The Best Puppy DNA Test Kit
Whether you want to find out what breed the pup you just welcomed into your home is or want to learn more about what diseases they might inherit, DNA testing can help. These tests can give you all sorts of information about your dog, including a breakdown of their genetics and insight into their behavior. While you can try guessing your dog's ancestry based on their appearance, DNA tests will give you the most accurate answers. With all that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best DNA test kits on the market.
What to Look For
We recommend asking yourself the following three questions while shopping for the best dog DNA kits on the market: Will it provide you with a detailed breakdown of your pup’s ancestry? How long will it take to obtain the results? How accurate are the results? Our top pick was the test kit from Embark, which precisely identifies a dog’s breed and helps identify their relatives. We also really liked the test kit from Wisdom Panel, which lets you discover your dog’s background with a quick cheek swab. Read on below to learn more about our favorites and find the right DNA test kit for your pooch.
Embark Breed Identification Puppy DNA Test Kit
With an extensive database that will allow you to trace your pup’s roots, this DNA test kit from Embark is hard to beat. Once you discover your pooch’s relatives, you can connect with other dog owners whose dogs share DNA with your pup. The test screens for over 350 dog breeds and 230,000 genetic markers, making it the most comprehensive on the market. That’s not all, either: you will only have to wait between two and four weeks to get your results, with the company keeping you updated on its progress.
Pros:
- We love how reliable this test is, accurately identifying the breeds of a dog and tracing them back to their great-grandparents.
- The website’s database allows you to find dogs with similar DNA and immediate relatives within the same state.
Cons:
- Some of the website’s features are a bit clunky.
Wisdom Breed and Ancestry Puppy DNA Test Kit
If you’ve been scratching your head trying to figure out the breed of your pup, this DNA test kit from Wisdom can help. It tests for over 350 breeds, scouring its comprehensive database to determine your pet’s origins going back three generations. The test results include your pup’s breed and ancestry, which helps assess health issues they may face in the future.
Pros:
- We were impressed by how detailed the report and family tree was, listing dogs’ origins in a way that was easy to understand.
- The instructions included in the kit are straightforward to follow, making it simple to get an accurate sample.
Cons:
- There’s no way to share the results easily.
Embark Trait and Health Puppy DNA Test Kit
Unusually unique
When you want to understand how your pup’s genetics might impact their health, this DNA test kit from Embark can provide you with detailed insights. The test analyzes over 200 genetic markers to determine your dog’s potential health risks. It doesn’t stop there, though: it also screens for over 350 dog breeds and varieties, allowing you to learn about your furry friend’s ancestry. Plus, the canine relative finder tool will notify you when other dogs sharing a common ancestor with your pup are identified.
Pros:
- We were thrilled by the in-depth analysis this test kit provided, accurately identifying dog breeds and potential health issues.
- The website for this test kit is interactive, providing detailed information on relatives and allowing owners to connect through the app.
Cons:
- It takes a while for the company to return the results.
DNA My Dog Mixed Breed DNA Test Kit
Rapid results
If you’re looking for a DNA testing kit that won’t break the bank, look no further than this kit from DNA My Dog. The no-frills test kit is user-friendly, and the company returns results quickly, often within a week or two. The results include a breakdown of your pup’s dominant breeds, personality traits, and potential health risks.
Pros:
- We especially liked how easy it was to use this test: no technical skills were required, just swabbing the dog’s inner cheek for a sample.
- It’s a great option for quickly determining the breed of dogs adopted from shelters.
Cons:
- Its breed database is more limited than the other options.
Orivet Breed Identification DNA Test Kit
Questions answered
If you’re unsure about your dog’s origins, this DNA test kit from Orivet can provide clarity. The tests screen for over 350 breeds and over 250 diseases and traits, giving you a detailed look at your pooch’s background. The results about potential genetic risks include steps you can take to address potential issues. If your pet is still a puppy, the test’s adult weight prediction tool will come in handy, allowing you to plan for your pup’s future.
Pros:
- We found the results were accurate and provided insight into dogs’ weight, gender, lifestyle, and breed.
- The recommendations on how to keep a dog healthy based on its genetic background were useful.
Cons:
- The DNA report isn’t as detailed as some of its competitors.
Can a dog DNA test kit estimate my dog’s age?
Unlike some human DNA tests, dog DNA tests cannot estimate your dog’s age. However, some tests offer an estimate of genetic age based on your dog’s gender and reported calendar age. These tests use that information combined with the dog’s breed to determine the life stage of your dog. Although you won’t receive an exact result, it will give you a better idea of your furry friend’s age.
How does a dog DNA test work?
Dog DNA tests use a cheek swab to gather genetic information from inside your dog’s cheek. You may want to give your dog a treat before swabbing to get their attention and make it easier for you to get the sample. However, don’t let them eat the treat until you’ve finished swabbing their cheek. These kits come with instructions on how to package the sample and return it for testing. Once the lab receives your sample, they will test it against a comprehensive dog breed database. You should receive your dog’s results a few weeks later.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
DogTime is a leading resource for dog owners & pet lovers. Our goal is to give every dog & pet a happy, healthy home by providing the best advice to owners.