Everything You Need to Know About Dog DNA Testing

What Is A Dog DNA Test?

Dog DNA testing involves the analysis of your dogs’s specific genetic markers to determine valuable information such as breed history, ancestry and health information. There are many dog DNA tests available for home use, making it easier than every to take a deep dive into your dog’s background. If you’re curious about your dog’s breed and family history, or if you have concerns for particular genetic issues, dog DNA testing can provide the answers you have been looking for.

To perform a dog DNA test, you first need to purchase a kit and collect a sample. The genetic markers analyzed in dog DNA tests can be found in many types of cells, and it is often easiest to collect a sample from saliva. Your home kit will likely prompt you to roll a swab in your dog’s cheek to collect the DNA. Once the sample is prepared, you can easily ship it off to the kit’s associated lab for analysis. Typically within a few weeks, you will receive a customized report about your dog’s DNA.

What Are The Best Dog DNA Tests Available?

It is essential to purchasing your dog DNA test from a reputable organization that can perform an accurate and thorough screening. Here are two of the best options for home dog DNA tests:

1. Embark Dog DNA Test

Embark is a trusted name in the dog DNA testing community, and an Embark Dog DNA test comes with excellent ratings from thousands of dog parents. While it may have the best reputation, it also features the highest price tag with costs ranging from $180 to $200. Embark’s Dog DNA test is one of the most comprehensive tests on the market, as it tests for breed composition, ancestry, and genetic risk for over 160 conditions that can affect your dog’s health. The test screens for over 200,000 markers overall, making it a top recommendation from the American Kennel Club (AKC). Embark’s lab partners with Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine to deliver accurate results, which will arrive three to seven weeks after your dog’s sample is received. Embark also offers friendly customer support to help interpret your dog’s results and answer any questions.

2. Wisdom Health’s Wisdom Panel 3.0

Wisdom Health’s Wisdom Panel is a great dog DNA test option for detailed results that won’t break the bank. Costs average around $80 to $90, and it tests for over 99 percent of the 180 dog breeds recognized by the AKC. Wisdom Panel provides detailed breed information, with family history dating back to the great-grandparent level. It can also accurately predict your dog’s adult size, giving you a more accurate idea of what is considered healthy weight range for your dog’s breed composition. While this test can give you insight into your dog’s ancestry, it only tests for two potential health conditions. Wisdom Panel delivers fast results and knowledgable service, with a personalized report available in two to three weeks.

How Does a Dog DNA Test Work?

While all dog DNA tests are similar in concept, each type of home kit may have varied instructions, so make sure you read all the paperwork thoroughly before you begin. It is a good idea to make sure your dog is relaxed and happy before collecting the sample.

In most cases, you will begin by swabbing your dog’s cheek with a provided collection swab, ideally at least an hour after a meal. You may need to let the swab dry, then you can send it back to the testing organization. To make this step easy, most kits come with all the materials you need to mail your sample. Make sure you’ve included all requested information, such as your dog’s name and the kit number, with your sample before you send it.

When your dog’s sample is received at the lab, it will undergo DNA testing similarly to how human DNA tests are performed. Experts will then compare your dog’s genetic information with known genetic markers to create a detailed profile.

Once the lab is finished with the analysis step, you will receive your dog’s report via mail or email. The information will be broken down in easy-to-understand terms, and if you have further questions, you can speak to a representative at the lab.

What Can I Learn From My Dog’s DNA Test Results?

Knowledge is power, and dog DNA tests give you access to important information about your dog’s background and health – allowing you to make more informed decisions regarding care. Dog DNA tests will tell you more about your dog’s breed information, so you can have a better idea of what types of breed-specific conditions he or she may be prone to. You may also learn your dog tested positive for a genetic disease, which has the potential to impact lifelong health.

Dog DNA testing can help paint the picture of your dog as an individual, giving you better expectations about size, behavior and health. It can also help satisfy your curiosity about your mixed-breed dogs when you find out what breeds contributed to their one-of-a-kind traits that make them unique.

If you decide to purchase a dog DNA test, consider sharing your dog’s results with your family veterinarian. Information about genetic conditions and breed history can help provide valuable medical insight that can benefit your dog’s medical care.

A dog DNA test informs you about what makes your dog special, and answers important questions about your dog’s behavior, traits and potential genetic conditions. When you decide to utilize dog DNA testing, you’re just a swab away from uncovering valuable knowledge about your dog’s health.