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At-home DNA tests have become increasingly popular, even among dog owners. They can help you learn more about a dog’s breed and health.
Some of these kits test for several things at once. Others check for breed-related health concerns or parentage, to see if a dog is related to a sire or dam.
Most dog DNA tests are easy to find. You can buy them online from companies that offer genetic testing for dogs. You can also get them from pet supply stores like Petco and PetSmart.
The average cost of a dog DNA test ranges $40 to $175. However, they could cost up to $300.
The actual cost of these tests depend on the type of kit you ordered. There are testing kits for dog owners, veterinarians, and dog breeders.
Here are some of the best dog DNA tests and how much they cost:
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Embark Dog DNA has 4 at-home DNA tests for your dog:
Embark gets our recommendation for dog DNA testing because they're an established company, they are the market leader, and provide terrific info for you and your dog.
The Breed + Health Test is ideal for mixed breed dogs. But if have a pedigreed or purebred dog, you should opt for the Purebred + Health Test.
Both kits test your dog’s DNA for more than 200,000 genetic markers related to:
They also help match your dog with potential relatives. But if you don’t want any genetic health testing, Embark’s Breed Identification Kit does the job for a cheaper price.
Embark for Breeders is made for professional dog breeders. The kit provides breed-related information on a dog’s health, ancestry, and traits.
It can help you prevent in-breeding and reduce your puppies’ risk for health problems in the future. You can share the reports with would-be pet parents who want the best for their dogs.
Overall, Embark’s DNA tests are reasonably priced considering what they have to offer.
Wisdom Panel has 3 DNA tests that explore a dog’s genetics:
They also partnered with Optimal Selection to provide dog breeders with a testing option. Optimal Selection Canine costs $129.99.
The Breed Discovery Kit screens for 350+ dog breeds. It can also help you:
Wisdom Panel Essential doesn’t test for more breeds. But for an extra $20, you’ll get more test results than their basic kit.
It checks for over 25 health complications that can arise from routine medical procedures, such as spaying and neutering. It also tests for 35+ traits linked to a dog’s appearance.
Pet owners will have access to their dog’s multigenerational family tree.
Wisdom Panel Premium has everything in the Essential Kit, such as a breed test and your dog’s ancestry. Plus, there’s a new feature that matches your dog with extended family.
But it also provides comprehensive health testing for dogs. It can check for over 200 health conditions, including:
If there are any notable findings on your dog’s health, Wisdom Panel can provide a free phone consultation with a licensed veterinarian.
Finally, there’s Optimal Selection Canine — a test designed for ethical dog breeders. It performs 200+ health tests, much like the Premium Kit.
These include tests for canine diseases that are being researched by the Cornell University College Research Foundation, such as Collie Eye Anomaly and Optigen prcd-PRA.
We think that Wisdom Panel’s tests are worth the price, considering what you’ll get.
DNA My Dog has 3 genetic testing options available:
You can save $5 per kit if you order more than two.
The Breed Test is an all-in-one testing kit that provides data on your dog’s:
It only compares your dog’s DNA to about 100 breeds — unlike Embark and Wisdom Panel which test for over 350 dog breeds. However, the list is still growing.
DNA My Dog’s Breed + Wolf Kit includes an extra test that can tell if your dog shares genetic similarities with a wolf or coyote.
The NEXTGEN Breed Identification and Genetic Age Test has everything included in the standard Breed Test. But if you’ve recently adopted a dog, this test can determine its age.
It claims to be able to tell a dog’s biological age, as long as they’re at least a year old.
DNA My Dog may not be as comprehensive as some of the best dog DNA tests. But they offer unique genetic testing options for dog owners, which make them worth it.
Yes. Dog DNA testing is a great way to learn more about your pet. Below are 7 reasons why we think they’re worth every penny they charge for:
Most people test their dog’s DNA because they want to know their breed.
While you can tell a dog’s breed by how they look, this only works if you have a purebred or pedigreed dog with distinct breed characteristics.
Dog DNA tests can estimate the breed percentage of your dog. It can tell you if you have a purebred, a hybrid, or a mixed breed dog.
Mixed breed dogs can have unpredictable behaviors due to their genes. Genetic tests that check for a dog’s personality traits can help you understand and better take care of them.
Many dog DNA testing companies uncover a dog’s ancestral origins. They can also match your dog’s DNA with potential family members.
Some tests can check a dog’s parentage. They can confirm whether or not a dog is related to their mother (dam) or father (sire).
Another reason why people test their dog is to identify potential health problems. Any responsible dog owner would want to know before they show
Your dog’s DNA results can tell you if they have a genetic predisposition to certain illnesses. For example, Dobermans are prone to bleeding disorders like hemophilia.
They may also include your dog’s carrier status. This way, you’ll know which genetic conditions they can pass on to their offspring.
Whether you’re a dog owner or a professional, these tests can help you become a responsible breeder. You can use the results to choose healthy parents and avoid in-breeding.
That way, you can produce healthy puppies with a lower risk for disease.
At-home dog DNA tests are quite practical. You can order tests from home, collect your dog’s sample, and send them back for analysis.
Your dog’s test results will be available in 2 to 4 weeks. And you can easily access them online.
Taking your dog’s DNA sample should be a quick and painless process. You can do this by using the swab or sample collection tube.
Rub the swab on the inside of your dog's cheek. Some kits may require you to collect large saliva samples. Just follow the instructions included with the kit.
It depends. Some dog DNA testing kits are more accurate than others. So when choosing the best one for its price, you should consider its accuracy.
Factors that can affect the accuracy of these tests include:
Aimee Llewellyn-Zaidi, a spokesperson for the American Canine Health Association (ACHA), says that test results can be misleading.
They may show risk factors that are associated with a dog’s breed — and not the dog itself.
Breed results may also not be as accurate. They only show breeds which your dog is most likely related to based on genetic resemblance.
Remember to discuss the results with your dog’s veterinarian. They can help you interpret them and make decisions that would benefit your dog’s health.
For instance, the vet may suggest adjusting your dog’s diet or lifestyle, so you can reduce their genetic health risks and ensure they live a long and happy life.
Embark has some of the most accurate dog DNA tests. That’s because they test for about 230,000 genetic markers that are associated with a dog’s breed, health, and ancestry.
You can read our full review of Embark here.
Embark gets our recommendation for dog DNA testing because they're an established company, they are the market leader, and provide terrific info for you and your dog.
Know Your DNA Reviews
We review the top 4 best dog DNA tests so you can find out more about your best friend.
