Dog DNA test is exhibited at BIO2007

Curious about your mutt's pedigree? Then a company exhibiting at the Bio International Convention in Boston may have just the DNA test Fido needs to prove a noble lineage.

Maryland biotech company MetaMorphix Inc. is marketing the Canine Heritage Breed Test, which can genetically determine a dog's "breed composition;" available since March, the product is being exhibited at the convention's Maryland Pavilion starting today, the company said.

A call to the company was not immediately returned, but according to the company's web site, a test taken with the $65 kit is non-invasive; the pet's owner takes a cheek swab, which is mailed off for analysis.

While offering little appeal perhaps to owners of so-called designer dogs, the product can be informative for folks who take in a stray or adopt a dog from an animal shelter, the company suggested.

Indeed, the company's press release included testimonials from early customers of its DNA-based diagnostic test.

One customer cited was Karen Hickok, who found her dog, Daisy, roaming around an industrial area near Lake Erie in 1992, and who long suspected that Daisy was part Chow-Chow, the company said.

The Canine Heritage Breed Test determined that Shar-Pei, Collie, and Sheltie breeds were also part of Daisy's mix.

In a statement included MetaMorphix's press release, Hickok said, "The mystery dog in her past was revealed!"
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)