Anyone who has lived with a mixed-breed dog knows they are unique. We often try to guess their lineage based on the shape of their ears, the dog's size, or the colour of their coat. However, when the DNA test results arrive, it is common to be surprised. How is it possible that a dog that looks like a Labrador has a percentage of a breed we would never have imagined?
What exactly is a Multi-Breed?
We are talking about dogs with a family tree so rich and varied that their DNA is a mosaic. Unlike a direct cross between two breeds (like a Labradoodle), a Multi-Breed has generations of crosses behind it.
In our genetic analyses, we have observed that some of these dogs can harbour traces of more than 30 different breeds. When the lineage is so fragmented, genetics plays its own cards: the physical traits (phenotype) of an animal can be dominated by a few genes, while its total inheritance is much more complex.
Precision and transparency: Our scientific evolution at Koko Genetics
To reflect the genetic richness of Multi-Breed dogs with complete accuracy, at Koko Genetics we have implemented an evolution in how we analyse and present our results. We are moving away from rigid models to offer a much more precise reading.
1. The 1% threshold and genomic distribution
Instead of limiting the display to a fixed number of breeds, we now individually identify all detected breeds that exceed 1% of the dog's genetic composition. But the percentage is not everything: to decide if a breed is reflected in your results, we do not only rely on this numerical threshold, but we also meticulously evaluate how that information is distributed throughout their genome. Our studies on hundreds of real samples confirm that this double validation is the exact method to ensure maximum data reliability.
2. The introduction of "Multi-Breed" (Mixed breeds)
What happens with that mosaic of distant ancestors that contribute less than 1% each? We neither ignore them nor force them into matching breeds. We group them into a transparent and scientifically rigorous category called Multi-Breed.
We have structured these genetic footprints into 11 broad families (such as Herding for pastoral dogs, Terrier, or Sporting). This way, if your dog has multiple tiny traces of herding ancestors, you will see a percentage reflected under the Multi-Breed category.
More science, less confusion
This technical advancement allows us to be completely faithful to your dog's DNA.
The next time you look at your Multi-Breed and wonder where they come from, remember that their genetics is a complex historical map. Now, the tools to read it are more precise than ever.
I am not yet a Koko Genetics customer. How do you show this information in the results?
If you have not yet analysed your dog's DNA, you will be pleased to know that our reports are designed to be as rigorous as they are easy to understand. On your results dashboard, you will see a graph: first, we will individually list all the specific breeds that exceed 1% and meet our criteria for genomic distribution.
Right after, to encompass all that rich mosaic of distant ancestors, you will find the Multi-Breed category. Within this section, we will show you the remaining percentages visually grouped by their broad genetic families, allowing you to understand at a glance what your dog's DNA is hiding.
Which Koko kits include this information?
This new scientific methodology and the Multi-Breed category are already implemented in all our new dog DNA tests. From now on, whether you purchase the Starter dog DNA kit or the Advanced dog DNA kit, your results will automatically include this high-precision reading based on the 1% threshold. Our goal is for you to always obtain the most exact and transparent overview of your dog's evolutionary past, regardless of the level of depth you choose for their analysis.
