What are the best DNA tests for dogs?

What Is A Dog DNA Test?

A dog DNA test is a tool used to determine a dog’s genetic makeup. It analyzes the dog’s DNA, typically obtained through a cheek swab, to provide insights into its breed, ancestry, and potential health risks. These tests have become increasingly popular among dog owners for various reasons:

Breed Identification: Dog DNA tests can identify the various breeds in a dog’s ancestry. This identification benefits owners of mixed-breed dogs curious about their pet’s genetic background. Tests can identify specific breeds that make up the dog’s heritage, sometimes even breaking down the percentage of each breed.
Health Information: Many dog DNA tests also screen for genetic health risks and markers associated with certain diseases. This information can be crucial for proactive healthcare, allowing owners and veterinarians to watch for signs of breed-specific diseases and conditions.
Trait Analysis: Some tests provide information on physical and behavioral traits linked to the dog’s genetics. This analysis can include coat color, fur type, potential size, and temperament traits related to specific breeds.
Genetic Age: Some dog DNA tests can estimate a dog’s genetic age, which may differ from its chronological age. This information can help understand the dog’s health and wellness needs at different life stages.
Relative Finder: Certain tests (like those from Embark) offer a feature to connect with other dogs that share DNA with your pet, which can be a fun way to find your dog’s “relatives.”
Research and Conservation: Dog DNA tests contribute to genetic research and can aid in conservation efforts by providing a better understanding of canine genetics and breed diversity.

Here Are the Top Dog DNA Tests:

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The Embark Dog DNA Test

The Embark Dog DNA Test is highly regarded in canine genetic testing and is known for its comprehensive analysis. It stands out for several reasons:

Breed and Ancestry Identification: Embark tests for over 350 dog breeds, types, and varieties. This extensive breed database allows for detailed analysis of a dog’s genetic makeup.
Health Screening: It screens for over 210 genetic health risks, notably higher than many other tests on the market. This screening includes a range of inheritable diseases and conditions, providing valuable insights for proactive health care.
Genetic Age: The test also estimates your dog’s genetic age, which can differ from its chronological age, helping you understand how old your dog is in “dog years.”
Family Tree and Relative Finder: Embark offers a unique feature that allows you to discover and connect with other dogs that share DNA with your pet. This canine relative finder is a fascinating aspect for those interested in the broader genetic connections of their pet.
Collaboration with Cornell University: Embark’s results are developed with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, adding scientific rigor and credibility to their analysis.
Result Turnaround Time: Typically, the results are available within 3 to 5 weeks after receiving the sample.
Customer Support and Veterinary Consultation: Embark provides vital customer support and offers a veterinary consultation to discuss the health results, which can be a valuable resource for pet owners.
User-Friendly Process: The test requires a simple cheek swab from the dog, and the kit comes with clear instructions for sample collection and submission.
Price: While the Embark test is often more expensive than other options, its comprehensive analysis justifies the cost for many dog owners.
Updates and Improvements: Embark continuously updates its database and refines its algorithms, meaning the accuracy and scope of its testing improve over time.

Given its detailed breed identification, extensive health screening, and unique features like the relative finder, the Embark Dog DNA Test is considered one of the best options for those seeking in-depth knowledge about their dog’s genetics and potential health risks.

The Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test

The Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test is another well-regarded option in the canine genetic testing market, known for its comprehensive breed analysis and health screening capabilities.

Breed Identification: Wisdom Panel tests cover over 350 breeds, types, and varieties, providing detailed insights into your dog’s breed composition. This extensive database allows for an accurate assessment of breed makeup, even for mixed-breed dogs.
Health Screening: The test includes genetic mutation testing for over 265 canine health risks, especially in its Premium version. This screening covers many potential health issues, allowing pet owners to be proactive about their dog’s health.
MDR1 Testing: All Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Tests include testing for the MDR1 gene, which is essential for identifying drug sensitivities in dogs.
Additional Insights: Alongside breed and health information, Wisdom Panel provides insights into physical traits and potential inherited conditions.
Result Turnaround Time: Results are typically returned within 2 to 3 weeks.
Veterinarian Consultation: Some versions of the test offer the option of a veterinarian consultation to discuss health test results, adding an extra layer of support for pet owners.
Customer Support: Wisdom Panel is known for its good customer service, providing support for any questions or concerns.
Ease of Use: Like other DNA tests, Wisdom Panel requires a simple cheek swab from the dog, and the kit includes detailed instructions.
Pricing: Wisdom Panel often offers its tests at competitive prices, with occasional discounts available.
Charitable Partnerships: The company has partnerships with animal rights groups, reflecting its commitment to the broader well-being of pets.

Wisdom Panel’s test is particularly well-suited for those interested in a detailed breakdown of their dog’s breed composition and potential health risks. It’s a popular choice for its balance of comprehensive analysis and value.

The Basepaws Dog DNA Test

The Basepaws Dog DNA Test is a relatively new but innovative option for canine genetic testing. It offers a range of features that provide insights into your dog’s breed, health, and genetic traits:

Breed Identification: Basepaws tests against a database of over 200 dog breeds, allowing for a broad identification of your dog’s breed composition. However, it’s important to note that their breed database is smaller than that of other leading companies.
Health Screening: The test includes screening for over 280 genetic health markers, which is quite extensive and provides valuable information for managing your dog’s health.
Genetic Traits: Basepaws screens for more than 30 genetic traits. These traits include coat color and texture, body size, and shape. These screening results provide insights into your dog’s physical characteristics.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technology: Basepaws uses advanced NGS technology for detailed and accurate DNA analysis, a highlight of their testing process.
Turnaround Time: The results typically take about 4-6 weeks to be delivered.
Sample Report and Information Sharing: While Basepaws doesn’t currently provide a sample report on its website, the results are detailed and can be shared with your veterinarian.
Company Background: Basepaws is known for pioneering feline genetics work and is part of Zoetis Inc., a global animal health company.
Philanthropic Aspect: A portion of Basepaws sales is donated to animal shelters.
Pricing: The test is priced competitively, especially considering the level of detail it offers.

While the Basepaws Dog DNA Test provides a comprehensive analysis of your dog’s genetic health risks and breed composition, its smaller breed database compared to other companies might be a consideration for some users.

The Orivet Dog DNA Test

The Orivet Dog DNA Test offers a range of features for breed identification and health screening, making it a notable option in the field of canine genetic testing:

Breed Identification: Orivet provides detailed information about your dog’s breed composition. They compare your dog’s DNA against a database of over 350 breeds, types, and varieties.
Health Screening: This test also includes health screening, which can identify potential genetic health risks and predispositions based on your dog’s breed.
LifePlan™: One unique aspect of the Orivet test is its LifePlan™ feature. This feature offers a personalized wellness plan tailored to your dog’s breed, age, weight, gender, geographic location, and lifestyle. It can be beneficial for proactive health care and routine management.
Genetic Age: Similar to other tests, Orivet can provide insights into your dog’s genetic age compared to its chronological age.
Customer Support: Orivet is known for good customer support, helping users understand their results and answer any questions.
Result Turnaround Time: The usual turnaround time for receiving results is around a few weeks after the laboratory has received the sample.
Ease of Use: The test kit includes everything you need for sample collection (typically a cheek swab), and the process is straightforward.
Pricing: Orivet’s pricing is competitive, often with various options depending on the depth of analysis you’re looking for.
Range of Tests: Orivet offers several different testing options, including breed-only tests and comprehensive breed and health tests, giving you flexibility based on what you want to learn about your dog.

The Orivet Dog DNA Test is a good choice for those seeking breed and health information, especially with its personalized LifePlan™ feature.

The DNA My Dog Breed ID Test

The DNA My Dog Breed ID Test is recognized for its straightforward approach and ease of identifying dog breeds. Here are some key features and aspects of this test:

Breed Identification: DNA My Dog tests for over 350 breeds in their database. This wide range allows for a detailed analysis of your dog’s breed composition, with results showing what percentage of different breeds your dog is.
Quality and Accuracy: The test is known for its good quality, using a medical-grade swab for sample collection. While no DNA test can guarantee 100% accuracy, DNA My Dog’s test is generally considered reliable.
Turnaround Time: The test’s results are typically ready within 2 to 3 weeks after the laboratory receives the sample. However, wait times can vary, and in some cases, it might take longer than three weeks. There is an option to expedite results for an additional fee.
Ease of Use: The DNA My Dog kit is user-friendly, requiring only a simple cheek swab from your dog. The kit includes detailed instructions for sample collection and submission.
Value: The DNA My Dog Breed ID Test is a good value, especially for those on a budget. It provides essential breed identification information at a lower cost than other tests.
Customer Service: DNA My Dog is known for its customer support and can assist with any questions regarding the test and its results.
Use for Mixed Breed Dogs: The test is designed primarily for mixed-breed dogs to identify the composition of various breeds in their DNA. The test can also be used for dogs believed to be purebred, but it might only sometimes confirm purebred status.
Allergy Test Option: Besides breed identification, DNA My Dog offers a Canine Allergy Test, which can help identify over 120 food and environmental allergens.

For those interested in an affordable and straightforward breed identification test, DNA My Dog is a viable option. Its easy use and quick turnaround time make it a popular choice for dog owners.

The “Know Your Pet DNA” test from Ancestry

The “Know Your Pet DNA” Test from Ancestry is a DNA test designed for dogs, leveraging Ancestry’s expertise in genetic testing and genealogy. This test is particularly notable for a few reasons:

Extensive Breed Database: One of the key features of the test is its comprehensive database of over 400 global dog breeds, types, and varieties. This vast database allows for a more precise dog breed makeup breakdown.
Physical and Behavioral Traits Screening: Besides breed identification, the test screens for more than 30 physical and behavioral traits. This screening can provide additional insights into your dog’s unique characteristics and potential behaviors.
Relative Finder Feature: An interesting aspect of this test is the Relative Finder Tool. It can identify genetic matches with other dogs in the database, potentially connecting you with other dog owners who have pets with similar breed mixes.
Collaboration with Veterinary Experts: Ancestry collaborates with the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, ensuring the test is backed by scientific research and expertise.
Result Turnaround Time: The test results are typically available within 2-4 weeks.
New Entrant in the Market: As a relatively new product in the dog DNA test market, there may be limited customer feedback available. However, given Ancestry’s established reputation in DNA testing for humans, the test is expected to be reliable and informative.
Focus on Breed Identification: It’s important to note that, as of the latest information, this test does not include genetic health testing. The primary focus is on breed identification and trait analysis.
Pricing: The test is competitively priced, especially considering the depth of the breed analysis and the size of the breed database.

The “Know Your Pet DNA” test is a solid choice for dog owners interested in understanding their dog’s breed composition and traits.

Overall, dog DNA tests are a blend of science and technology that offer dog owners a deeper understanding of their pets, from their lineage to their health needs. It’s vital for owners to choose a reputable test and to discuss any health findings with a veterinarian for the best care of their pet.