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It is important to know your dog's genetic makeup so you can be aware of any breed-specific health predispositions and any potential behavior concerns. Without a dog DNA test, the best you can do is hazard a guess based on your pet's physical features. You've likely never tested your dog's DNA before, so how do you know what you should be looking for in a quality test?
The best tests have an expansive database so the company can cross-reference over 350 breeds. They also provide screening for over 150 health conditions so you can be fully prepared to take the proper precautions needed to keep your dog happy and healthy. Accuracy is a must, but you also might appreciate a test that offers a quick turnaround time.
Our top pick, the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit, tests for more than 250 health conditions and provides results in three weeks or less. It can also identify your dog's breed based on information from its large database of more than 350 breeds, including wolves, coyotes and dingoes.
Best of the Best
Turnaround time: 2 to 3 weeks | Breeds identified: 365 | Traits and/or behaviors identified: 52 | Health insights: 30 | Relative finder: Yes
For dog owners looking for key insights into their pet’s breed, health, traits and behaviors, the Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test covers all the bases. Like the other kits from Wisdom Panel, it screens for more than 365 dog breeds down to 1%, providing highly accurate results. The report clearly shows the percentage of each breed that makes up your dog and provides a detailed chart to help you understand which genes come from each parent.
We also love the relative finder feature that uses the Wisdom database to locate close and distant relatives of your pet. When we tested the kit, we found eight extended relatives, 24 distant relatives and a close relative match for our dog’s sibling. It’s also easy to send a message to the owners of your dog’s relatives (if they are open to being contacted), so you could potentially set up a doggie play date.
The Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test also screens for various genetic health conditions your pup may be at risk for, including MDR1 medication sensitivity. Plus, it offers more than 30 health insights to help you develop an effective care plan with your vet. It provides information on your dog’s physical traits, too, so you can understand the genetics behind its unique appearance.
We also love the behavioral insights this DNA test offers. For instance, whether your pup is more prone to nest or cross its paws comes is something they probably inherit. Learning these kinds of insights helped us understand how much of our dog’s behavior stems from genetics.
Best of all, the test is very easy to do. We simply had to swab the inside of our dog’s cheek for 15 seconds, seal the sample and drop it in the mail. Once Wisdom received the sample, it took just 10 days for us to receive our detailed results.
The only issue we ran into was that the kit uses a stiffer, rougher swab than some other kits. This meant we had to be gentle when collecting our sample to avoid upsetting our dog. But overall, we think this kit is well worth it.
Best Bang for the Buck
Turnaround time: 2 to 4 weeks | Breeds identified: 350 | Traits and/or behaviors identified: NA | Health insights: NA | Relative finder: Yes
The Embark Breed Identification Kit is an ideal option for pet owners solely interested in learning what breed their dog is. Relying on research-grade genotyping developed in partnership with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, this kit screens for more than 350 breeds, including coyotes and wolves. That allows the kit to provide a profile with 99% accuracy, so you can truly understand your pup’s genetic makeup.
The profile established with the Embark Breed Identification Kit also includes a family tree that allows you to see exactly how your dog’s parents, grandparents and great-grandparents contribute to its genetic makeup. Additionally, Embark identifies relatives for your pup among the other samples in its database, revealing close connections like a cousin and direct relatives like a sibling. You can even use the geographic ancestry feature to see where your dog’s ancestors lived and migrated globally.
Collecting a sample with the Embark Breed Identification Kit is straightforward. You only have to swab the inside of your pet’s cheek and beneath its tongue.
However, the turnaround time is slightly longer than with the Wisdom kits, so you may need to wait up to four weeks to get your results. If you decide that you want health and trait insights in addition to the breed info, Embark allows you to upgrade your results with your existing sample, so you only need to pay the difference between the Breed kit and the upgraded version.
Best for Breed Analysis
Turnaround time: 2 to 3 weeks | Breeds identified: 365 | Traits and/or behaviors identified: N/A | Health insights: 1 | Relative finder: Yes
Like the Embark Breed Identification Kit, the Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Dog DNA Collection Kit is an excellent option for pet owners most interested in learning what breeds make up their pets. The kit screens for more than 365 breeds and provides a report down to 1%, so you get everything you need to know about your dog’s genetic makeup.
It also traces its family tree back three generations, allowing you to better understand how its breed mix developed. And like the other Wisdom Panel kits on our list, it even provides a list of relatives for your dog in its database, so you see photos and send messages if you like.
However, unlike the Embark Breed Identification Kit, which only provides breed results, the Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Kit screens for one key health insight: It tests your dog’s DNA for MDR1 drug sensitivity, so you know whether your dog is at risk for severe or life-threatening complications when taking common medications, such as ivermectin, morphine and erythromycin.
The Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Dog DNA Kit makes collection quick and easy, too. It requires swabbing your dog’s cheek for 15 seconds with the included swabs and dropping the sample in the mail afterward. As with the other Wisdom kits, you’ll get your results in just two to three weeks, which is the shortest turnaround time of all the kits we considered.
Most Comprehensive
Turnaround time: 2 to 4 weeks | Breeds identified: 350 | Traits and/or behaviors identified: 55 | Health insights: 270 | Relative finder: Yes
If you want a fuller picture of your pet’s genetic makeup, including breed identification, trait and behavior identification and health insights, the Embark Dog DNA Kit provides all you want to know about your dog.
Like the other Embark kits on our list, it screens for more than 350 breeds, including wolves and coyotes. It also provides a breakdown of your dog’s breeds with 99% accuracy and reveals relatives that your dog may have within Embark’s database, so you can share photos and background information on your pups.
But the Embark Dog DNA Kit doesn’t just stop at your pet’s breed identification and family tree. It also screens for over 270 genetic health risks, including drug sensitivities and degenerative disease, and provides recommendations you can discuss with your vet to ensure your dog gets the best possible care. Additionally, the kit predicts your pet’s ideal adult weight and offers trait insights regarding its coat and grooming needs, so you can keep your pup in top shape.
It couldn’t be easier to collect a sample with the Embark Dog DNA Kit, either. It requires just a single swab, so it’s not difficult to do with even the fussiest dogs. After you mail off the sample and Embark receives it, it takes two to four weeks to receive your results. However, Embark provides updates throughout the process, so you always know what’s going on.
Info-Packed
Turnaround time: 4 to 6 weeks | Breeds identified: 300 | Traits and/or behaviors identified: 33 | Health insights: 280 | Relative finder: No
Another more detailed dog DNA test, the Basepaws Breed and Health Dog DNA Test offers both breed identification and key health, trait and behavior insights into your pup. The kit tests for more than 300 breeds, so you can better understand your dog’s unique needs based on its breed makeup.
It allows you to be even more proactive in your pup’s health because it screens for over 280 genetic health risks. Neurological, gastrointestinal and immunological conditions are all covered. Armed with its breed info and health insights, you and your veterinarian can develop a wellness plan that ensures your pet’s health for years to come.
Additionally, the Basepaws Breed and Health Dog DNA Test explores your dog’s unique physical traits by testing for 33 trait makers. This includes facial patterns, coat patterns, coat colors and more. It also provides information about how likely your dog is to shed, so you’ll know how often you’ll need to clean up after your pup.
Like the Embark tests, the Basepaws kit requires a single, painless swab of your dog’s cheek and gums to collect a sample, which takes 10 seconds or less. However, it has one of the longest turnaround times of the kits we considered, so it may take four to six weeks to get your results.
Data-Packed
Turnaround time: 2 to 3 weeks | Breeds identified: 365 | Traits and/or behaviors identified: 65 | Health insights: 265 | Relative finder: Yes
The most complete DNA test kit the brand offers, the Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Kit analyzes your pet’s DNA for all the genetic insights you could possibly want.
Like the other Wisdom Panel kits, it screens for more than 365 dog breeds, providing a breakdown of the breeds that make up your dog to 1%. It also provides a family tree back to your dog’s great-grandparents and identifies relatives among the other profiles in Wisdom Panel’s database, so you can share photos and information.
However, this test really distinguishes itself with the number of health, trait and behavior insights it offers. It screens for more than 265 genetic health conditions, including MDR1 sensitivity, urinary stone risk and polycystic kidney disease, so you can stay on top of possible health issues and work with your veterinarian to create the most effective care plan. It also analyzes your pet’s genes to determine its ideal adult weight range, which can help you choose the best nutrition and diet for your pup.
But some of the most interesting insights from the Wisdom Premium Dog DNA Kit is its behavioral information. In addition to 58 genetic tests on your dog’s physical traits, such as coat color and type, color modification and eye color, it also provides 15 behavioral insights based on your pet’s genetic makeup. You can learn whether your dog is prone to separation anxiety or generalized fear and anxiety, as well as whether it’s likely to avoid getting wet or be friendly with unfamiliar people.
Unique Option
Turnaround time: 4 to 5 weeks | Breeds identified: N/A | Traits and/or behaviors identified: N/A | Health insights: N/A | Relative finder: N/A
When you adopt an older dog from a shelter, determining its age is often more important than learning its breed makeup. The Emark Dog Age Test doesn’t provide any of the usual insights that dog DNA tests typically offer. Instead, it measures DNA methylation patterns to estimate your pup’s calendar age and birthday. According to Embark, 77% of dogs tested have a true birthday within 12 months of its estimated birthday.
In addition to your dog’s estimated birthday, this test provides life-stage tips based on your pet’s age. Embark suggests diet, exercise and preventive care options at each stage of your pup’s life, so you can keep them happy and healthy. The information that Embark gathers is also used to contribute to research into canine wellness, healthy aging and disease to help all dogs live their best lives.
Like the other Embark kits, the Dog Age Test is very straightforward to administer. You only need to swab your dog’s cheek and beneath its tongue for 60 seconds and then send it off in the included mailer. You’ll wait a bit longer for results with this kit, though — it can take four to five weeks to receive your dog’s estimated age and birthday.
Focuses on Canine Health
Turnaround time: 4 to 6 weeks | Breeds identified: 400 | Traits and/or behaviors identified: 25 | Health insights: 150 | Relative finder: Yes
The Koko Genetics DNA Test for Dogs is ideal for pet owners interested in learning as much as possible about their pet’s potential health risks. It screens for over 125 genetic health conditions, such as congenital stationary night blindness, and reveals whether your dog is a carrier for each condition. Overall, it provides 150 insights into your pet’s health, so you can ensure it remains happy and healthy throughout its life.
But the kit also provides a detailed look at your pup’s breed and family tree. It tests for 400 different breeds to create a precise analysis of your pet’s unique makeup. Your report also includes a family tree that reveals the specific breeds of its ancestors up through its great-grandparents. The DNA Connect feature even allows you to find other dogs that share DNA from the Koko Genetics database, so you can connect with your dog’s relatives.
Additionally, the Koko Genetics DNA Test for Dogs screens for 25 physical traits your dog might possess, such as hair color and style, leg length and head shape. Results take a little longer than with some other kits, so you may need to wait four to six weeks to get your report. However, Koko Genetics lets you access new features that the brand develops at no additional cost, allowing you to check out new genetic insights as soon as they’re available.
Versatile Choice
Turnaround time: 2 to 4 weeks | Breeds identified: 350 | Traits and/or behaviors identified: NA | Health insights: NA | Relative finder: No
The Orivet Genopet Dog DNA Test is an excellent basic kit for pet owners mainly interested in their pup’s breed ancestry. It screens for more than 350 breeds, types and varieties of canines and provides a breakdown of the percentage for each breed that makes up your pet down to 1%. While it doesn’t test for specific genetic health conditions, it does provide potential health risks for each breed, so you can discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.
The kit also includes Orivet’s LifePlan, which is a personalized wellness plan based on the breeds revealed in your dog. It factors in your pet’s age, weight, gender, lifestyle and geographic location to help ensure that it receives the best care throughout its life. It also provides a weight prediction for puppies under a year old, with dietary recommendations for each dog’s unique needs.
The Orivet Genopet Dog DNA Test is extremely easy to use. It contains two swabs for your pet’s cheek, so collection takes as little as 60 seconds. Once Orivet receives the sample, you can have results in just two to four weeks.
When you purchase a dog DNA test, different options will vary, but you’ll generally receive two to four swabs for taking a DNA sample, an insert for drying the swabs, a sleeve or test tube to put the swabs inside for transport, a label for the sample and full instructions for the procedure.
This might not sound like much, but you’re not really paying for what’s in the box, you’re paying for the DNA test.
All companies that offer dog DNA tests have their own databases featuring the genetic markers for certain dog breeds. The larger the database, the more likely you’ll get accurate results, especially if you have a hunch that your four-legged friend has some rare breeds in the mix.
The companies with the largest databases can identify your canine companion from more than 350 breeds, including more than 99% of breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, so you have virtually all your bases covered. Some manufacturers of cheaper tests have databases of fewer than 100 breeds, so it’s more of a gamble as to whether your pup’s ancestors will be represented.
All of our recommendations draw from databases of more than 100 breeds, with the following dog DNA tests providing information on more than 350 breeds: Embark Breed & Health Kit, Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Kit, Embark Breed Identification Kit, Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Dog DNA Kit, Koko DNA Test for Dogs Starter and Orivet Genopet Dog DNA Test.
Some dog DNA tests provide a range of health screenings in addition to the breed information. These tests don’t necessarily tell you that your dog has a health condition but that they're predisposed toward a certain condition. This lets you monitor your dog, with the assistance of a veterinarian, and may end up giving you some precious extra years together.
The most comprehensive dog DNA tests screen for more than 150 different health conditions, genetic abnormalities and more. The Embark Dog Age Test Kit, the Embark Breed & Health Kit and the Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Kit all claim to screen for more than 200 geentic health conditions.
Basic tests only screen for one or two conditions, such as the multi-drug resistance-1 (MDR-1) genetic marker, which identifies dogs who will suffer severe reactions to a number of common medications.
More advanced tests may offer a rudimentary overview of your dog’s general health — by analyzing hormones, vitamin levels and other vitals — as well as those that can tell you if your dog has any food or environmental allergies or sensitivities.
If you want your dog's DNA test results in a hurry, pay close attention to the turnaround time. Some companies aim to give you your test results within two weeks of receiving your dog's samples, whereas others take as long as six to eight weeks. Ultimately, unless you have a legitimate reason you need the test back sooner, consider the overall quality of the test before worrying about the turnaround time.
Below are the turnaround times for our most recommended dog DNA tests.
A range of factors influences the accuracy of the results. As we touched on before, the greater the number of dog breeds in a company’s database, the more likely you are to get an accurate picture of your dog’s genetic background.
However, accuracy can also be determined by how many genetic markers the test analyzes. The top tests match your dog DNA with more than 200,000 genetic markers, whereas inexpensive tests are likely to have far fewer markers in their databases. Unfortunately, not all tests advertise the number of genetic markers analyzed. Of our top picks, the Embark Dog Age Test Kit states that it analyzes more than 200,000 genetic markers, while the Koko DNA Test for Dogs analyzes approximately 710,000 genetic markers.
When looking for genetic diseases, the method used to analyze the genes is also important. Some companies use two independent methods to test each mutation for the most accurate results.
The cheapest dog DNA tests available retail for around $60 to $75. These tests tend to analyze DNA using much smaller databases, and therefore the accuracy of the results is debatable.
For around $80 to $120, you can find some excellent mid-range offerings that will give you accurate breed results but offer little in the way of health screening.
The dog DNA tests in this range provide accurate ancestry results and health screening, and you can expect them to cost between $150 and $300.
Think about whether you’d like a test that tells you your dog’s age. This is a great idea if you adopted a dog whose age is unknown.
Decide how much you want to know about your pet’s health. Some people want a full health screening to cover all the bases, whereas others would rather not know their beloved dog has a predisposition to a condition that nothing can be done about. The choice is yours to make.
Check how comprehensive a report you’ll get. Some reports tell you the exact breeds of your dog’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, whereas others give you a percentage of each breed in your dog’s genetic makeup. Some offer health, diet and exercise advice, whereas others just list the facts.
Do you want raw DNA data? Only a small number of dog DNA tests give you access to raw DNA data upon request. Although most people don’t want or need this, it’s a great resource for those who do.
A. If you don’t know what breeds went into making your four-legged friend, a dog DNA test will tell you. You might simply be curious, or you might want to know what kind of breed-specific traits or ailments to be aware of. You can also test your dog’s DNA for potential health concerns, allowing you to get treatment early or watch out for signs and symptoms.
A. Your test kit will come with two or more swabs that you rub inside your dog’s cheek to get a sample. The kit will give you exact instructions, which you should follow to the letter. Otherwise, you might not get a useable sample.
A. You will usually get an email when your dog DNA results are ready. The results may be attached to the email, or you might have to log into the company’s website to see the results. If any health concerns have been identified, the company will often call you or send an additional email with further explanation.
