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“One of my dogs has a hereditary issue. Embark notified me immediately before completing the rest of the tests. I took Allie to the vet, unknown health issues were fixed and she is now on preventative treatment (prescription dog food). So grateful!” – Vicky Y. With adoptions on the rise and nearly three quarters of U.S. households owning a pet, it makes sense that we, as pet parents, are eager to find the answers to all things dog. Recent studies have found that mixed-breed dogs represent more than half of all dogs who share our homes — more than any single purebreed. The mixed-breed dog truly is America’s dog! If your mixed-breed pup has really unique markings, curious behavioral tendencies, or chronic health issues, you can’t help but wonder where those traits came from. Are Poodle-like curls a sign that your dog could be hypoallergenic? Is your puppy nipping your ankles and herding your kids because they’re part Cattle Dog? Does your fluffy, escape artist have husky genes? Are those Dalmatian spots? What type of dog do I have? Guessing a mixed-breed dog's ancestry is a lot harder than it looks — studies show that identifying a dog's breed by their physical appearance is only correct 25% of the time. Enter: Dog DNA tests. Thanks to this technology, it is incredibly easy (and fun) to dig into your dog’s genetics and discover their origins. But not all tests are created equal: Some dog DNA tests offer more in-depth breed detection and on-point genetic information than others. Why does that matter? Many dog breeds are predisposed to certain inherited health and behavioral characteristics. For example, Labrador Retrievers are prone to proopiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency, which causes severe obesity that begins at an early age, and herding dog breeds often test positive for the Multidrug Resistance Mutation (MDR1) gene, which puts them at a higher risk for medical complications during otherwise common procedures due to medication sensitivities. But with your lovable mutt’s genetic information at your fingertips, you can not only be aware of potential genetic conditions to keep an eye out for, but you can also be a proactive pet parent and schedule annual tests to get ahead of the game. Think of it this way — if there was a particular health issue in your own family history, you would take the steps to prevent yourself from inheriting it, right? Well, pets are family too! Dog DNA test kits are generally affordable and simple to use — you are just a cheek swab away from getting to know all about your pup. But which DNA test should you choose? We did some recon and found that the Wisdom Panel™ dog DNA test was by far the best in class because it boasts the world’s largest breed database, ensuring its results are over 98% accurate. Below, we break down more reasons why it beats the competition...  1. Wisdom Panel PremiumThe Bark’s Top Pick!With the Wisdom Panel™ dog DNA test, you're getting a superior product at a reasonable price. The science behind it was developed by world-class geneticists and veterinarians. And in 2021, Wisdom Panel introduced a new breed detection system that consistently shows error rates 2-4x lower than the industry standard—making it the most accurate dog DNA service on the market. And their breed reference database (more than 21,000 samples and counting) is larger than any other. So, even the rarest of breeds won’t slip through the cracks. Then their easy-to-use interface makes it effortless to view your dog's breed breakdown — listing each breed in the mix all the way down to 1% — with over 98% accuracy. You can even trace your pup’s ancestry back to their great-grandparents! But the best part? With more than 210 genetic health tests, from drug sensitivities to vision disorders to mobility problems, you’ll be better prepared when it comes to your pet’s health. And if you still have questions, Wisdom Panel offers a free consultation with a licensed vet to explain your dog’s health results.
wisdompanel.com 2. Embark Health & Breed IDThe Embark Dog DNA test also helps dog owners learn more about their dog's breed makeup and health risks. Embark only lists breeds identified with high confidence and excludes low percentage results as they aren't reflective of true ancestry. Their Relative Finder feature will notify you if other dogs who have taken the test share a common ancestor with your pup. Embark also shares photos of dogs who have similar breed mixes so you can see other cute pups like yours.
embarkvet.com 3. DNA My DogThe DNA My Dog test is a good option for budget shoppers just curious about their dog’s breed mix. While it doesn't screen for nearly as many breeds or offer insights into your pet’s health, this bare-bones pet dna test is easy to use and requires no technical (iPhone app) skills. After swabbing your dog, you simply mail the sample and wait for results to arrive 2-3 weeks later by email as a PDF.
dnamydog.com 4. Orivet Mixed-Breed IdentificationOrivet has DNA-profiled over 150,000 dogs and cats since it launched in October 2010, but in that time, the interface for the Orivet Mixed-Breed Identification remains less intuitive than that of its competitors. Orivet dog DNA test kit provides adult weight prediction for puppies, nutritional suggestions, and can give you alerts and advice on routine health care.
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This content was reviewed by veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Racine, DVM.
To keep the lights on, we receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Our review process. Have you been dying to know what breeds make up your one-of-a-kind pup? Are you concerned about certain hereditary diseases your dog might develop one day? DNA dog tests are a fun and informative way to understand who your pooch is and help you develop a better health plan for their future. According to a survey by Wisdom Panel, the primary reason pet owners decide to do a dog DNA test is out of curiosity (56%), followed by a desire to determine and gain a deeper understanding of possible health outcomes. How Does Dog DNA Testing Work?A dog DNA test is easier than you might think. All you have to do with at-home dog DNA tests is order the test online, take a simple cheek swab from your dog, place the swab in the provided container, and mail it back in a prepaid envelope. In a few weeks, you’ll receive a report that includes your dog’s DNA results. Depending on the company and the type of test, you’ll see the percentage breakdown of your dog’s breeds and risks for developing some hereditary diseases. Some companies also offer parentage testing and purebred and designer dog testing. What’s The Best Dog DNA Test?We’ve reviewed several dog DNA tests currently on the market and given you detailed information about what you can learn from each one. All of these are at-home cheek-swab tests, but the type and depth of results you’ll receive can vary. Winner: Embark ReviewVisit Website Embark DNA is a comprehensive dog DNA test that screens for breed identification, 35+ physical traits, ancestry, geographic origin, and genetic disease risk (for 210+ known canine genetic health problems). It also has a relative finder that lists dogs in their database related to yours. Your test results include a detailed vet report to help you and your veterinarian plan the best care for your dog. Embark stands out from the pack because it identifies twice as many genetic markers as other companies and has a research-grade DNA genotyping platform. We also like that Embark contributes funding and genetic testing to animal shelters in the U.S. and Nepal. The downside? Embark’s dog DNA test cost is higher than competitors, but the results outweigh the higher price. It is also the official dog DNA test of the Westminster Kennel Club. eGift cards are available in $25 increments, from $50-200, allowing your loved ones to choose the Embark kit that best fits their needs and budget. Embark also offers tests for purebreds and breeders that provide breed-relevant disease screening, insights into health, traits (e.g., coat color, body size), and more. Every kit includes the genetic inbreeding coefficient and results for nearly all genetic mutation tests recommended by national breed clubs. Providing this extra layer of certification may help to differentiate your breeding service from the competition. The purebred test also gives you the same health results and relative finder you get with the mixed breed health + breed test. Embark’s Genetic ResearchEmbark partners with scientists from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine to conduct ongoing research into dog genetic testing — and you have the option to include your dog’s DNA data in their research. In some ongoing studies, Embark researchers are working on identifying the genetic basis of stomach cancer and the genetic variants that may increase the risk for Wobbler’s Syndrome. They’re also trying to understand the role of genetics in obesity and arthritis in dogs. But they’ve already made many important discoveries. In their most recent published study, Embark scientists discovered a genetic variant associated with early-onset adult deafness (EOAD) in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. Embark is now the first dog DNA test to inform Ridgeback owners, breeders, and veterinarians of a dog’s risk for this type of EOAD. Another recent study found that “roaning” dogs such as German Shorthair Pointers, Australian Cattle Dogs, and other breeds are strongly associated with a genomic region on chromosome 38 and likely regulated by the usherin gene (USH2A). Roaning contributes to uniquely spotted coats that do not gray with age. This chromosome variant also contributes to Dalmatian spots. Testing for this genetic trait is only available through Embark’s dog DNA tests. Personal Experience
PricesEmbark offers discounts if you purchase multiple kits (see coupon below) and also has free shipping.
Looking for the latest Embark promo code? Visit or dedicated Embark coupon article with the most up-to-date seasonal offers and discounts. Full Embark DNA Review Runner-Up: Wisdom Panel DNA Test ReviewView on Chewy Wisdom Panel has three main dog DNA tests: Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery, Wisdom Panel Essential, and Wisdom Panel Premium.
You get a detailed report back within three weeks that you can share with your vet. All tests also trace your dog’s family tree back three generations and include a relative finder. Wisdom Panel has tested more than three million dogs, and they say over 99.9% of dogs in their database have a relative. Wisdom Panel also offers a cat DNA test, which screens for 70+ breeds and populations, 45+ genetic health conditions, and 25+ traits. It detects more breeds than any other cat DNA test. They also have tests for breeders of dogs and cats. These include genetic health tests, traits, and genetic diversity. Personal Experience With Wisdom Panel 3.0We purchased this 3.0 DNA test to conduct this product test (not a free trial). This is an older kit that tested for 250 breeds.
PricesWisdom Panel is often offered at a discount from the MSRP price at Chewy. Visit our dedicated Wisdom Panel coupon page to see past deals. Full Wisdom Panel Breed Detection Test Review Third Place: Orivet Dog DNA Tests ReviewView on Amazon Orivet offers two main (and current) dog DNA tests, one for mixed-breed identification and another for genetic health screening, traits, and breed identification. Each test has a personalized life plan you can share with your vet. While the Geno Pet+ test is a bit less expensive than Wisdom Panel’s breed+health test and much less than Embark’s similar test, Orivet’s test doesn’t include ancestry screening or a relative finder. And its genetic testing isn’t nearly as advanced as Embark’s test is. We also couldn’t find a list on their website of the genetic conditions they screen for in the Geno Pet+ test. Both Embark and Wisdom Panel have thorough information on their sites.
PricesOrivet is often sold for less than MSRP on Amazon. Full Orivet Dog DNA Review Comparison Table
Although the following tests didn’t make our top three this time around, they’re popular options you may want to consider as well.
DNA My Dog Review (sold by EasyDNA)View on EasyDNA DNA My Dog’s DNA test is an affordable option for an at-home canine DNA assessment (sold via EasyDNA). Although you get a report on your dog’s dominant breeds, personality traits, and any breed-related health concerns, DNA My Dog is mediocre compared to the breed and trait information you get with our top picks. But at a lower price, this tradeoff might be acceptable to you. DNA My Dog has far fewer breeds in its database, meaning you’re not going to get the level of accuracy and detail you would with Embark, Wisdom Panel, or Orivet’s tests. And many reviewers agree that their test lacks accuracy. But if you’re on a budget, DNA My Dog is the least expensive alternative. Further, if you are seeking more detail, you may be interested in the Canine Genetic Age Test by EasyDNA that you can buy on this site as a companion product to identify your dog’s breed mix and biological age. This test also measures the length of a dog’s telomeres, the protective caps at the end of each chromosome that tend to shorten with age, and can provide insight into the predicted longevity and health of a dog. EasyDNA also offers an Inherited Disease and Trait Test (priced per condition they test for) and a Parentage Test to determine if your dog is purebred.
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Looking for a DNA My Dog promo code? Click here for the best deal we could find. Full DNA My Dog Allergy Test Review | Full EasyDNA Dog Allergy Test Review Paw Print Genetics ReviewVisit Website Paw Print Genetics is an excellent choice for breeders or people with purebred dogs who want to test for breed-specific diseases. You can order a single test or a panel of tests to assess your dog’s risk of developing or passing on the disease(s). Their website allows you to search by breed, disease/trait, or symptom. They also offer parentage tests and a DNA profiling test you can use to ID your dog if he gets lost or stolen. Paw Print Genetics has a very limited number of mixed-breed tests, and they don’t provide breed identification.
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Full Paw Print Genetics Review Alternative: Get A Dog DNA Test At Your Veterinarian’s OfficeIf you’d rather have your veterinarian conduct your DNA test, you can check with your vet’s office to see if they offer the Royal Canin DNA test. With this test, your vet draws a small amount of blood and mails the sample to the lab, where they analyze your dog’s DNA. They determine your dog’s breed (out of 250 breeds) and do a health screening for more than 130 genetic mutations. Once your vet receives the results in two to three weeks, you can meet to discuss a health and wellness plan for your pup. We don’t have any information about whether this test is better than what you can do at home. We’ve read several comparisons that suggest that you will get a higher level of detail from our top at-home DNA pick than you will from the Royal Canin DNA test. Plus, it will likely require you to pay for a vet office visit and whatever the cost is for the test. DNA Health Testing & Vet CareCaution: Do Not Make Healthcare Decisions Based On Dog DNA Test ResultsWe want to warn you that whatever health results you receive in your dog’s DNA test, you should take them with a grain of salt. Some pet parents make life and death decisions based on what could be overstated or misleading health indicators. Always consult with your vet on any DNA test results. For example, research may show that a specific gene mutation may be associated with cancer in Boxers, but that may not mean the same mutation will cause cancer in a Coonhound. However, the mutation may still shows up on the Coonhound’s report, suggesting that your dog is at risk for cancer. We encourage you to discuss any health concerns raised by test results with the DNA company for clarification. The top companies all have geneticists and vets on staff who can help and likely set your mind at ease about the actual risks for your pet. Just because your dog has a genetic mutation doesn’t mean your dog will develop a disease. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s DNA results but be careful making any major medical decisions based on a pet health DNA test’s indications. The vet who has examined your dog in person knows more about your pet’s health than a DNA test taken by mail. Are There Any Reasons Not To Test My Dog’s DNA?Finding out your dog’s breed can lead to you learning about any disease predispositions, potentially causing some anxiety. You know what you’re capable of handling better than we do, but this is something you’ll want to consider. In some areas or housing situations, you may have restrictions on certain breed ownership. If you conduct a DNA test on your dog and that breed is in your dog, you may be in a difficult situation if you opt to share your dog’s breed mix with a landlord. This could lead to you being unable to buy or rent a home in the area or needing to relocate. Honest sharing of DNA details could even increase your homeowner’s insurance in some situations. There’s also a slight chance of false information. Whether the DNA sample wasn’t the best or there was a mix-up in the lab, it’s unlikely but possible to obtain inaccurate information that could lead you to adjust your dog’s lifestyle unnecessarily. Pet Insurance Can Help Cover Health ConditionsIf you find out your dog is predisposed to a health condition (or multiple) but not yet diagnosed, you may want to consider purchasing pet insurance now to help out financially in the event your dog becomes ill. So if your dog is diagnosed with an illness, pet insurance reduces the chance of choosing between his life and your wallet (aka economic euthanasia). But you should sign up before an issue is detected because if you wait until your dog is diagnosed, the insurance company won’t cover it. Once diagnosed, it is considered a pre-existing condition. Read our pet insurance comparison to see which companies we recommend and find out what they cover. How Can A DNA Test Benefit My Dog’s Health?Knowing your dog’s breed mix can help you, and your vet develop a better health plan for your dog. If you get genetic mutation testing, you’ll know your dog has a genetic predisposition for certain diseases he could develop in the future. Knowing what breeds are in his mix can inform you about each breed’s genetic health concerns. Then you’ll learn to look for early warning signs, and you can take preventive measures before it’s too late. Tagged With: Comparison, DNA, Reviewed By Dr. Racine, DVM |
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