| csagan001 | 08-19-2009 03:36 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by scrapindee
(Post 2763495)
I think this is a very important topic. Gee litter mates are called two different things: Biewers or Biewer Terriers....depending on who is selling puppies. I don't think the Mars Test is accurate. I met several animal genetists on the K-9 cruise all of whom were in agreement that the Mars test was not developed to distinguish a new breed much less determine purebreeds.
| The MARS test is not accurate for purebreds or for mixed breeds. See the posting on that HERE
The DNA testing for disease is even less accurate. It is even less accurate than "less accurate" if it is used for dogs that are not in the primary groups. Tests developed for weimaraners (spelling) are not valid for beagles etc.
Anyone who relies on the MARS test to prove that their dog is unique, a new breed, or anything else, is blowing smoke. They simply do not have a clue what they are talking about (or they are liars.)
Similarly anyone who relies on DNA for disease testing to prove that their dog is healthy or their breeding lines are healthy is blowing smoke--albeit of a different variety. These people also do not have a clue what they are talking about (or they are liars.)
The facts about DNA are stunning: as scientists we actually know far less about DNA than the general public thinks we do. The only organism for which we really understand the DNA is the pea--the garden pea--the one you eat at dinner. We understand the pea very well. The rest we do not understand.
Sure, we have mapped the genome. That tells us where specific proteins are found. We know what a very few of those do. We do not know how they work together. Our knowledge of human DNA is VERY limited. ...and we have lots of money to research human DNA. Our knowledge of dog DNA is even more limited--there is very little research money available for dog DNA. Anyone who claims that they understand dog DNA is either a fool or a liar. | 