How we measure genetic diversity.

We looked at thousands of specific markers in your pet’s DNA to determine how related your pet’s parents were. At any site, the DNA your pet inherited from each parent is either the same or different—scientists refer to these states as “homozygous” and “heterozygous”, respectively. The overall percentage of heterozygous sites is a good indicator of whether your pet is inbred or outbred.

Heterozygous: When the two alleles at a locus are different from each parent, they are heterozygous. Homozygous: If the two alleles at a locus are identical from each parent, they are homozygous.

Basic definitions for homozygosity and heterozygosity.

Why genetic diversity is important.

One way to look at the loss of genetic diversity is as a series of funnels. Every time a group of animals is selected by humans for certain traits and abilities, that population becomes both filtered and reduced. This inevitably leads to a decrease in genetic variety and an increase of genetic risk. Genetic risks associated with low heterozygosity include inherited diseases, shorter life spans, limited growth, and a higher rate of offspring mortality.

Diversity funnel starts wide at the top and narrows twice on the way towards the bottom. Domestication and Breed Formation are depicted as points where the funnel narrows, and Artificial Selection increases towards the bottom of the funnel.

As populations are filtered for less and less variety, the risk for genetic complications will increase.

Different breed populations will have different average levels of heterozygosity, which is why we show your pet’s diversity relative to their breed background. It’s also worth noting that genetic risk isn’t just a problem for pure breeds—It affects highly in-bred populations of mixed- or random-bred animals as well. If your pet is mixed or random-bred, we show their diversity relative to other animals of a similar background.

What you can do.

If your pet’s DNA results show a low percentage of heterozygosity, check their Wisdom Panel health results to see if they are at risk for any of the genetic health conditions we test for. Consult your veterinarian about how to plan for any potential complications associated with your pet’s breed background.

If you plan on breeding your pet, pairing them with a mate that shows a higher percentage of heterozygosity will decrease the genetic risk of their litter.