It’s widely known that pedigree dogs tend to suffer from breed-specific health issues.
If you’ve got a mixed breed dog as your beloved family pet, it’s only natural that you might worry about which health issues they may be more likely to develop over time - especially if you’ve got no idea which breeds contribute to your dog’s specific genetic makeup.
Getting a DNA testing kit for your dog can be a real game changer. DNA testing kits for your dog can offer you accurate results which show the breeds in your specific dog’s genetic makeup and will give you all the information you need to care for your dog.
Not sure where to get started? Not to worry!
We’ve done all the hard work for you so that you can rest assured you’re buying the best DNA testing kit for your dog that’s available on the market.
We’ve even put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide to show you what to look for in a DNA testing kit, as well as some frequently asked questions.
In a hurry? Take a look at our top pick below!
OUR TOP PICK
Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Test
EDITORS CHOICE
Embark Dog DNA Test Breed & Health Kit
BEST VALUE
Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test for Ancestry
OUR TOP PICK
Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Test
The Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA test easily earns our top spot out of all the DNA testing kits for dogs. That’s because Wisdom Panel is the leading company for canine genetic testing, and they have tested the DNA of over 1.5 million dogs.
They have developed the largest breed database in the world, and use a sophisticated algorithm as well as strategically placed markers to ensure the accuracy of your dog’s test results.
This particular DNA testing kit will help you to determine the breed ancestry of your beloved dog.
Once you have completed the simple test at home, you can send it off for the results from Wisdom Panel. They will analyze your dog’s DNA using their database of more than 350 dog breeds to determine the exact genetic ancestry of your dog.
This particular test is simple to use, and you can get the results after following three simple steps. First, you’ll need to collect your dog’s DNA sample using the cheek swab.
Then you can activate your testing kit online, and send your kit off to the lab for analysis using the prepaid shipping label. You’ll receive your dog’s breed and ancestry information from as little as two weeks after sending off the sample!
The Wisdom Panel DNA testing kit will allow you to discover more DNA-based insights about your individual dog, which can help you to understand any behaviors your dog may have, or any factors of appearance which are unique to your dog.
This particular test kit can also determine whether your dog will have any specific wellness needs that you may need to look out for in the future, based on their breed ancestry.
The results from this particular DNA testing kit will help you and your vet to develop any nutrition, behavioral training, or any long-term health care plans that may be needed.
This will be great for giving you peace of mind that your dog will be able to get any specific care they may need - especially if you’re unsure of which breeds they may be descended from!
Pros:
- Manufactured by the leading canine genetic testing company, Wisdom Panel.
- Easy to use test in three simple steps.
- Compares your dog’s DNA against a database of more than 350 dog breeds.
- Results can help you understand aspects of your dog’s appearance, behavior, and wellness needs.
- Can use the results to develop a nutrition plan, behavioral training, or long-term health plan with your vet.
Cons:
- If your dog is a more complicated mixed breed then results may appear in breed groups instead of specific breeds.
EDITORS CHOICE
Embark Dog DNA Test Breed & Health Kit
The Embark dog DNA test breed and health kit will be the perfect choice for you and your beloved pooch. Embark is built by experts in the field.
They are the only company to have partnered with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CUCVM) and are highly trusted by veterinary hospitals. So you’ll know you’re buying a quality product!
This particular test will screen your dog’s DNA against over 350 dog breeds, types, and varieties to give you their specific genetic profile.
Embark does this using a research-grade genotyping platform that they have developed in partnership with CUCVM in order to offer one of the most accurate breed breakdowns available on the market.
Embark’s breed and health kit test will also test your dog’s DNA for over 190 genetic diseases to give you peace of mind.
These include some of the most common adult-onset diseases in dogs, as well as dilated cardiomyopathy, glaucoma, and MDR1 drug sensitivity. This will help you to keep your dog happier for longer once you know if they have any specific health needs!
What’s really great about the Embark dog DNA testing kit is that they can also screen your dog’s DNA against other dogs that have been tested with the company, and they can match your dog to any potential relatives.
That can include any distant or close relatives that may also have used Embark to test their DNA! Only Embark is able to offer a percentage of shared DNA between your dog and others that have been tested with this particular company.
This particular test is simple and easy to use. Simply activate the code that comes with your kit so that you can track your dog’s sample, take the DNA sample with the easy swab test, then ship it ready for testing, for free.
You’ll get the results from your dog’s DNA test within 3 to 5 weeks, so you can rest assured that you won’t have to wait for months on end to find out the results.
Pros:
- Embark has been created by experts in the field, in collaboration with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Can screen your dog’s DNA against over 350 breeds, types, and varieties.
- Uses a research-grade genotyping platform to deliver accurate results.
- Test your dog for over 190 diseases.
- Easy to use; results within 3-5 weeks.
Cons:
- One of the more expensive options out of all the DNA testing kits available for dogs.
BEST VALUE
Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test for Ancestry
The Wisdom Panel Essential dog DNA test for ancestry is a fantastic way to find out the breed ancestry of your mixed dog.
You can discover your dog’s breed mix right down to 1%! Wisdom Panel has the largest dog DNA database on the market, and they have tested over 2 million dogs. Your dog’s DNA will be tested against their database of 350 dog breeds, types, and varieties to get accurate results.
This particular test is designed to help you uncover your dog’s ancestry, traits that are particular to their ancestral breeds, and also to give you key health insights that you need to keep them happy and healthy.
With this DNA testing kit, you can rest assured that you’ll have all the key information you need in order to best look after your dog!
With the Wisdom Panel essential testing kit, you can find out which medications and procedures will be safe for your dog to receive.
Your dog’s DNA will be screened for more than 25 medical complications, including drug sensitivities such as to MDR1, for added peace of mind.
This particular DNA testing kit will help you to better understand your dog. Wisdom Panel will test your dog’s DNA with more than 35 trait tests in order to determine the factors behind the length of their muzzle, the length of their fur, their ideal weight, and many more. Ideal if you want to learn more about what makes your dog so unique!
The Wisdom Panel Essential DNA testing kit is easy to use. Simply swab your dog’s cheek to collect their DNA sample, then send your testing kit to the Wisdom Panel lab for testing by using the prepaid shipping label.
You’ll get your pup’s results within 2 to 4 weeks of receipt!
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use testing kit; response within 2 - 4 weeks.
- Discover your dog’s breed mix down to 1%.
- Discover the ancestry of your dog as well as key health insights.
- Find out what makes your dog so unique with more than 35 trait tests.
- Wisdom Panel has the largest dog DNA database on the market.
Cons:
- A select few customers felt the DNA testing kit worked better for a two breed mix.
RUNNER UP
Embark Dog DNA Test Breed Identification Kit
The Embark dog DNA test breed identification kit is one of the most accurate testing kits available on the market.
Embark is able to offer you an accurate breed breakdown thanks to the research-grade genotyping platform they use to analyze your dog’s DNA. They have developed this with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, so you can rest assured that it will be as accurate as possible.
Embark compares your dog’s unique DNA against its extensive database of more than 350 dog breeds, varieties, and types.
What’s great about this particular DNA testing kit is that Embark can precisely detect breed contributions in mixed breed dogs right down to 5% of the total breed make.
Other tests on the market are only able to detect breed contributions down to 12% or more.
The great thing about the Embark breed identification kit is that you can upgrade it to their health kit package at any time to discover whether your pup is at risk of any genetic health conditions.
And you won’t even need to fork out for a second test to do so! You can upgrade your Embark account at any time to get your individual dog’s health report.
The breed testing kit is simple and easy to use. Simply activate your testing kit online, use the cheek swab to collect your dog’s DNA sample, and send it off to the lab for testing. Your results will be available online after roughly 3 to 5 weeks.
This particular company is able to match your dog with any other close or distant relatives that may have also been tested with them.
You can find and connect with other dogs that share the same DNA as your pooch. The Doggy DNA Relative Finder is included with your purchase!
Pros:
- Offers an accurate breed breakdown by using a research-grade genotyping platform.
- Find out the breed contributions of your dog down to 5% of the total breed make.
- Can upgrade to the health kit package at any time without a second test.
- Simple and easy to use testing kit.
- Find close or distant relatives of your dog within the company’s database.
Cons:
- A little pricier than some competitors’ products.
RUNNER UP
Orivet Dog DNA Test Breed Kit
The Orivet dog DNA test breed kit will be a fantastic way for you to learn more about your dog’s genetic makeup.
This particular testing kit aims to reveal the breeds that make up your individual dog. Ideal if you want to know more about the specific breeds that are part of your dog’s ancestry!
You will receive the breed percentages of your dog as well as a 3 generation ancestry report, right to the great grandparent level, so you can have a better understanding of your dog’s genetic makeup.
As part of this testing kit, you’ll receive a life plan for your dog as well as their DNA results. This personalized wellness plan will be based on the breeds that were found in your dog’s DNA, as well as your dog’s weight, gender, age, lifestyle, and geographic location.
This will be a fantastic way for you to know how to better care for your dog’s individual needs throughout their lifespan.
This dog DNA testing kit is easy to use. All you need to do is to swab the inside of your dog’s cheek, then send their DNA sample to the Orivet lab for testing.
The DNA testing kit includes sterile DNA collection swabs, an information brochure with easy to use instructions, and a pre-paid envelope for you to use to send off your dog’s DNA sample.
Orivet is so confident that you’ll be satisfied with your dog’s DNA results, that they offer a no-hassle warranty with every testing kit. This 100% satisfaction guarantee is perfect for giving you extra peace of mind!
Pros:
- Designed to look at your dog’s ancestral genetic makeup.
- Receive a 3 generation ancestry report with your results.
- Get a personalized life plan based on your dog’s results.
- Simple and easy to use with fully comprehensive instructions.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee with a no-hassle warranty.
Cons:
- Must make sure that your dog doesn’t eat any food at least 15 minutes before you collect the DNA sample.
DNA Testing Kit for your Dog Buying Guide
So you’ve decided to invest in a DNA testing kit for your dog to finally determine which breeds they’re descended from.
You may have your suspicions already, but a DNA testing kit will be a great way to get you confirmation of your dog’s genetic makeup and to tell you if your dog is likely to develop any health conditions specific to those breeds.
With several different testing kits available to the market, it may be tempting to just opt for the first DNA kit you stumble across. There are a few things you should consider first, however, to ensure that you find the right testing kit for your dog as well as to get the results you’re after.
To help you decide on the best DNA testing kit for your dog, take a look at the points below.
Easy to use
One of the most important factors for you to consider is how easy your chosen DNA testing kit will be for you to use. The kit will consist of a swab and usually a pre-paid envelope so that you can send your dog’s DNA sample to the lab for analysis.
You’ll need to swab the inside of your dog’s cheek, and it’s important to read the instructions thoroughly as some tests will ask that your dog hasn’t eaten anything within a certain time frame.
Also check how easy it is to send the DNA sample off to the lab for testing, and how easy it is to get hold of the results afterward.
Breed identification vs health report
There are two main types of DNA testing kits for dogs to choose from. These are breed identification and health report testing kits. The breed identification tests will only be able to tell you the breeds which make up your individual dog’s genetic makeup.
The health test kits will generally do everything the breed identification tests can do, but will also be able to tell you if your dog is predisposed to any genetic health conditions that may be relevant to their breed ancestry.
The more in-depth health report tends to be a more expensive add on to the standard breed test, but if you’re worried that your beloved dog may be more likely to develop certain health conditions, it could give you more peace of mind.
Accuracy
Of course, the most important factor when choosing the right DNA testing kit for your dog will come down to accuracy. You won’t want to have spent all that money on a DNA testing kit that won’t give you accurate results.
Take a look at the accuracy your chosen test is able to offer you and your dog. If in doubt, you can always take a look at the product reviews to see what other customers thought of that particular test.
An accurate test will be able to give you more information about your individual dog, and allow you to create a long term health plan for them should they require it. The more accurate the test results, the better you’ll be able to care for your dog!
Breed database
One way to ensure that your dog’s results will be accurate is to take a look at the breed database that your chosen test will be able to measure their DNA against.
The greater variety of breeds that the product is able to test your dog against, the more accurate the final result will be!
Comprehensive results
Once the DNA sample has been collected and sent off for testing at the lab, you’ll want to receive a fully comprehensive set of results. These tests can be quite expensive, depending on the particular product that you opt for, and you’ll want to get the most value for your money.
A fully comprehensive set of test results will give you all the information you need to know about your dog’s genetic makeup. Take a look at the product descriptions and see how detailed the results will be once you’ve received them.
Breed analysis
How in-depth is your chosen testing kit’s breed analysis? If your dog is heavily mixed, rather than a mix of two breeds, the more breed analysis the testing kit is able to offer, the better.
It’s worth bearing in mind that if your dog is indeed heavily mixed, the breeds that are named in the results may be limited to the percentage of DNA that the labs are able to detect.
Some manufacturers are able to offer accuracy down to 5%, and some even offer down to 1%. Ensure to check the product details to see how detailed the promised breed analysis will be and make sure that you decide how comprehensive you want the results to be before choosing your DNA testing kit.
Speed of results
There’s nothing worse than spending all that money on a DNA testing kit for your dog only to be left waiting months and months to get the results. Take a look at the product information. How quickly is your chosen test able to get the results back to you?
The speed of results could be a crucial factor in making the right decision for you and your dog. Most testing kits will get your results back to you within 2 - 5 weeks, but some of the cheaper tests could take even longer, or may not even make it clear how long you’ll have to wait.
Price
You may be limited as to which DNA testing kit you can afford by your individual budget. Some of the more trusted and accurate brands are a lot pricier than less well-known alternatives, and this could affect the comprehensiveness of the results you receive.
It might be worth weighing up the decision of how long you want to wait to receive the results. Is it worth waiting a few months until you’ve saved enough money to buy one of the more expensive tests? Or are you happy to opt for a cheaper test?
As long as your chosen DNA testing kit covers most of the factors we’ve mentioned above, then you should be able to stay confident that you’re buying an accurate, quality product that will give you the answers to all of your doggy related questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dog DNA tests accurate?
The results from most of the major dog DNA testing companies are between 95-99% accurate.
There is of course room for human error, but you can be confident that your dog’s DNA test will be as accurate as possible.
How can I DNA test my dog?
A DNA testing kit will make it easier than ever to DNA test your dog.
The majority of home testing kits will require you to take a sample from your dog’s mouth, usually by swabbing their cheek.
This DNA sample can then be sent off to the lab of your chosen product for analysis, and you should get the results back within a few weeks.