When it comes to DNA, science has come a long way in mapping the human genome, and it didn’t take much longer for researchers to do the same for canine DNA.

Now a Canadian business called DNA My Dog is using that information to give dog owners insight into their pooch’s unique genetic background.

The company provides customers with a kit for $60 and simple instructions for swabbing the cheeks of their dog to collect a DNA sample. The sample is then processed and run through the DNA My Dog’s extensive database of certified dog breeds.

CTV producer Darcy Wintonyk tested the kit on her two-year old mutt Seymour. Seymour was rescued from a high-kill shelter in California, where they labelled him a terrier mix.

"We have absolutely no idea what Seymour is. I've heard that he might be a Schnauzer because he's got the long snout. I'm really excited to find out what he is," she said.

DNA My Dog has over 80 breeds in its database, representing the most common breeds found in the North American dog population.

"People want to know what they're getting into. Are they getting a big dog? Are they getting a small dog? Will the dog shed, will the dog drool, will the dog be active?" said Mindy Tenebaum, DNA My Dog owner.  

Some veterinarians have dismissed the idea of DNA testing, arguing it’s not accurate. Tenebaum admits there is no DNA test in the world that is 100 per cent accurate. About 2.3 per cent of the company’s testing willyield results that are inaccurate or cannot be interpreted.

"We can only test what you give us. So did you follow the instructions properly? Was your dog’s mouth clean, did it come into contact with other dogs, is it contaminated by dirt? Those are things that will affect your test," she said.  

Two weeks after Seymour’s swab, the results arrived in the mail, and they came as a bit of a surprise. Forget Schnauzer: Seymour's DNA revealed an intriguing blend of mostly Maltese, some Jack Russell Terrier, a bit of Yorkshire Terrier and a touch of Miniature Pinscher.

"I don't know about the science behind it, but I know it's really fun and it satisfied our curiosity and helped us solve the mystery of our mutt and I would recommend that anyone do it," said Wintonyk.

DNA My Dog has tested over 100,000 animals in the past seven years and says several vets and shelters use its services. In fact, shelters find people are more willing to adopt dogs if they know what breed mixes they are. The company also runs a service called DNA My Cat.

You can also get DNA testing done on a pet that has died. DNA My Dog offers a deceased dog DNA test for $157 dollars. They can get the DNA from an old pet toy, blanket or anything the dog may have chewed.

So is there scientific proof the test actually works? The president of the College of Veterinarians of B.C. says there is no way to verify or refute the results of such DNA tests, as the animals being tested are of unknown parentage.

"Currently, DNA testing is already used in certain breeds to identify individuals who may carry undesirable genes that predispose to certain specific disease conditions. Beyond that, I am not aware of any other practical application of canine DNA testing," said Nick Shaw.