Of the 3.8 million dogs that are owned in Australia, 50 percent of them are mixed breed, leaving many owners guessing their genetic make-up and leaving important breed-specific information, such as health, appearance and behavioural characteristics to speculation. With this in mind, the team at Mars, after nearly a decade of extensive research, have developed the ADVANCE Mixed Breed Identification DNA Test for dogs to the Australian market.

Mars Petcare called upon the 3 Degrees PR team to help them launch this new product and to whet the curiosity of Australian mixed breed dog owners to unravel the heritage of their mutts. As part of the overall communications strategy, we flew up to the Network Ten studios in Sydney with television animal expert Dr Melissa Meehan and her mutt Fuzzy in tote. Fuzzy made his debut appearance on the Ten Breakfast show, with Dr Meehan explaining to hosts Paul Henry and Kathryn Robinson, as well as Breakfast viewers, the advantages of discovering a mixed breed dog’s ancestry.

If you’re curious about your dog’s ancestry or want to know other important breed-specific information (e.g. your dog’s genetic adult weight range, a recommended nutritional, wellness and exercise program, genetic diseases prone to your dog’s breed, and a better understanding of your dog’s behaviour), the test is available nationally from veterinary practices. Go to advancepet.com.au/DNA for more information on the DNA Test.

On a side note, the verdict is out on our office dog Mila… Originally bought as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/Poodle cross, the DNA test has confirmed that she is a Cavalier/Cocker Spaniel cross.