San Diego -- Barking up the family tree has never been easier with new cutting-edge DNA testing for mixed-pedigree pups now available to pet parents at PETCO, the nation's leading pet specialty retailer.

These are not only safe and fun, they help our customers take better care of their dogs by learning more about the pet's heritage and adjusting their nutrition, healthcare and training programs accordingly.

Beginning Tuesday, July 15, PETCO customers will be able to purchase the Canine Heritage Breed Test (CHBT) and the newly expanded Canine Heritage XL Breed Test at approximately 300 PETCO stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Florida, and the New York metropolitan area. The tests, which use DNA technology to genetically identify the make-up of mixed-breed dogs, are also currently available to all pet parents at www.petco.com/dna.

Developed by MetaMorphix, Inc. (MMI), a world leader in DNA based marker systems, the non-invasive CHBT test includes a cheek swab that is rubbed along the inside of a dog's cheek to collect cells. The swab is then mailed to MMI's lab for DNA analysis. In four to six weeks the pet owner will receive the results on a certificate suitable for framing. PETCO customers will be offered two purchasing options: They can have their pets swabbed by a PETCO associate trained through a program developed by the two companies, or they may choose to purchase the dog DNA test and perform the swabbing at home.

PETCO is the first and only national pet specialty retailer to carry a dog DNA breed identification test. The CHBT tests join the company's industry-leading assortment of innovative products that make it easier for pet parents to love and care for their companion animals as part of their family.

"Canine Heritage Breed Tests are on the forefront of life sciences using DNA technology and research to improve animal well-being and strengthen the bond between pet parents and their companion animals," said John Dunn, PETCO vice president for pet services. "These are not only safe and fun, they help our customers take better care of their dogs by learning more about the pet's heritage and adjusting their nutrition, healthcare and training programs accordingly."

Launched in early 2007, the Canine Heritage Breed Test has garnered national media attention along with thousands of satisfied customers. "We are excited to partner with PETCO, a leader in the pet products industry and a company with unparalleled commitment to the dog owner," said MetaMorphix Chairman and CEO, Dr. Ed Quattlebaum. "The national market presence of PETCO combined with a company culture that embraces this new technology makes this partnership ideal for us."

PETCO customers can purchase the standard CHBT test, which can detect more than 50 breeds, for $69.99. The expanded XL version, which can detect more than 100 breeds, sells for $119.99.