DNA microsatellites in domesticated dogs: application in paternity disputes

Microsatellite sequences, like minisatellites, are a class of polymorphic DNA fragments that are randomly distributed throughout mammalian genome. Although they express significantly lower variation than minisatellites, they have potential to be used in paternity disputes. However, the inherently lower variability together with the more genetically homogeneous nature of pedigree dogs due to the major inbreeding, raised doubts about the effectiveness of microsatellites in canine paternity (paternage) testing. Using about 20 polymorphic canine specific microsatellites on various dog litters demonstrated, that canine microsatellites provide a perfectly adequate basis for assigning paternity in pedigree breeds. Microsatellite paternity tests are more straightforward to perform and interpret than those based on minisatellites (DNA fingerprinting) and require as little as 0.1 ml of blood. The case presented here was a paternity dispute in labradors, where a mixed paternity was suspected.