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The best dog DNA test kits
There’s no question about the affection that you have for your furry friend regardless of their descent. But if you’re curious as to where they got their velvety fur, bear-like paws or playful character, a dog DNA test might come in handy.
This user-friendly kit can reveal all sorts of secrets about your pup’s ancestry. Some can even reveal their susceptibility to certain medical conditions; thus, helping you to prepare adequately.
Have you been yearning to know more about your dog? If you have, here’s a detailed guide of the best dog DNA tests.
Best overall
Embark Breed Identification dog DNA test kit
This kit’s ability to show a dog’s shared DNA with other breeds makes it stand out from the others.
- Detectable breeds:
- Genetic disease detection:
- Turnaround time:
- Value for money:
Embark Breed Identification Kit comes highly-recommended, and it’s easy to see why. It provides a wealth of information about your hound without being too expensive.
While other DNA kits only tell you your dog’s breed, this one goes a step further by showing you the extent of the genetic composition.
The data it provides is also highly-accurate. It means that once you know your pup’s breed, you can begin making decisions – relating to their health or diet- based on the DNA results.
Best dog breed database
Wisdom Panel Premium dog DNA test kit
Apart from testing your dog’s DNA, the test can be used to identify other traits including its hair length, muzzle shape, and more.
- Detectable breeds:
- Genetic disease detection:
- Turnaround time:
- Value for money:
Wisdom Health brand is one of the most renowned when it comes to canine DNA tests. So it’s not surprising that their Premium model ranks highly.
This kit compares your dog’s genetic composition to more than 350 breeds to find the closest match.
The large database really comes in handy as it increases the chances of providing an accurate result. It also means that you’ll get to know the exact breed of your pooch even if it’s one of the rare ones.
Best affordable
DNA MY Dog dog DNA test kit
This test kit costs a little over fifty bucks; pretty affordable for a dog DNA test kit. Also, its turnaround time is relatively short compared to other dog DNA test kits on the list.
- Detectable breeds:
- Genetic disease detection:
- Turnaround time:
- Value for money:
DNA My Dog proves that you don’t have to spend a chunk of money to know your dog’s genetic makeup. It’s sold at almost half the price of other DNA tests. Even with the reasonable price tag, it doesn’t skimp on quality or accuracy.
Another thing you’ll love about this DNA test is the short turnaround time. Once you take your hound’s swab test, you can expect the results in as little as 2 weeks.
Best for health screening
Embark Breed Identification & Health Screening dog DNA test kit
The kit is the best for testing your dog’s DNA results, genetic disorders, and age estimate
- Detectable breeds:
- Genetic disease detection:
- Turnaround time:
- Value for money:
Most DNA tests only examine a dog’s genetic composition. But the Embark Breed & Health Kit can be used for so much more.
To be specific, you can use this kit to determine whether your canine friend is prone to any genetic diseases. Such information is really helpful as it can help you take necessary measures to either prevent the onset of such conditions or manage them.
Best follow-up plan
ORIVET Health Screen and LifePlan dog DNA test kit
What stands out about this Orivet company is that it allows dog owners to check the progress of the dog’s DNA test once it receives the sample. Also, the results are displayed in a chart making it easy to understand.
- Detectable breeds:
- Genetic disease detection:
- Turnaround time:
- Value for money:
Determining your dog’s breed is a step in the right direction. But keeping them healthy doesn’t end there.
Now that you know the specific breed, you have to adjust their routine and lifestyle accordingly to ensure they live long and healthy lives. ORIVET understands the essence of this, which is why they provide a DNA testing kit and a life plan.
Best breed insights
Wisdom Panel Essential dog DNA test kit
The test kit has a vast database for its price point. Having tested more than two million dogs enhancing the accuracy of the results.
- Detectable breeds:
- Genetic disease detection:
- Turnaround time:
- Value for money:
Want to know more about your pup, specifically, more than just their genetic composition? If you do, the Wisdom Panel Essential is just the DNA test for you.
This kit provides a comprehensive analysis report, which details your dog’s ancestry up to three generations back. It also screens your pup for over 25 medical conditions.
To top it all off, this kit reveals additional traits specific to their newly-discovered breed. These include aspects such as their hair length, muzzle shape, ideal weight among others.
Best multi-functional
Healthy Stuff Online Pet Sensitivity Kit dog DNA test kit
The beauty of this is that it eliminates the uncomfortable sample collection process. With a small hair sample, the test kit can identify all the dietary intolerances in your dog.
- Detectable breeds:
- Genetic disease detection:
- Turnaround time:
- Value for money:
This is another multipurpose DNA test kit that you should consider. In addition to telling you your dog’s breed, it also reveals whether they have any food intolerances.
Examples of food products you can test using Healthy Stuff Online include wheat, gluten, milk, pork, shellfish, salmon, soy, liver, carrot and more.
Another thing buyers love about this DNA test is that it’s non-invasive. Unlike others which require a mouth swab test, this one requires just a tiny hair sample.
Best accuracy
Wisdom Panel Health Canine Dog DNA Test Kit
The test kit analyzes the rarest dog breeds and the results are mailed within two weeks.
- Detectable breeds:
- Genetic disease detection:
- Turnaround time:
- Value for money:
Different DNA-testing companies may have differing results. But if the accuracy of your pet’s results is a priority, the Wisdom Panel Health Canine Test is the best alternative.
This kit reveals the exact breed of your dog as well as the genetic age. It achieves this by using a database with a large selection of breeds, up to 350 breeds. So you’re guaranteed that the results you’re getting are as accurate as possible.
Best for genetic age test
DNA My Dog Canine Genetic Age Test
This product’s ability to determine a dog’s age accurately stands out.
- Detectable breeds:
- Genetic disease detection:
- Turnaround time:
- Value for money:
Knowing your dog’s specific age can help you care for them better. It makes it easier to plan what foods to give, behavioral changes to expect, the right way to train them and more.
DNA My Dog is a test kit that not only reveals your dog’s genetic composition but also their genetic age. Important to note that this test gives you a comprehensive analysis. It means that it tells you all the breeds present in your dog, whether it’s just one or more than five.
Best user-friendly
Find My Pet DNA dog DNA test kit
This kit’s ability to identify 100% of AKC certified dog breeds gives you confidence in this kit’s ability to deliver accurate results.
- Detectable breeds:
- Genetic disease detection:
- Turnaround time:
- Value for money:
Some owners shy away from testing their dogs for DNA because they assume that it’s an invasive process.
Far from it, it’s pretty straightforward, and this DNA test by Find My Pet proves it. All you have to do is to gently rub the inside of your pup’s mouth to collect saliva.
You’ll be provided with a swab for this purpose. The whole process won’t take you more than 30 seconds, and you’ll receive the results within a span of 3 to 4 weeks.
What to look for in a good dog DNA test
Purchasing a dog DNA test is a pretty straightforward process. But to find the best one that meets your needs, consider these few factors:
Database
The first thing you need to check is the number of breeds in the DNA firm’s database. Ideally, you should go for one that has an extensive database. This increases the chances of finding the exact breeds that make up your pup.
A comprehensive database can also unearth traits in your pooch, which you’d otherwise never know about.
Capability to test for genetic diseases
Some owners buy these kits to learn about their dog’s genetic composition. But others are more concerned about the resulting health impact from the dog’s DNA analysis.
If you belong to the second category, then ensure the kit you purchase also has the ability to examine your dog’s health.
Such kits are pretty valuable as they can help you tailor your pup’s diet accordingly. They can also reveal whether your dog has any food intolerances.
Timeframe for results
Anxious to know whether your adorable puppy has some royal blood flowing through their veins? Well, you might have to wait a little longer.
The majority of pet DNA testing companies report that their testing process takes anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. This is particularly the case if your pooch is getting tested for other aspects other than their genetic composition.
FAQ
How does a dog DNA test work?
– The majority of these tests involve a cheek/ mouth swab test. Once you get your kit, it will, most likely, consist of swabbing equipment, and a manual to guide you on how to collect your dog’s DNA.
– To collect this sample, gently remove the swabs from the packaging, being careful not to touch the bristles. Then roll and spin them against the inside of your pup’s cheek.
– You can use your free hand to apply mild pressure from the outside of their mouth. This way, you’re sure that the swabs will come into contact with their cheek.
– When you’re done, put the swabs in a test tube, and mail back to the DNA company for testing. Now all you have to do is wait for a comprehensive analysis about your pup.
+ Quick tip: prevent your dog from eating, drinking or interacting with other dogs, at least two hours before taking the test.
Are dog DNA tests precise?
Yes, they are. Most DNA testing companies provide results that are between 95 and 99% accurate. Of course, there’s some room for human error and the size of each brand’s database also reduces the precision level.
Can dog DNA testing help with behavioral training?
Yes, it can. Perhaps you’ve always wondered why your Bichon Frise is always aggressive towards strangers. Well, learning about their genetic makeup and ancestry can help to explain some of their behavior. In return, you’ll be able to adapt a training approach, which works for that specific breed.
Which dog DNA test is the best?
As much as we’d like to, we can’t crown a specific brand of DNA test kits to be the best. Each one has its strengths. For instance, some like ORIVET provide a life plan, alongside genetic analysis. Others, such as Embark, tell you whether your dog has any health risks. So it all depends on the information you’re after.
Final verdict
Although it might seem unnecessary, it’s wise to know where your dog came from, and whether their ancestry makes them genetically-predisposed to certain diseases.
Often, you’ll find that such information isn’t readily available on the web. This is where the best dog DNA tests prove handy.
With one of these indispensable kits, you can find out everything there is to know about your pooch- genetics, health risks, food intolerances and all- using a very easy and inexpensive approach. We’ve detailed the most popular, accurate and effective dog DNA tests on the market.
