The Best DNA Tests For Dogs

Discover everything you want to know about your dog’s ancestry, health and breed.

DNA testing for dogs is becoming very popular. The advances with technology means it is easier than ever to find out information about your dog’s breed, health and ancestry.

We have researched information on the topic of dog DNA tests. We make it easy for you to find the right DNA test for your dog.

Our top picks for 2023

Get The Best DNA Test Kit for Your Dog

We do all the research, reviews and comparisons so you don’t have to

Finding which are the best tests from the most reliable companies can be hard, as there are so many available. We have done the hard work for you. We have a guide to make it easy for you to find the right test – depending on what you are looking for. We highlight below, the best dog DNA testing kits for 2023.

embark dna test for dogs Kingsville 1
Best Cheap Dog DNA Test

How We Compare And Choose

We share expert knowledge about tests so you can identify your dog breed, find out its ancestry and determine its health risks. We explain what sets a product apart from its competitors, and suggest other comparable products based on price or use.  We also look at how the tests work, and what type of dog they are targeted to – so you can make your decision based on what is right for you and your best furry friend.  

How To Choose The Best Dog DNA test

The best overall dog DNA test is one that offers comprehensive results, accurate breed identification, and a clear overview of your pup’s genetic makeup. It is so easy with a quick swab of the cheek and then sending the sample off in the mail. After your dog’s swab has been processed, you can gain insight into your pup’s ancestry, health risks, and more. Many tests also offer a wide range of breed detection, allowing you to get information about your pup’s genetic makeup even if you don’t know all the breeds in their ancestry.

dog breed test Footscray
Best Dog DNA Test for Purebred

DNA Test Considerations

When selecting the best overall dog DNA test, it’s important to consider:

  • What is it that you want to know about your dog ?
  • The type of information the test provides
  • How will the DNA test information fit into your pup’s overall health care plan ?
  • The quality of the test based on the dog DNA test company
  • What is the customer service and support like?
  • The cost of the test

Our Top Dog DNA Test Category Picks for 2023

Overall

Pure Bred

Mixed Breeds

Budget-friendly

Best overall Dog DNA Test

  • Checks more than 220,000 genes
  • Checks 210 health risks
  • Checks for inbreeding
  • Highly accurate
  • Identifies over 350 breeds
  • Connects you to your dog’s relatives

The most accurate and inclusive dog DNA kit is the Embark Breed and Health Kit. Embark is a leading dog DNA company that has partnered with Cornell University to provide the most comprehensive breed identification, health screening, and trait detection services in the industry. Their genetic testing services are considered the most comprehensive in the industry..

It’s also the best non-invasive test, as the test is used through a cheek swap sample. The sample needs to be sent in for testing at Embark lab. Updates will be posted on your profile. The results will be updated anywhere from two to four weeks after the swap is submitted.

The kit provides more than just breed identification and valuable information regarding your pet’s possible health conditions based on genetics. Each test looks for health markers and tests over 210 health risks. Aside from that, genetic testing browses over 350 breeds, including wolf, coyote, and village dog ancestry.

One feature of the Embark kit is that it also helps connect your pup to its relatives and family members. This feature is free with the purchase of the kit and can be used to identify littermates, parents, etc.

The results are easy to read and displayed using both visual charts and statistics. If there are any health issues, geneticists will contact and discuss their findings with the owner to help educate them on the condition and its treatments. Overall, dog owners who used Embark on their dogs loved the quality, support, and ease of use.

Check out the best dog dna test overall!

Best dog dna Test for Pure breds

  • Checks more than 220,000 genes
  • Checks 210 health risks
  • Checks for inbreeding
  • Highly accurate
  • Identifies over 350 breeds
  • Connects you to your dog’s relatives

For purebred dogs, the best testing kit to help provide more detailed information is the Embark Purebred DNA Test Kit. This kit is made to help check more than 220,000 genes to help give a better breakdown of your dog’s lineage. It’s perfect for those purebred dog lovers who want extra information regarding inbreeding.

Similar to other lead testing kits, Embark uses a simple cheek swab. The swab is then sent off to Embark’s lab, where it is tested against more than 210 health risks. The test also finds information regarding genetic diversity, breed, and ancestry. It also comes with an online DNA relative finder that helps connect your pup with other dog family members.

Embark works to provide your dog’s coefficient of inbreeding (COI), which helps identify where your dog’s COI would be in terms of other breeds and other dog breeds. This information is helpful for breeders as it helps show the bad effects of little genetic diversity.

Overall, the Embark Purebred DNA Test provides excellent insight into the genetic makeup of your pup. The only issue is that the information found cannot be used to get American Kennel Club (AKC) registration. The only method to getting AKC registered if your dog is purebred is to have the existing paperwork.

Check out the best dog dna test for pure breds!

Best dog dna Test for MIXED breEds

  • Checks more than 220,000 genes
  • Checks 210 health risks
  • Goes back 3 generations
  • Highly accurate
  • Identifies over 350 breeds
  • Access to veterinarians for health advice

When it comes to testing mixed breeds, it can become tricky because some DNA testing kits aren’t designed to locate specific genetics. If you suspect your pup may be mixed with multiple breeds, you may want to consider giving the Wisdom Panel Premium a try. This doggy DNA test goes the extra mile by testing more than 350 breeds which helps provide useful information.

Similar to other dog DNA testing kits, Wisdom uses cheek swab testing. It’s harmless and can give accurate results if done correctly. Once you collect the samples, you will need to send them in so that they can be tested against hundreds of markers to help find your pup’s breed ancestry.

The Panel Premium Kit works hard to test even the most mixed dog breeds against over 350+ dog breeds for accurate reporting. Aside from that, the kit also tests for possible health conditions that may affect your dog in the future. Using the beta genetic relative match, you can track your dog’s family back by three generations.

Overall, customers who used Wisdom have found that the results are promising. With a 98% accuracy rate, it’s possibly one of the best testing kits for mixed dogs. Lastly, Wisdom provides excellent customer service. They have veterinarians who can talk for free about any identified health conditions in your pup’s DNA test.

Check out the best dog dna test for Mixed breeds!

Best Budget-friendly dog dna Test

  • Great value for money
  • Provides health summary
  • Provides breed history
  • Personalized certficate of results

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dog DNA testing kit with quick results, you won’t have to look further than the DNA My Dog Breed Identification Test Kit. While the test is relatively cheap, it doesn’t skimp out on quality. Plus, all test results will be given to you within two weeks.

Collecting DNA with the testing kit is harmless and only requires you to swab the inside of your dog’s cheek. After that, you’ll need to send the sample in and wait for the lab to process your dog’s results. Once the lab finishes testing, they will contact you with the results.

The test provides unique information about your dog’s genetic background, including a brief history of its breed, personality traits, exercise levels, etc. The kit also includes information about your dog’s breed, personality, and health conditions.

When purchasing the testing kit, you’ll also receive a custom certificate with a photo of your dog stating its main breed. The certificate can easily be hung on the wall and provides physical proof of your dog’s background.

Check out the best Budget FRiendly dog dna test!

Major Scientific Advances in Dog DNA Testing

dog breed dna test Williamstown

Health Risks

A dog breed test kit uses genetic markers to help test your dog’s DNA against hundreds of breeds, which provides highly accurate results. Not only does a test look at your dog’s genetic makeup, but it is also a health test. These health risks can help identify health issues before they show symptoms.

Dog Ancestry Test

Ancestry

Newer dog DNA testing kits can provide ancestry tracking for three previous generations. A test can give information about your dog’s great-grandparents by reviewing DNA. Some sites even find potential relatives of your dog, which can be fun and exciting.

dna test kits for dogs Altona

affordable and Accurate

Genetic testing can be expensive, but dog DNA testing is no longer costly with new technology. Many testing kits are very affordable and are more reliable than ever. These tests are reliable, but they can also test with up to 98% accuracy.

The leading dog DNA tests on the market report an accuracy level between 95% to 99%. Accuracy ranges from test to test, but they generally don’t drop below 95% accuracy.

A dog DNA test can let you know what breeds it is mixed with or if it is purebred. Aside from that, it can tell you the percentage of how much of each breed is in your dog. It can also identify genetic anomalies that can influence your pet’s overall health.

Besides comparing physical traits to other breeds, you can take a dog DNA test. Dog DNA tests are the most accurate, as they track genes and genetics.

A veterinarian can identify your dog’s breed by assessing physical characteristics, using anatomical measurements, or performing a dog DNA test to determine genetics.

IOnly a few dog DNA test kits can accurately track your dog’s biological age. Look for testing kits that use your dog’s telomere measurements.

The best way to find out your dog’s family tree is to use a dog DNA test kit. Otherwise, you can contact the AKC or online pedigree sites.

Dog DNA tests actually identify 95% of genetics, but 5% may be inaccurate because certain breeds share similar genetics. If a dog is severely mixed, it will be hard to distinguish between dog ancestors that branched off from the same main breed.

You can compare your dog’s physical appearance to other breeds. Alternatively, you can also take a dog breed identification quiz or download a dog breed identifier app.

When using a dog DNA testing kit, there is always the chance of error. However, your dog’s DNA being identified wrong through a testing kit is less than 5%.

Price changes depending on the brand, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $200 for one test.

Puppies from the same litter share 50% of the same genetics as their siblings. However, this is only true if the litter shares the same two parents.

Yes, most dog DNA testing kits identify coyote lineage. Depending on the dog DNA test kit, results will show dog breeds, wolf, coyote, and village dog ancestry.

If you suspect your dog is part wolf, you can use a dog DNA testing kit. Currently, Embark is the only dog DNA test that detects wolf ancestry.

A purebred dog is a dog that has a family lineage from the same breed of dog. For example, a puppy with full corgi ancestry will have only corgi parents, grandparents, etc.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the official United States registry of purebred dog pedigrees. It’s in charge of upholding the registry and promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding.

The most accurate method of finding out your dog’s DNA is using a dog DNA test kit. Testing kits have 95% accuracy and can identify over 200+ dog breeds, wolfs, coyotes, and village dog ancestry.

No. Even with DNA test results, the AKC can not provide registration to your dog. The only acceptable form of identification is by providing official paperwork

You can accurately test your dog’s DNA by using a dog poop DNA test. It’s often the most reliable method besides doing a blood test.

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