Bringing home a dog from the shelter is an adventure filled with joy, surprises, and a little mystery, especially when your new companion is a true mutt. As the bond with your new pet deepens, you may be curious about its genetic makeup. That’s where modern science steps in. Thanks to the best dog DNA test kits you can buy online or at the pet store, finding your furry friend’s heritage is as easy as a cheek swab.
Dogs’ genetic makeup is much more diverse than we previously thought. The Dog10K project analyzed nearly 2,000 DNA samples from 321 dog breeds, wild canines, and wolves, uncovering over 48 million genetic data points and revealing around three million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) per breed. Interestingly, wild village dogs, which coexist with humans in urban environments but aren’t household pets, had a greater genetic variety than breed dogs.
Your dog is most likely not a wild village dog, though. Navigating the array of available test kits to find the most suitable one for your needs might seem daunting. These kits are categorized into three main types:
- Breed Identification: If your main interest is in discovering your dog’s breed mix, a basic breed identification test will suffice.
- Health Screenings: For owners concerned about genetic health risks, choose a test that includes a health screening component.
- Breed + Health Tests: Comprehensive tests that offer both breed identification and health screening are ideal for owners who want a full picture of their dog’s genetics.
➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
The Best Dog DNA Test Kits for Discovering Your Dog’s Lineage
1. Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test
This is one of the dual tests that screens for 350+ breeds and over 250 genetic health risks. It takes about two weeks to come back and is the official DNA test for the Westminster Kennel Club. According to Time, this test not only traces your dog’s breed mix back to their great-grandparents but is also user-friendly and processed in a human-grade lab. Results can be easily shared with your veterinarian through your Embark account, and you have the option to discuss your dog’s genetics with one of their experts.
This kit is pricier than some of the others, but it’s easy to use and you’ll be notified every step of the way. USA Today says once the sample arrives at the lab, you’ll receive continuous email updates.
People calls this the “best investment” on the market, especially if you want to get a lot of information about your dog. In addition to breed and health information, the results also show physical traits and can connect you with family matches, too.
2. Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit
This dog DNA test has more than 12,000 five-star Amazon reviews, meaning a lot of people are satisfied with the results. According to Family Handyman, the results show the percentages of all breeds detected and outline any medical issues your dog may develop.
Experts at People believe this is a very accurate test with results down to one percent. It can identify over 350 breeds and is best for dog owners just looking for breed ID.
Called the “best budget” test by Time, the Wisdom Panel Essential kit is easy to use and the results are easy to understand. It can go back three generations.
3. Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Collection Kit
Another kit from Wisdom, this premium test not only analyzes breed but also tacks on genetic health and behavior screening for hundreds of genetic conditions such as hemophilia. USA Today gives it a “best overall” rating. The only downside? You can’t share results.
Don’t bother investing in the more expensive kits. PC says this kit offers the same bells and whistles, with easier-to-understand results.
Another benefit to buying this kit? Time says you will get a free phone consultation for any “at risk” findings.
4. Orivet Mixed Breed Identification DNA Test
Orivet has a smaller database than Embark or Wisdom Panel, meaning it identifies fewer breed types and health conditions. According to USA Today, the breed findings were accurate compared to other tests, but there is no genetic trait breakdown or the family trees offered by the other companies.
This is a great test if you have a purebred dog. According to the experts at Time, the company offers breed-specific kits with an affordable price and quick turnaround time.
If you’re looking for accuracy, this may not be the best choice. Forbes reports the company isn’t as forthcoming about its testing process, so it’s hard to know how accurate they are.
5. Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Dog DNA Kit
Yet another Wisdom Panel test rounds out our top five list. According to U.S. Service Animals, this one is at a mid-level price point and has a great online portal where you can analyze the results.
This makes a great gift for a dog owner in your life. People calls this a “best budget” kit, that doesn’t skimp on quality. The sample collection process is simple and the company breaks down breed ID into percentages.
Forbes adds Wisdom Panel is a cut above the rest because it has a database to help dog owners connect with their pet’s relatives.
You may also be interested in:
Sources:
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.