If you’re curious about your dog’s ancestry and want to know more about their unique genetic makeup, getting a dog DNA test is a good option. These tests can help you learn about your pet’s breed mix and ancestry, and they can also screen for health conditions that may affect your pup.
The best dog dna test kits are simple to use, and they give you detailed results within a few weeks. Most are at-home kits that require a cheek swab and are mailed to the lab for analysis.
There are many types of dog dna tests on the market, and they range in price and feature set. Some provide a comprehensive breakdown of your dog’s breed and ancestry while others focus on screening for specific genetic health conditions.
Embark is our top pick for a dog DNA test that offers a comprehensive breakdown of your pup’s breed and ancestry. This kit uses a database of 350+ dog breeds to provide accurate results that can be verified at home. It includes a dashboard that gives you a glimpse into the breed makeup and health risks of your dog, along with a Relative Finder feature that notifies you if other dogs who’ve taken the test share similar ancestry as yours.
It’s important to note that, while these dog dna test can be helpful, they should never replace the advice of your veterinarian. These tests are based on genetic markers that are only accurate when they’re tested against a certain percentage of your dog’s genome, which means that results could be overstated or misleading.
For example, if your dog has the recessive gene B that causes them to produce black pigment in their eyes, the test will light up with a green or red light depending on how much B is present. A high-quality dog dna test will also tell you whether your dog has a single copy of b, two copies of b, or one copy of b.
The Embark dog DNA test has also been extensively researched and tested by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, so you can rest assured that it will provide accurate results. It also screens for 230K+ other genes, and it provides results in between two and four weeks.
Another great choice is Mars Veterinary, which has a wide range of health tests that are designed to identify genetic markers associated with certain diseases. This is a good test to get if you’re concerned about your dog’s genetic risk of developing cancer or other serious health conditions.
Our pick for a budget-friendly option is the DNA My Dog Breed Identification Test Kit, which comes with 87 breeds in its database and offers results in about a week. It doesn’t list detailed percentages like some other dog DNA kits do, but it’s a great option for people who aren’t interested in the finer details of their dog’s genetic makeup or for someone who just wants a quick and inexpensive way to find out what their dog is really made of.