2010 National Mutt Census

This year thousands of Americans will be partaking in the 2010 U.S. Census. To correspond with this national census, Mars Veterinary has unleashed its own nationwide census: the 2010 National Mutt Census. This doggie census is an attempt to gather statistics about mixed-breed dogs across the United States of America.

Mixed-Breed Dogs

According to Mars Veterinary, 38 million mixed-breed dogs currently inhabit the USA. Unfortunately, most of the pet parents of these mixed-breed dogs do not truly know what breeds their dogs' parents or grandparents are.

This lack of breed information on the pet parents' part simply means that they do not know whether there are any behavioral issues, genetic disorders or diseases that their mixed-breed dog may genetically be pre-disposed to.

Dog DNA Testing

During a time of medical emergency, knowing what breeds exist within your dog can help improve their chances of survival and overcoming any illness or other health concerns.

Mars Veterinary understands this need and so have created dog DNA tests to help pet owners learn the breeds that dwell in their mixed-breed dogs. According to Mars Veterinary, most mixed-breed dogs are in fact a mix of three or more different types of dog breeds and therefore specific breed characteristics can be hard to visually identify.

These DNA tests include the Wisdom Panel Professional which is a blood based canine DNA test usually administered by a veterinarian; and the Wisdom Panel Insights DNA test that is a 'do-it-yourself' test in which you collect a DNA sample from the inside of your dogs cheek using a supplied swab.

These DNA tests are available online for $79.99, and can help in determining your dog's heritage by comparing your dog's DNA amongst more than 170 different dog breeds currently in the Wisdom Panel database of recognized dog breeds.

Top Mutt Breeds

According to the Wisdom Panel database the top mutt breeds in the USA are the following:

1. German Shepherd Dog

2. Chow Chow

3. Labrador Retriever

4. Boxer

5. Rottweiler

6. American Staffordshire Terrier

7. Poodle (Miniature)

8. Golden Retriever

9. Siberian Husky

10. Cocker Spaniel

Uncommon Mutt Breeds

According to this same database of 170 dog breeds, the breeds that are least likely to be found in a mixed-breed dog are the following:

1. Black Russian Terrier

2. Polish Lowland Sheepdog

3. Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)

4. Ibizan Hound

5. Lakeland Terrier

Dog Breed Census

Mars Veterinary is hoping that by holding their inaugural National Mutt Census, more dog owners will become interested in using their Wisdom Panel DNA tests to learn more about their dog's background.

Mixed-breed dog owners can answer a questionnaire on their mixed-breed dog online at www.MuttCensus.com. Each dog that is included in the Census will be entered into a sweepstakes in which they can stand a chance to win various prizes such as a supply of Pedigree dog food and Greenies digestible chewy treats.

Developed by veterinarians and geneticists, these questions cover a dog's age, size, gender, weight, eating habits and, of course, the role of the dog in the household, i.e. whether the dog is an indoor or outdoor dog, who walks the dog and where does the dog sleep.

This doggie census will help researchers to better understand the health risks that are associated with specific breed mixes. The results will be published after the Census ends on 31 August, 2010.

According to Mutt Census website:

"Uncovering these insights will speak volumes about the health and behaviors that apply to the most common breeds. It will help dog-owners become better pet parents, creating a closer bond. And dog-lovers will understand the four legged population around them that much better.

At Mars Veterinary, we believe the part-Terriers and part-Poodles of the world deserve to have their numbers known. They deserve to be counted, so please register your mutt today."

Photo Credit: bradleyolin