Instead of “how much is that doggie in the window”, the better question to ask these days is “what is that doggie”.  We used to just call them mutts.  Those dogs that have the face of a Labrador, the body of a whippet and the personality of a Jack Russell terrier were always a source of great debate at the dog parks.  Now many mixed breed dogs are designer pooches that come with hefty price tags.  But knowing what composes a dog’s genetic background can be more important than just settling a debate.  Knowing which breeds are in your dog’s genetic history can answer questions regarding health and behavioral issues.   My guest today is Dr. Angela Hughes.  She is a veterinary geneticist in Davis, California.

Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.