Many dog owners want to test their dogs DNA. There are numerous reasons for carrying out a DNA test with the main outcome providing information on dogs breed, ancestry history, and any potential health risks. The tests help owners discover their dog’s full breed composition, with a percentage of each breed in your dog (if it is a mix), unique personality traits that you can expect from your dog, any genetic health concerns that are common amongst that particular breed and much more.
Carrying out a DNA test helps owners learn more about their dog will allow them to confirm the breeds in their dog if they are unsure. This is common with adopted dogs or if an owner is simply curious if their dog’s ancestry was once mixed with another breed. By having confirmation of a dogs breed, owners are able to understand, in more detail about their dog and its personality traits and behaviors. DNA tests are also very popular with owners who want to be pro-active about the health and wellness of their dog. The tests will provide information on any health concerns that need to be looked out for that are hereditary. By learning about this information, owners can make the right decisions on their dogs’ lifestyle and learn more about any disease or problems they may be prone to.
As with most products on the market, dogs DNA tests are very popular and there are many different versions from different competing companies. They all offer a DNA testing kit which can be used at home safe and easy to test your dogs DNA. By simply swabbing your dog’s mouth with the cotton swab that is in the kit, activating your account online and sending the kit back to the lab in the pre-paid shipping container, the test is complete in 3 simple steps.
Once samples are sent to the lab, results are available as soon as possible with most companies being able to complete a genetic analysis in 2 weeks. The DNA is tested and ran alongside the database of information on different dog breeds. When complete, a report about your dog will be produced with information about the dogs breed, ancestry information, possible health risks and more.
Here are 3 of the best dog DNA tests available on the market now for purchase which all offer you the chance to test your own dogs DNA from the comfort of your home.
Wisdom Panel 3.0 Breed Identification Dog DNA Test Kit
As the leading brand in Dog DNA kits, Wisdom gives you a great online portal to fully understand and analyze your results.
Editor’s rating:
The Wisdom Panel 3.0 DNA test kit is a breed ancestry testing kit and is simple to use, in just 3 steps and provides analysis in just 2 weeks. At $72, this is middle of the range kit which allows you to create an online account to access your information. As the leading canine genetics company, Wisdom Panel is top quality and have the largest and most comprehensive breed database in the world.
The Collection Process
The collection is simple, all it takes is two cheek swabs in order to get some sample skin sells. Once you register the kit online, the swabs can then be sent via a prepaid envelope for processing. Depending on the current demand, it takes about 2-3 weeks to usually process the DNA.
The Results
Once the DNA is processed, you receive an email notification with access to their online portal. Here is where the product really shines, you get a beautifully detailed family tree that explains the likely breed roots of your dog. You also get a nice breakdown of the breed DNA found in the sample and information about the particular traits of every breed found. The only issue that some customers have reported is a vague breakdown if your dog is a very mixed breed. You end up getting unclear results that will not reveal too much about your dog’s roots.
- Simple Collection Process
- Huge Online Database
- Gives interesting health insights
- Vague results for mixed breeds
Embark Dog DNA Test Kit
While Embark is more expensive compared to other kits, the results offer a lot more features including health, genetics and even a relative finder.
Editor’s rating:
This dog DNA test kit from Embark offers high-quality scientific testing to provide owners with key information about their dog. For $189, customers receive a box that can be sent back via mail and receive crucial information about their dogs’ breed and history. The company is also partnered with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine to help contribute to better dog health.
The Collection Process
The collection is simple, all it takes is two cheek swabs in order to get some sample skin sells. Once you register the kit online, the swabs can then be sent via a prepaid envelope for processing. Depending on the current demand, it takes about 2-3 weeks to usually process the DNA.
The Results
Embark’s core results are very similar to the Wisdom Panel portal but Embark does seem to offer some more advanced and interesting features. For starters, Embark has a cool relative finder that can actually help you find your dogs family if the DNA exists within their database. This obviously requires the input of the community to be effective but distant relatives are usually present. Embark also tests for a lot of genetic diseases and this is where this kit shines above the rest. Knowing your dog’s genetic health profile can help you adjust their diet and lifestyle in a really impactful an meaningful way.
- Simple Collection Process
- Relative Finder
- Gives interesting health insights
- Pricier
Dog DNA – Canine Breed Identification Test
An alternative for those that don’t want to spend too much on
Editor’s rating:
The canine breed identification test from Dog DNA is ideal for customers not wanting to spend much on a DNA test but still want crucial information about their dog. This test allows you to take a simple cheek swab of your dog and send off for analysis. Results give key information on your dog as well as a custom photo certificate of your dog’s breed composition. For just $39.99, this at home DNA test is a bargain and a must-buy for all dog owners!
The Collection Process
The collection is simple, all it takes is a cheek swab in order to get some sample skin sells. Once you register the kit online, the swabs can then be sent via a prepaid envelope for processing. Dog DNA also asks for a photo of your dog and this aspect has lead to some controversy.
The Results
Dog DNA offers the least amount of information compared to the other two choices and has a pretty old school dashboard to display results. Many customers seem to notice that the picture has a much bigger impact on the results compared to the DNA. Some even claim that the results are just based off of the picture which is of little value. This kit is definitely more for someone that wants to do this for fun as opposed to someone trying to get real and meaningful information about their dog.
- Entry Level Pricing
- Simple Collection Process
- Seems to value photographic features vs. DNA
- Takes a long time to get results