Here’s How Much DNA Testing Your Dog Will Cost You
Updated on March 26, 2024
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Here’s How Much DNA Testing Your Dog Will Cost You

How much a dog DNA test costs depends on the brand, the type of test, and the information it provides. Dog DNA tests can cost around $60 to $200 or more.

Dog DNA testing costs can also be affected by added features such as health screenings, breed identification, and genetic traits analysis.

At-home DNA tests have become increasingly popular, even among dog owners. They can help you learn more about a dogโ€™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.

Here's How Much DNA Testing Your Dog Will Cost You 2

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 actual cost of these tests depends 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:

  • Embark DNA Test โ€” $99 to $298
  • Wisdom Panel for Dogs โ€” $84.99 to $159.99
  • DNA My Dog โ€” $79.99 to $129.99

Embark Dog DNA Test Cost

Embark Dog DNA has four at-home DNA tests for your dog:

  • Embark Breed + Health Kit โ€” $127
  • Embark Purebred + Health Kit โ€” $127
  • Embark Breed ID Kit โ€” $99
  • Embark for Breeders โ€” $119 to $159

Are Embark Dog DNA Tests Worth the Cost?

The Breed + Health Test is ideal for mixed-breed dogs. However, if have a pedigreed or purebred dog, you should opt for the Purebred + Health Test.

Both kits test your dogโ€™s DNA for more than 200,000 genetic markers related to:

  • Over 350 dog breeds
  • More than 215 genetic health conditions
  • Over 35 physical and personality traits
  • Your dogโ€™s family tree and ancestry

They also help match your dog with potential relatives. But if you donโ€™t want any genetic health testing, Embarkโ€™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 dogโ€™s health, ancestry, and traits.

It can help you prevent in-breeding and reduce your puppiesโ€™ 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, Embarkโ€™s DNA tests are reasonably priced, considering what they have to offer.

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Wisdom Panel Test Cost

Wisdom Panel has three DNA tests that explore a dogโ€™s genetics:

  • Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery โ€” $84.99
  • Wisdom Panel Essential โ€” $104.99
  • Wisdom Panel Premium โ€” $159.99

They also partnered with Optimal Selection to provide dog breeders with a testing option. Optimal Selection Canine costs $129.99.

Are Wisdom Panel Tests Worth the Cost?

The Breed Discovery Kit screens for 350+ dog breeds. It can also help you:

  • Learn which drugs and medications your dog may be sensitive to
  • Find dogs that are genetically related to your pet
  • Trace your dogโ€™s family tree up to 3 generations back

Wisdom Panel Essential doesnโ€™t test for more breeds. But for an extra $20, youโ€™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 dogโ€™s appearance.

Pet owners will have access to their dogโ€™s multigenerational family tree.

Wisdom Panel Premium has everything in the Essential Kit, such as a breed test and your dogโ€™s ancestry. Plus, a new feature matches your dog with extended family.

But it also provides comprehensive health testing for dogs. It can check for over 200 health conditions, including:

  • Adult-onset vision problems
  • Eating behaviors
  • Mobility issues

Wisdom Panel can provide a free phone consultation with a licensed veterinarian if there are any notable findings on your dog’s health.

Finally, thereโ€™s Optimal Selection Canine, a test for ethical dog breeders. It performs 200+ health tests, much like the Premium Kit.

These include tests for canine diseases being researched by the Cornell University College Research Foundation, such as Collie Eye Anomaly and Optigen prcd-PRA.

We think Wisdom Panelโ€™s tests are worth the price, considering what youโ€™ll get. 

DNA My Dog Cost

DNA My Dog has two genetic testing options available:

  • Essential Breed ID Test โ€” $79.99
  • Premium Breed ID Test โ€” $129.99

You can save $5 per kit if you order more than two.

Is DNA My Dog Worth the Cost?

The Breed Test is an all-in-one testing kit that provides data on your dogโ€™s:

  • Breed composition
  • Personality traits
  • Genetic health concerns
  • Risk for disease

It only compares your dogโ€™s DNA to about 100 breeds, unlike Embark and Wisdom Panel, both of which test for over 350 dog breeds. However, the list is still growing.

The Premium Breed ID Test includes an extra test to tell if your dog shares genetic similarities with a wolf or coyote.

DNA My Dog may not be as comprehensive as some of the best dog DNA tests. However, they offer unique genetic testing options for dog owners, which makes them worth it.

Are Dog DNA Tests Worth the Cost?

Yes. Dog DNA testing is a great way to learn more about your pet. Below are 7 reasons why we think theyโ€™re worth every penny they charge for:

1. Determine a Dogโ€™s Breed

Most people test their dogโ€™s DNA to know their breed. 

While you can determine a dogโ€™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 if you have a purebred, a hybrid, or a mixed-breed dog.

2. Predict Your Dogโ€™s Behavior

Mixed-breed dogs can have unpredictable behaviors due to their genes. Genetic tests that check for a dogโ€™s personality traits can help you understand and care for them better.

3. Explore Your Dogโ€™s Ancestry & Family Tree

Many dog DNA testing companies uncover a dogโ€™s ancestral origins. They can also match your dogโ€™s DNA with potential family members.

Some tests can check a dogโ€™s parentage. They can confirm whether or not a dog is related to their mother (dam) or father (sire).

4. Find Out Your Dogโ€™s Health Risks

Another reason why people test their dogs is to identify potential health problems. Any responsible dog owner would want to know before they show signs.

Your dogโ€™s DNA results can tell you if they are genetically predisposed to certain illnesses. For example, Dobermans are prone to bleeding disorders like hemophilia.

They may also include your dogโ€™s carrier status. This way, youโ€™ll know which genetic conditions they can pass on to their offspring.

5. Practice Responsible Dog Breeding

Whether youโ€™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.

6. Your Dog Can Take Them At Home

At-home dog DNA tests are quite practical. You can order tests from home, collect your dogโ€™s sample, and send them back for analysis.

Your dogโ€™s test results will be available in 2 to 4 weeks. And you can easily access them online.

7. It Wonโ€™t Hurt Your Dog

Taking your dogโ€™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 in the kit.

Are Dog DNA Tests Accurate?

It depends. Some dog DNA testing kits are more accurate than others. When choosing the best one for its price, consider its accuracy.

Factors that can affect the accuracy of these tests include:

  • Type and quality of the sample collected
  • Number of genetic variants being tested
  • Genetic testing process
  • Your dogโ€™s genetic makeup

Aimee Llewellyn-Zaidi, a spokesperson for the American Canine Health Association (ACHA), says that test results can be misleading. They may show risk factors associated with a dogโ€™s breed, not the dog itself. 

Breed results may also not be as accurate. They only show breeds to which your dog is most likely related based on genetic resemblance.

Remember to discuss the results with your dogโ€™s veterinarian. They can help you interpret them and make decisions that benefit your dogโ€™s health.

For instance, the vet may suggest adjusting your dogโ€™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. Thatโ€™s because they test for about 230,000 genetic markers associated with a dogโ€™s breed, health, and ancestry.

Test costs can change over time with new features or products introduced. Check with popular providers of dog DNA tests like Embark, Wisdom Panel, and DNA My Dog.

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Updated on March 26, 2024
Katrina Canlas
Katrina Canlas
Content Contributor
KC Canlas is an experienced content writer for Know Your DNA. She combines her passion for storytelling with a deep understanding of DNA and genetics. She creates engaging content that can empower readers with knowledge about their genetic makeup, promoting a greater understanding of the role DNA plays in their lives.