Three conditions must be met for another pet to appear as a relative of yours:
1. They must also have been tested with Koko Genetics and be the same species.
2. Both owners must have activated DNA Connect.
3. The animals must share enough DNA. We compare identical DNA segments inherited from common ancestors. We show a relationship when the amount shared allows a reliable estimate. As a guide, these are the expected proportions for close relatives:
• First degree (around 50%): parents, offspring and full siblings with the same mother and father. A single litter can include offspring from different fathers, making them half-siblings.
• Second degree (around 25%): grandparents, grandchildren, half-siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
We use human family terms for clarity, although it is common for an animal to have offspring with several mates.
Selective breeding means purebred animals share more DNA even when they are not close relatives. We therefore use cautious criteria, preferring fewer, more reliable matches.