie it would be spayed/neutered before leaving to a pet home.

I haven't read anywhere that specifically stated what genetic markers were used to determine the individual breeds. The website only says they have analyzed 19,000 markers from 13,000 dogs.

You can send any incorrectly colored puppy to me. :D

SO TRUE!!!!!!!!!!! When Digs was a puppy he had a TON of white on him (more than the normal chin, feet marks) his whole chest his belly and insides of legs as well as chest and chin. So I of course post pics asking....Why is he so white?? I have 4 yorkies in my immediate family all from same breeder same parents and NO white dogs on her premisis. Bella, Ada, and Zoe have NO white and then comes my lil Diggy boy, all white and cute so of course i was curious as to why he was so white. I posted pics and GOOD LORD you would have thought I shot the president!!!! I got emails saying neuter him immediately he is nothing short of a mutant dog....wth????? It was NASTY I was pretty new so I kept my mouth shut scared to say a word watching people battle it out on the topic. Diggy is infact neutered and NOT because he is a mutant but because I love him, and will leave the breeding to those who know what they are doing because I certainly DO NOT.

As for why Diggy is so white. I still dont know and frankly don't care. I am curious but will it change anything NO.

I am very proud of my mutant colored, hybrid, splitter, carrier, or whatever else he may be. To me he is Diggy :)

and you are exactly right Bama I am curious to learn but i think the hostility is too much for me to read I get mad....and upset. Isnt worth it.

You have a good point there. I don't think it looks for those type of genes. And they are indicating that different lines of the same breed contain different markers, so I'm not sure that this testing is really proving what we want to know about the partis and the Biewers.

Also it is only 84% accurate for the first generation and the accuracy rate declines from there.

Totally off topic but it must be said.
Your Diggy looks so cute sleeping!!! He's just adorable.