Importance of a Good Dog DNA Test
So, you’re looking for the best dog DNA test for your pet. Every dog is different, and the reason you’d like to test your dog’s ancestry might vary based on your pet.
A DNA test can tell you many different things about your dog. While adopting a dog is fantastic, many breeds are prone to certain illnesses, injuries, or drug sensitivity. If you don’t know these before they become a problem, it can spell disaster for your pet.
However, the best dog DNA test can tell you a plethora of information about your best friend. You can learn all you need to know about their breed, and potential sensitivity to medication, and some even screen for certain diseases!
Five Best Dog DNA Tests
As a certified dog trainer, I have met a variety of different furry clients. Pet owners love to know more about the ancestry of their pups, and I love to help them understand how to interpret those results! Using this experience, I have compiled a list of some of the best dog DNA tests on the market.
Each of these DNA tests has a certain scenario or feature that sets it apart from the rest: all-around use, value, etc. It is difficult to provide an all-encompassing choice of which DNA test is best, but we have ranked them in terms of quality, price, versatility, and more.
Here is our unbiased review of the top 5 best dog DNA tests available!
All-Around Favorite Dog DNA Test
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Review Highlights:
“… Embark geneticists sent a personalized email before releasing the results… I was very impressed when the breed tests came back!! They were very complete and detailed. Another amazing thing is that if new genetic disorders are discovered, they… update your results and let you know. …”
“… Embark DNA test was worth every penny. We had a wonderful experience with the company. Needless to say I recommend Embark to everyone I know …”
“… This is a fantastic test with unequaled customer support by Embark! With Embark’s and my regular Vet’s help, Lacy and I are on a good path to deal with whatever happens in the future! …”
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This DNA test is a great all-around choice to cover all your bases. You receive a full report on your dog’s ancestry, as well as a health screening to test for genetic diseases. Overall, this kit is a great choice for all-around success backed by veterinarians.
Feature Highlights:
- Screens over 250 breeds to help identify your dog.
- Tests for a wide variety of different genetic conditions.
- Helps you find and connect with dogs that share DNA with yours!
This test is a great comprehensive assessment of your dog’s DNA, genetics, and ancestry. It also features great customer service to help you fully understand the results. Not only can you discover your dog’s breed, but you can also learn about any diseases or illnesses that they might be predisposed to.
Another fun feature with this test is their family tree and relative connection. You can see your dog’s family tree, and Embark connects you with other dogs who share DNA with yours. They even provide you with the percentage of DNA shared! Recommended for: Mixed Breeds, Pitbulls, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and more.
Most Extensive Dog DNA Test
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Review Highlights:
“… I’m thrilled with the customer service and the end results from Wisdom Health. The breed info seems right on for my puppy and more importantly the tests showed the health factor info I was looking for …”
“… Would definitely recommend this test. It gives you the peace of mind of ruling out numerous genetic diseases. It is super easy to use, and the results came back very quickly. The whole process was fun and exciting! …”
“… I have used other DNA services for my dogs and do prefer this one… the testing on DNA is deeper as far as generational DNA is concerned and it also tests for known health risks which is a major benefit …”
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This DNA kit provides you with a thorough and comprehensive analysis of your dog’s ancestry while also testing for a variety of different genetic diseases. They also offer a unique DNA analysis that gives you insight into your dog’s care and needs for now and in the future.
Feature Highlights:
- Health testing kit screens for over 150 different genetic diseases.
- Analyzes family tree by going back three generations.
- Fast identification in under two weeks.
- DNA and genetic trait analysis helps you tailor your dog’s care to their unique needs.
This kit is easy to use and you get your results back incredibly quickly! Simply swab the inside of your dog’s cheek and ship it off. You’ll receive a detailed analysis of your dog’s breed, including percentages.
Your DNA analysis also screens your pet for any of the hundreds of different genetic diseases that impact dogs. With this information, you can better prepare for the care of your dog and prevent complications later on down the road. Recommended for: Mixed Breed, German Shepherds, Pitbulls, Collies, Border Collies, and more.
Best Value Dog DNA Test
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Review Highlights:
“… People think [my dog] looks like a wolf… When the test results arrived, I knew they were right on: Chow, Malamute, German Shepherd, and Gray Wolf… his great-grandparent was specifically a Gray Wolf. Their weight prediction was accurate …”
“… Impressive… all that was required was a name, birthdate, and a couple of saliva samples. I’m a believer in the quality of this product. …”
“… I am completely satisfied with the results as well as the speed with which they were returned to me …”
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This DNA kit is by far the most affordable of the different options out there. At a great value, you can receive a full breed analysis for three generations. This kit also tests your dog drug sensitivity, which is common in herding breeds and can be potentially life-threatening.
Feature Highlights:
- Unique DNA analysis lets you plan your dog’s wellness needs and understand behavior.
- Breed identification lets you identify potential health problems down the road.
- Tests for MDR1 drug sensitivity gene to protect your dog from reactions to medication.
This kit provides you with a single comprehensive report covering three generations of your dog’s lineage. It also provides you with a predicted weight profile based on the genetic information provided.
Along with the genetic profile, you also receive tailored breed information for each breed your dog tests positive for. This detailed information allows you to watch out for any breed-specific illnesses or diseases. Recommended for: Mixed Breeds, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Huskies, and more.
Best Cat DNA Test
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Review Highlights:
“… I’ve done DNA testing for my dogs and was really happy to find testing available for cats now. Getting the sample was very easy. They have kept me notified each step of the way. It will be nice to know where he really came from. …”
“… We were satisfied with the results and it has been a lot of fun to read and learn more about the different breeds… eager to hear the results. 🙂 …”
“… I really enjoyed reading about my kitty’s dna. It was spot on with the behavior my kitty was exhibiting. It answered a lot of behaviors we have noticed. I recommend it for understanding your kitty on a deeper level …”
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Ok, so it isn’t a dog DNA test, but it is important to test your cat’s genetic history as well. This product is the first of its kind for cats, and provides you with important information about potential genetic mutations and diseases that your cat could be susceptible to.
Feature Highlights:
- Easy at-home kit gives you personalized results in 6 – 8 weeks.
- Health marker report analyzes your cat’s DNA for potentially dangerous genetic conditions.
- Reports breed composition by comparing genome similarity.
Why let the dogs have all the fun? Just like dogs, certain cat breeds have a genetic predisposition to some diseases and illnesses. Not only does this kit test for genetic predisposition, but it also uses the breed results to help you understand your cat’s behavior as well.
Surprising as it may seem, it is actually quite easy to collect a saliva sample using a swab! Once your sample ships out, the researchers at Basepaws analyze the results to give you the most accurate information possible. To top it off, they also continuously update your cat’s profile based on their expanding research. Recommended for: Cats!
Best Basic Dog DNA Test
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Review Highlights:
“… From the day Embark received the DNA swab, it took 11 days to see the results. I truly think it’s the most accurate out there. I’ve already recommended this test to others and I can’t stress how accurate it seems. …”
“… Worked great, finally know what Apollo is. I didn’t send in a picture before. Legit! They gave a free upgrade to the better pack too …”
“… The instructions were easy to follow and didn’t seem to bother my dog much… embark sends updates… with detailed explanations along the way …”
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Are you looking for a kit without all the extensive bells and whistles? This kit is a great, back-to-basics dog DNA test kit that lets you see what breed your dog is! If you do decide you’d like to expand the kit at any point you can also purchase the upgrade without taking another DNA swab.
Feature Highlights:
- Screens 250 different breeds to analyze your dog’s DNA.
- Provides a family tree going back three generations.
- Allows you to connect with other dogs who share DNA with your pup!
This kit is a great standard DNA test to find out what breed your dog is. It’s fast and simple to swab your dog’s cheek, and you get the results back in 2 – 4 weeks for a surprisingly fast turnaround.
One great bonus for this basic kit is the ability to discover your dog’s relatives. Embark connects you with other pet parents whose dogs share DNA with yours. This way, your dog can meet their distant relatives! Recommended for: Mixed Breed, German Shepherd, Australian Shepherds, Border Collie, and more.
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