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Best Dog DNA Tests

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Embark Dog DNA Test Kit
Embark
Dog DNA Test Kit
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

This test is easily the most comprehensive option that tests for genetic traits and disease detection.

Pros

Database of more than 350 breeds. Specific enough to identify paternal and maternal ancestry. Tests for more than 210 genetic health risks. Partners with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine to create certified results.

Cons

It's pricier than many other choices.

Best Bang for the Buck
Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test
Wisdom Panel
Essential Dog DNA Test
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A reasonably priced test that tracks a wide range of data, from breed types to health conditions.

Pros

Offers an impressive database of more than 350 breeds. In addition to tracing a canine's ancestry, it also identifies potential genetic health concerns and specific breed traits. Results are possible in 2 to 4 weeks.

Cons

Customers occasionally questioned the accuracy of the results.

Embark Breed Identification Kit
Embark
Breed Identification Kit
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Feature-rich
Bottom Line

Though this kit does not analyze your dog's health, its breed database is impressive and results are fast.

Pros

Tests for 350 breeds. Results are available in 2 to 4 weeks. Returns results for breeds as low as 5% of total composition. Can be upgraded at any time to include a genetic health profile. Easy to use.

Cons

Somewhat pricey for a test that does not include health information.

Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Dog DNA Collection Kit
Wisdom Panel
Breed Discovery Dog DNA Collection Kit
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Best for Breed Analysis
Bottom Line

This a fun, easy-to-use dog DNA kit that will give you insight into your dog's breed profile.

Pros

Screens for more than 350 breeds for a comprehensive analysis of a dog's breed composition. The test can go back 3 generations. Checks for sensitivities to medications. Can find canine relatives.

Cons

A few users questioned if the results were accurate. Results may take weeks to arrive.

Basepaws Breed & Health Dog DNA Test
Basepaws
Breed & Health Dog DNA Test
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

If you want a DNA test to check breed and health details, this is a complete kit that will provide a wide range of information.

Pros

This exceptional test analyzes breed and health information. Tests for more than 300 breeds, 280 health markers, and 30 genetic traits. Also tests for medication sensitivities. The results are highly accurate.

Cons

More complicated to use than some other tests. Results may take more than 6 weeks.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best dog DNA tests

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 quick turnaround time.

A person looking at a box containing a dog DNA test
You can find dog DNA tests that give you an estimated healthy adult weight for your dog, which can aid in keeping your dog in good shape or give you an idea of how big your puppy will get.

What’s in the box?

When you purchase a dog DNA test, what exactly do you get for your money? 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.

Key considerations

Number of breeds detected

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 suspicion that your four-legged friend has some rare breeds in the mix.

The companies with the largest databases can identify your canine companion from over 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.

Health screening

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 over 150 different health conditions, genetic abnormalities, and more. Some more 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. You’ll also find tests that 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.

Turnaround time

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.

Accuracy

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. 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.

Price

Inexpensive

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.

Mid-range

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.

High-end

The dog DNA tests in this range provide accurate ancestry results and health screening, and you can expect them to cost between $150 and $200.

Tips

  • 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.

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Some dog DNA tests offer free updates for life. If the company finds new data points to test, they’ll retest your dog’s sample for free and add the results to your online panel.

FAQ

Q. Why would I want to test my dog’s DNA?

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.

Q. How do I get a DNA sample from my dog?

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.

Q. How will I receive my DNA results?

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.