[An unusual case from paternity testing in dogs]

We are solving disputed paternities in purebred dogs using microsatellite analysis. An interesting case involved four puppies for which pedigrees were already issued by the Swiss Kennel Club. The investigation had to be carried out without a sample from the stated sire. Even though the relationship of this sire could not be determined conclusively, comparison of microsatellite alleles within this family, including an alleged half-brother of the four puppies, showed clearly that the breeder had made contradictory statements and that false recordings of matings had occurred. The pedigrees for these four puppies were withdrawn and sanctions against the breeder were imposed.