Demand for correct and cost-effective genetic-based identification and parentage control has increasing importance in domestic animals, including dogs. In our study the applicability of a canine hyperpolymorphic microsatellite marker - which localized in the WILMS-TF (tumor factor) gene - was examined in mixed breed and purebred canine populations. The redesigned and shortened amplicons were genotyped using an allelic ladder which was constructed from sequence verified fragments. The nomenclature for allele calling based on repetition structures is suitable for international comparisons. Our study justified the potential use and efficiency of the marker D18S12 in parentage control.