Pinches first to use mixed-breed DNA test at South Shore vet
By Cheryl Holladay

KEY TO ID (Above) Dr. David Hock, DVM, draws blood from Trucker, one of Jerry and Marie Pinch's two dogs, as Vet Tech Kim King assists March 21. The Pinches used a new DNA test that reveals the breeds of mix-breed dogs. (Below) Following the test, Jerry and Marie Pinch learned April 10 what breeds their dogs, Trucker (left) and Lucy, are at South Shore Animal Hospital. (TRP)

Caring for a mixed-breed dog can sometimes be difficult if Fido's owner does not know to look for certain behavioral or medical traits.

Jerry and Marie Pinch of Prudenville wanted to take better care of their dogs, Trucker and Lucy, which they had adopted from the Roscommon County Animal Shelter, and they had learned about a way they could identify what mix of breeds their dogs are.

Mrs. Pinch said she had read about DNA testing for dogs, but the testing was not readily available. The Pinch's veterinarian, Dr. Dave Hock of South Shore Animal Hospital, said he knew of the testing as well, but only recently was able to order kits.

"It's like a crystal ball," Mr. Pinch said, adding some breeds are known for problems with their kidneys or with behavior, for example. "And, of course, we want to know for sure."

He said they were told Trucker had some Mountain Cur in him and took an educated guess that Lucy was a Siberian Husky mix.

"They get along great," Mrs. Pinch said of the pair, who look a lot alike, adding they were adopted a year apart. "They love each other."

The Pinches are the first to take advantage of South Shore's testing.

"We like to try new things," Mrs. Pinch said. "And Dr. Hock is progressive."

Mr. Pinch noted that the test does not hurt the dog.

"It's just a blood test," he said.

The DNA test by Mars Veterinary, Wisdom Panel MX, costs $130 per test, and covers 300 AKC-recognized breeds.

The Pinches had Trucker and Lucy tested a couple of weeks ago and were anxiously awaiting the results from Mars Veterinary April 10 at South Shore Animal Hospital.

The report on Lucy revealed she is mostly Labrador Retriever, and has some traces of Siberian Husky, Great Pyrenees and Samoyed. Trucker's report said he is mostly Field Spaniel, with trace amounts of Golden Retriever.

"So you see how it plays out," Mrs. Pinch said. "You really don't know."

"If there's some Mountain Cur in there," Dr. Hock commenting on Trucker, "it's a long ways back."

The breed analysis displays the main traits of each dog, as well as typical behavior and medical traits for each breed the dog consists of.

"I think it's a great thing for people to know," Mrs. Pinch said.

"This was fun," Mr. Pinch said. "Very educational."

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