Toppy, The Cloned Drug Sniffing Dog(s)

In a headline straight out of science fiction, South Korean scientists have created the worlds first litter of cloned dogs. These seven Labrador Retrievers, all named Toppy – a combination of tomorrow and puppy, are not your everyday pets. The dogs are all a clone of a “skilled drug-sniffing canine in active service”.

“They have a superior nature. They are active and excel in accepting the training,” said Kim Nak-seung, a trainer at the Customs Service-affiliated dog training center.

In February, all seven dogs passed a behavior test aimed at finding whether they are genetically qualified to work as sniffing dogs. Only 10 percent to 15 percent of naturally born dogs typically pass the test.

If the cloned dogs succeed in other tests for physical strength, concentration and sniffing ability, they will be put to work by July next year at airports and harbors across South Korea, according to the training center.

If this works, be on the lookout for lots more designer pets on the horizon .

[via Newsvine]