What is DNA testing?
DNA testing, or mixed-breed analysis, is a method for analyzing a dog’s breed ancestry.
It may also be used to verify or identify purebred parentage and typical health risks.
When performed on puppies, DNA tests can predict potential adult size, temperament, genetic predisposition to certain health issues, and exercise needs.
These tests do not have a minimum or maximum age limit to analyze a dog’s DNA sample, but they generally advise that puppies should be older than two weeks old and separated from the mother for at least 30 minutes prior to swabbing to ensure no milk contamination occurs.
On the other end of the spectrum, some companies also provide DNA sampling services for deceased dogs.
How does DNA testing work?
Once a DNA kit is purchased, the process is very straightforward—simply swab the inside of the dog’s cheek to collect cell samples, place the swab in the provided baggie or collection tube, and mail to the lab, where it’s compared against a database of thousands of breed genetic markers.
Results are available within three to eight weeks, depending on the test.
Typically, companies include the following information in the results:
Ancestry information
- Breed descriptions
- Predicted weight and size profile
- Behavior and training insights based on breed
- Possible health concerns based on breed
How accurate are dog DNA tests?
The accuracy level of dog DNA tests depends on the size of their database—companies that test for 150 breeds or more have larger samples of genetic markers.
As a result, they will provide far more accurate results than one that only has 84, for example.
This explains why the same dog may have considerably different results with different tests.
The most thorough companies will also test for genetic mutations specific to each dog, and include wolf, coyote, and village dog ancestry in their results.
What are the benefits of DNA testing?
Aside from the obvious benefits of being able to predict, within a reasonable degree of accuracy, the potential adult size and activity level of a new puppy—which is why many shelters are incorporating DNA tests—owners can also find out about possible health concerns.
Knowing about the risks to dogs’ health ahead of time can save their lives.
For a relatively low investment, dog owners can anticipate possible problems down the road and take the appropriate measures with their diet and health.
In addition, DNA breed identification may be useful as some residential buildings and insurance companies have started requiring breed documentation.
Many people consider their pets a part of the family and enjoy knowing their genetic background.
How much does dog DNA testing cost?
Generally, the cost of dog DNA testing can range anywhere from $70 to $200.
On the more expensive end of the spectrum are more accurate results and wider knowledge about a dog’s genetic makeup and potential health issues.
The less expensive tests can be fun, but their results should be taken with a grain of salt, since they tend to have much smaller databases from which to draw on.
Does pet insurance cover DNA testing?
Pet insurance companies don’t cover DNA testing, since it’s considered an optional procedure that’s not essential to a dog’s healthcare.
However, since the test is relatively inexpensive, it can be worth it just for the peace of mind.
Obtaining a canine DNA test that also checks for genetic predisposition to certain health conditions can help pet owners decide if obtaining pet health insurance is worthwhile.pet health insurance is worthwhile.pet health insurance is worthwhile.
What are the best or most popular DNA tests?
Below you’ll find the main dog DNA test providers.
Bear in mind that the larger the dog database, the more thorough the results.
Different companies provide different types of reports, so it’s worthwhile asking how comprehensive the results are before purchasing a test.
Finally, don’t expect 100% accuracy—testing centers can only classify each dog according to its closest genetic relative they have on file.
Embark
Though this is one of the most expensive DNA tests at $199, it’s also one of the most comprehensive.
After the dog owner uses the provided swab to collect saliva from his or her dog, Embark tests it for more than 250 breeds, the most breed markers of any DNA test, and 165 genetic health conditions. Embark tests it for more than 250 breeds, the most breed markers of any DNA test, and 165 genetic health conditions. Embark tests it for more than 250 breeds, the most breed markers of any DNA test, and 165 genetic health conditions.
It checks for coyote, wolf, dingo, and village dog ancestry, as well as where the village dog ancestry originates from.
Every Embark test comes with breed, health, ancestry, genetic age, and trait (such as coat color, coat shedding, body features, body size, performance, coefficient of inbreeding (COI), and genetic diversity) information, among others.
It has the only dog relative finder, but this feature is not available for breeders or for owners whose dogs have over 10% wolf content.
The company also gives owners “Breed Mix Match Buddies” information and access to the dog’s raw DNA data with over 200,000 markers.
Finally, they provide multiple-kit discounts and free result updates for life.
Wisdom Panel
Mars Veterinary has been in the dog DNA testing business since 2007 and the latest version, the Wisdom Panel 4.0 test, comes with more bells and whistles than ever before, with a smaller price tag than Embark ($84.99).
They also have another product that provides advanced health information, the Wisdom Panel Health, for $149.99.
Both products test for over 300 dog breedsbreedsbreeds, types, and varieties.
They provide detailed behavior, visual and historical information about each breed, percentage breakdown of breeds, and a detailed family tree traced to the last three generations, including wolf and coyote ancestry detection.
Both also include genetic health information such as predicted weight profile, drug sensitivity, exercise-induced collapse, trait assessment (coat, color, height, to name a few) and other essential health information.
In addition to the abovementioned information, the Wisdom Panel Health kit also screens for over 140 disease-causing genetic mutations for an in-depth health analysis that includes disease description and level of disease severity present.
| Pros | Cons |
Tests for over 300 breeds, including wolf and coyote ancestry |
Average wait time (2-3 weeks from receipt of DNA sample) |
Two kits available for pet owners, the only difference between them is that one includes in-depth health genetic panel of over 140 diseases and the other does not. |
Does not estimate dog’s genetic age |
Affordable price point for both kits (great value considering what they include) | |
Can share the results with a veterinarian; online access to results | |
Two swabs are provided. Replacement swab kit is sent if the first fails the analysis. | |
Unique referral discount code provided
| |
Genetic test kit for breeders is also available. Called Optimal Selection, it tests disease, traits, and diversity. | |
Awarded 4.9 stars out of 5, based on 314 reviews on their website. It received an average of 4 out of 5 stars based on 1,380 customer reviews on Amazon, 56% of which were 5-star reviews. | |
| It also has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. |
DNA my Dog
This company offers seven DNA testing products.
It’s basic kit is affordable at just $68.99, but it is also the least complete, even though it is in the same price range as Wisdom Panel.
Though it does test for dominant breeds, personality traits, and health concerns—based on breed only—it doesn’t test for any genetic mutations, and customers report complaints with its accuracy.
Another kit identifies breeds and the dog’s genetic age for $99.99.
For $88.99, the breed DNA analysis also includes a test for coyote or wolf ancestry.
The DNA analysis breed identification test for deceased dogs is $157.
For $99.99, they also offer a breed identification test that includes health testing of specific health risks the dog may be predisposed to and ranked according to prevalence, probability, and severity.
A test that identifies breed, health testing, plus full genetic screening of 100 common breed diseases is $188.99.
Finally, customers may get a DNA test that screens for genetic mutations and health risks without breed identification for $139.99.
The DNA analysis results are delivered on a paper certificate that contains the breeds present in the dog’s ancestry, along with a level between one and four that are the ranges, rather than specific percentages, of each breed found in the DNA.
Orivet Home DNA
This company offers various DNA testing kits for both dogs and cats with price points ranging from $49.95 to $175.
The Pedigree kit includes a full canine DNA profile to verify parentage and trait genetic tests relevant to the dog’s specific breed but is not a breed identification test.
Under the more comprehensive umbrella of “Mixed Breeds Tests,” are the Dog DNA Breed Identification Test and Dog DNA Health Screen bundle for $175, the Dog DNA Health Screen and Lifeplan bundle for $129.95, the Dog Breed Identification Test and Lifeplan bundle for $129.95, the Dog Breed Identification Test alone for $84.95 or the Dog Lifeplan test for $49.95.
The Lifeplan test analyzes a dog’s breed, age, weight, gender, geographic location, and lifestyle to identify and rank specific traits and disease risks, as well as provide a personalized wellness plan.
It is recommended to know the breed DNA makeup of a mixed breed dog to maximize Lifeplan results.
The DNA Breed Identification Test determines the dog’s breed or breed mixture, percentage levels of each breed, adult weight prediction, insights on personality and behavior, routine healthcare advice, nutritional suggestions, and a free basic Lifeplan.
The Dog DNA Health Screen tests for over 180 genetic diseases and traits.
| Pros | Cons |
Tests for 250+ breeds, types, and varieties |
10-14 business days after lab receives sample to get results |
Includes testing for wolf or coyote ancestry |
Does not estimate dog’s age |
Lifeplan provides customized breed diet, exercise, and playtime routine |
Some customers complain that it does not explain the DNA results well. |
Health Screen tests for over 180 heritable diseases and traits, including for medicine sensitivity gene mutation. It has an affordable price as well. |
Two separate tests are needed to get both breed and health results |
Results available online on the owner’s personal online account, where the dog’s records can also be updated at any time, such as its weight, body condition, nutrition, health records, and medication. Can also print out results |
Costly for both breed and health tests |
Provide 3 swabs to collect sample, but if properly extracted, one is sufficient. If owners do not collect enough DNA, the company will send replacement swabs free of charge. | |
Also available for cats | |
Can use blood or frozen tissue samples for DNA analysis-ideal for deceased pets |
Armed with the knowledge provided by the chosen dog DNA breed and health risk results, dog owners will have a better idea of the type of care needed and coverage plans that best accommodate those needs.
Check out our review of the top 10 best pet insurance companies of 2019 to compare coverages and prices, as well as learn more about pet care options.