Relevant aspects for forensic STR analysis of canine DNA: Repeat based nomenclature, allelic ladders and PCR multiplexes

Eichmann,C.; Berger,B.; Parson,W.

As the dog is deemed to be our most popular pet, it can also be considered as the most interesting animal species from a forensic point of view. Canine saliva as well as dog hairs can remain everywhere where contact between dogs and humans have taken place. As forensic identity testing of canine DNA using short tandem repeats (STRs) is becoming commonplace in resolving criminal cases it has become increasingly important to have a set of minimum guidelines, such as common used STR markers and a reliable nomenclature. These enable exchange of data and international collaborations. The majority of canine STR markers described in the literature were reported by the estimated fragment size as determined by electrophoresis of the PCR-products.