D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D.
An area in which the implications may be mixed is that of breed identification for dogs in which breed-specific legislation is involved. Owners could use DNA to prove their dog is not a member of a target breed. However, outside entities might also use DNA to prove a dog was in fact a member of a target breed.
Evolutionary findings may prove troublesome to breeds targeted for breed-specific legislation, as it could conceivably be argued that progenitor breeds are "wolf-like." However, the fact that breeds such as the Pekingese are in this progenitor group, and that they are not exactly considered a menace to society, should help in any debate based on DNA sharing with wolves.
The complete report, "Genetic Structure of the Purebred Domestic Dog," originally appeared in the journal Science, and can be accessed through the AKC Canine Health Foundation.
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