We are talking about laws created by humans; for the laws of nature, canine DNA follows current biological legislation.
This is public knowledge, and we write about it frequently. Human beings also live under this jurisprudence.
Dog DNA has already lost some of its aura of mystery as a species. The first dog genome was sequenced in 2005, a purebred Boxer named Tasha.
Since then, dozens, hundreds of studies have worked with the genome of these animals to compare and analyze them, finding the differences that make them unique and control their characteristics.
However, this time we are referring to the laws we have created about dog DNA.
If anyone is surprised, think that the pedigree could be included in this topic. In another entry, we have briefly discussed the bureaucracy around the canine pedigree and its functions.
Dog and Excrement Census
The most obvious function is the census of animals. In some regions of the world, there are already plans to register the DNA of local dogs, and others have already activated them.
The requirement would be for dogs living in that region. A licensed veterinarian would take the sample and link it to the animal’s chip. Then it is sent to a laboratory for sequencing.
The owner is usually given some proof that the animal has been registered, such as a personalized tag, in case someone later requires verification.
The cost of the process is partially or fully paid by the pet owner. In Spain, for example, a pioneering country in this, costs range between 30 and 40 euros. The good thing is that it is cheaper than a canine genetic test. The bad thing is that its only function is to identify the animal, without other additional uses.
In the United States, since 2008, companies offering this community control service have been emerging on a small scale.
Since 2020, Italian and French provinces have also begun genetic testing and censuses for dogs and their waste.
Once the animal’s DNA is stored in a database, it can be recognized in cases of theft, abandonment, or loss.
It is interesting that despite these advantages, the main objective is to control street droppings. With the system in place, fecal samples can be collected in public areas, analyzed, and the responsible dog identified.
Although the final responsible party will be the animal’s owner, who faces the corresponding fine for not picking up their dog’s droppings. At least the cost of feces analysis is not charged separately from the fine.
Clean streets and additional income for municipalities, a perfect plan, as long as no unexpected inconveniences arise. Try fining tourists with unregistered dogs, for example.
Potentially Dangerous Breeds
Canine DNA has legal importance in the control of so-called “potentially dangerous breeds.”
Despite what people think, these are not necessarily violent breeds. One of the most aggressive breeds is the Chihuahua, and it is not classified in this group.
These are breeds that, due to their physical characteristics, in the event of an attack, have the capacity to cause significant harm or even death. It may be more likely to annoy a Chihuahua than a Dogo Argentino, but the Dogo Argentino will not give you a second chance to make it angry.
In these cases, knowing the dog’s breed is important to comply with the legislation of each country. In some, like the United Kingdom, there are breeds that are outright illegal to own, such as the Fila Brasileiro.
Additionally, many countries take other conditions into account. A mixed-breed dog between two potentially dangerous breeds is usually required to follow the same rules.
Other dogs of breeds within this group can be included in the regulations if they meet a series of physical requirements. If your dog can take down a polar bear, it is likely to be included in the list, even if it is not one of those breeds.
It’s Better Not to Breed if There Are Hereditary Diseases
In many regions of the world, breeders cannot cross animals that have, or are carriers of, genetic diseases.
Half of the countries in the European Union have legislation that prevents the breeding of dogs and cats with genetic conditions, whether malformations or pathologies.
In addition to this percentage, it must be considered that the requirement for breeders to be registered varies by country. Only two-thirds of the countries in the European Union have all their breeders registered, as the conditions are not uniform. They depend on sales, litters, or the total number of animals per year.
There are countries where the breeder’s license is granted by completing a series of records with the authorities, without an inspection of the person and the facilities, or even subsequent inspections.
It would be ironic to find that in some parts of the world, the registration process is less thorough for breeders than for the animals themselves. Therefore, if a person wants to buy a dog, it is always recommended to gather as much information as possible about where they will make the purchase.
Besides the genetic health and integrity of the animals, breeders must comply with other rules to ensure the animals’ well-being.
For example, Germany has established protocols for breeding the German Shepherd, one of its most emblematic breeds. The female must be at least 20 months old. Females also cannot mate more than 90 times, with rest periods between matings.
A true breeder would never allow crosses that result in offspring with worse health than the parents. But we do not actively engage in dog breeding. We work with the final result. And our Koko Advanced kits are perfect for determining if the animal is a carrier of any problems.