Science proves Morton’s no mutt

Editor-in-chief David Kemeys is a proud dog owner, even if he had no idea until recently what sort of dog his beloved Morton is.

The uncertain parentage of his "labrador" meant there was only one thing for it – DNA testing.

Be careful what you wish for.

Teasing your wife about getting a dog could see her relent, and before you know it your watering system, shoes and garden furniture are being chewed up, the cat has disappeared and there are holes all over the garden.

Morton came into our lives courtesy of a friend who announced her black lab was having puppies.

The father Riley and mother Keira were both jet-black sweeties, if in Riley’s case a little on the gormless side.

From day one it was clear there was something different about Morton.

For a start, Morton turned out to be female, but the name stuck after all the marital pleading about getting a dog in the first place.

In a litter of six she had five jet black brothers and sisters, yet looked more like a german shepherd.

"What sort of dog is that?" became a frequently asked question.

Vets said Morton could be a labrador, or the result of two dogs having enjoyed a great night with Keira, since it is apparently possible for puppies in one litter to have different fathers.

So what is Morton?

That’s where a new DNA test that can trace a dog’s breeding comes in.

Online pet store www.pet post.co.nz is selling the Bitsa Breed Identification Test.

"For people with mixed breed dogs it can be fascinating to learn more about their background," Petpost marketing manager Libby Merchant says.

"By identifying some of the breeds in their genetic make-up, Bitsa can help explain their behaviour and personality, like why Morton’s always digging up the garden."

The test is administered by Genetic Technologies in Australia and can identify about 80 percent of breeds.

The results can show the breeds of the parent, grandparent and even great-grandparent.

All Morton had to endure was having a saliva swab taken from her cheek, although if they only needed saliva I could have just got out an anzac biscuit and sent them litres of drool.

The sample is sent to Australia and the result, complete with report and "doggy passport", arrives back in about a fortnight.

The report includes the breed breakdown, behavioural traits and characteristics, any potential health issues, and even suggestions on activities and games to suit the dog.

As it happens I already know what activities and games suit the dog – digging holes, chewing up watering systems, shoes and garden furniture, and pretty much anything involving sticks and balls, though she is partial to hide and seek.

Like the sands through an hourglass, so are The Days of Our Lives. So is Riley the father and what sort of bitser, mongrel, SPCA special is Morton?

Turns out she’s ... a labrador.

For more information on Bitsa Breed Identification visit www.petpost.co.nz

- No animals were harmed in the making of this story