Each dog has a unique DNA signature that we call his DNA profile or fingerprint.  The profile can be likened to a biological microchip because each DNA profile is unique to an individual dog.  The DNA profile can be used to uniquely identify a particular dog.  Unlike the microchip, however, the DNA profile can provide more information than this.  Since a dog inherits half of his DNA from his dam and the other from his sire, this means that half of a dog’s DNA profile is inherited from his dam and the other half from his sire.  Therefore we can also use a dog’s DNA profile to verify that his registered parents are in fact his biological parents, provided DNA profiles are available from both parents. 

The profile can also be used to check the authenticity of a DNA sample being used to screen for the presence of disease-causing genes.  Many such tests are being developed and it would be invaluable to be able to verify that the correct dog's DNA is being tested for the presence of the defective gene.