Best Dog DNA Tests For 2021
Human DNA testing is all the rage, but did you know that you can DNA test your furry friend? If you’re dying to know what breeds your dog and their ancestors originate from or what diseases they may be predisposed to, then you should try DNA testing for your pooch!
Testing your dog’s DNA can be a fun and exciting journey as you learn more about your dog, bringing you two as close as ever. They can even help you develop a plan for dealing with and preventing future health issues based on their DNA results!
How Does Dog DNA Testing Work?
You may be wondering how exactly you can tell that much about your dog just from their DNA. Well, DNA testing examines your dog’s gene sequencing and compares it to a database of other canine DNA to determine a variety of features. For example, a particular mutation in DNA can show a predisposition to a disease, or compare likelihoods of similar DNA sequences who have had health concerns.
Most DNA testing kits that you complete at home will be noninvasive, so you simply swab your pup’s cheek with the equipment given and send it off to have the swab examined. Depending on the company, you will likely have your dog’s results back in 2-4 weeks!
Dog DNA Testing Kits
Embark Breed + Health Kit
- Tests 350+ breeds
- Identifies 200,000 genetic markers
- Genetic mutation testing of 200+ health conditions
Embark’s testing kit involves a simple cheek swab to reveal your dog’s ancestry, health history/future, relatives, breed, etc. Embark has a large database to examine your pet’s DNA, which is needed for the best and most accurate results! They are paired with scientists at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and have an ongoing lab of genetic testing in animals.
You can even connect with dogs that share DNA with your pup by using their canine relative finder. Results are given within 3-5 weeks and are available online for you to check whenever you want! Embark’s customer service is also available in live chat or email if you have any questions about DNA results.
Wisdom Panel Breed Identification & Health Condition Identification DNA Test for Dogs
- Tests 250+ breeds
- Screens for 140+ genetic mutations
- Partners with charitable animal rights organizations
Wisdom Panel’s DNA testing includes a cheek swab for testing with electronic results coming in 2-3 weeks! They are able to provide dog owners information about adult weight predictions and common behavioral traits, which can help with health planning and training. Their ancestry report provides a family tree, up to your dog’s great-grandparents, and is able to tell what type of dog you have (pure-bred, mixed, or designer).
Orivet Dog DNA Test
- Tests 220 breeds
- Screens 150+ genetic health mutations
- Health risk percentages based on likelihood and impactfulness
Orivet’s DNA test is also done by a cheek swab and results are emailed within three weeks’ time! They compile a comprehensive report to determine what percentage of what breed your dog actually is. Orivet also provides a dog wellness plan based on their results!
But, the downfall of this testing is that you need to order two separate tests for breed and health results.