Introduction
Mixed breed dogs are becoming increasingly popular, but their complex genetic makeup can make it difficult to understand their health, traits, and behaviors. Dog DNA tests offer a solution by identifying the various breeds in a mixed breed’s background. This allows owners to better care for their mixed breed dogs by predicting health risks, training needs, exercise requirements, and more based on the personality traits and genetic predispositions of their constituent breeds. Dog DNA tests work by analyzing thousands of genetic markers across your dog’s genome and comparing that to breed-specific genetic signatures in the company’s breed database. The test can identify primary, secondary, and trace level breeds in your dog’s ancestry and give you insights you can’t get just by looking at your dog. Dog DNA tests have revolutionized what owners of mixed breeds can understand about their beloved companions.
How Dog DNA Tests Work
Dog DNA tests analyze your dog’s genetic material to determine their ancestry and give you insights into their breed makeup. Here’s an overview of how the process works:
To start, you order a dog DNA test kit online and receive a cheek swab kit in the mail. This kit allows you to easily collect a saliva sample from inside your dog’s mouth by gently swabbing their cheek. Some kits may use hair or blood samples instead.
You register your kit online and mail your dog’s sample to the dog DNA company’s laboratory. Veterinary geneticists extract and analyze the DNA from your dog’s cells in the sample. The lab uses proprietary genotyping techniques and compares your dog’s genes to their large proprietary databases of breed-specific genetic markers.
After 2-4 weeks, you receive a report online that details your dog’s ancestry and breed mix. The results include the predominant breeds in your dog’s lineage and may go back to your dog’s great-grandparents and beyond. Some tests also screen for genetic health risks and traits.
The level of breed detection varies by company but most tests today can identify over 350 global breeds, types, and varieties. Scientific accuracy has greatly improved, providing you with a detailed picture of your pup’s unique genetic background.
Benefits of Dog DNA Tests
A dog DNA test can provide invaluable insights into your beloved canine companion. Here are some of the key benefits of dog DNA testing:
Understand Your Dog’s Breed Makeup and Traits
One of the main reasons people DNA test their dogs is to pinpoint their breed makeup. Dog DNA tests can identify all the breeds in a mixed breed’s background along with their percentage. This allows you to better understand your dog’s appearance, behaviors, and personality traits inherited from different breed mixes.
Customize Care Based on Breeds
Knowing your dog’s exact breed composition allows you to tailor their lifestyle, training, and care to their genetic predispositions. For example, high energy breeds will need more vigorous exercise while low energy lap dogs will prefer cuddles and short walks. DNA insights help you meet your dog’s unique needs.
Prepare for Potential Health Risks
Dog DNA tests screen for over 150 genetic health conditions that your dog’s breeds may be prone to. Forewarned is forearmed – with this data, you can work closely with your vet to monitor, manage, and treat any expected health issues to give your pup the best chance at a happy life.
Factors in Choosing a Dog DNA Test
With the rising popularity of dog DNA tests, there are now many options to choose from. However, not all dog DNA tests are created equal. When selecting a DNA test for your mixed breed dog, here are some important factors to consider:
Accuracy
Look for a test that uses a high number of genetic markers to determine your dog’s breed makeup. More markers leads to greater DNA analysis for pinpointing breeds. Top brands like Embark and Wisdom Panel use over 200,000 genetic markers.
Breed Database Size
The larger the breed database, the better the test can identify rare and uncommon breeds in your dog’s ancestry. Embark has the largest breed database, detecting over 350 breeds compared to around 250-300 for most competitors.
Health Screening
Some DNA tests like Embark also screen for genetic diseases and traits relevant to your dog’s breeds. This provides insight into your dog’s health needs.
Cost
Dog DNA tests range from $50 to $200 depending on the comprehensiveness of the test. More expensive tests tend to analyze more genetic markers and test for more health conditions.
Turnaround Time
Turnaround varies from 2-6 weeks. Faster options include Wisdom Panel and DNA My Dog which can provide results in 2-3 weeks. Embark takes about 2-4 weeks.
Our Top 5 Picks for Dog DNA Tests
With so many dog DNA tests on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is right for your pooch. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled this list of our top 5 recommendations for the best dog DNA tests for mixed breeds:
#1 Embark Dog DNA Test
Embark is our top overall pick for best dog DNA test. This test screens for over 350 dog breeds and types, 200,000 genetic markers, and 175+ genetic health conditions, providing the most accurate and comprehensive results. Embark uses a research-grade genotyping platform developed in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It’s the only test that can differentiate between some closely related breeds. Embark is the most trusted and recommended by vets.
#2 Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test
Wisdom Panel is another great option created alongside veterinarians and PhD geneticists. It screens for over 350 breeds, types, and varieties. The basic test covers common genetic conditions while premium testing options check for over 150 genetic health risks. Wisdom Panel has a huge breed database and provides ancestry details back to great-grandparents. Its matching feature can connect you with relatives.
#3 DNA My Dog
DNA My Dog offers a budget-friendly basic breed ID test ideal for mixed breeds. It detects over 100 American Kennel Club registered breeds. The simple swab sample makes it easy to collect DNA at home. Quick results are delivered in 2-4 weeks. DNA My Dog lacks screening for genetic health conditions but provides straightforward breed ancestry at an affordable price point.
#4 Find My Pet DNA
In addition to breed identification, Find My Pet DNA offers a unique dog DNA matching service. You can store your dog’s DNA profile in their database, then if your dog is ever lost, vets or shelters can match your lost dog’s DNA to reunite you. Find My Pet tests for over 100 breeds and genetic markers linked to 20 genetic diseases. For peace of mind and help finding lost pets, their DNA matching service is invaluable.
#5 Basepaws Dog DNA Test
Basepaws provides detailed breed profiles and comparisons for understanding your mixed breed’s unique traits. The ancestry report breaks down percentages of breeds over five generations. Basepaws screens for 40 genetic health conditions and 20 physical traits that influence your dog’s appearance and behavior. While pricier than some tests, Basepaws provides very personalized, detailed results.
#1 Embark Dog DNA Test
Of all the dog DNA tests on the market, Embark is the most accurate and screens for the largest number of genetic markers. Embark tests over 200,000 genetic markers across your dog’s genome, far more than any other dog DNA test. This high-density screening allows Embark to identify close to 350 different dog breeds, types, and varieties. Embark also has the largest dog breed database, with over 350 breeds recognized compared to around 250 for most competitors.
With Embark’s breed + health dog DNA kit, you’ll get a detailed breakdown on your mixed breed dog’s ancestry across all levels of their family tree. This includes their breed mix analysis showing the percentage of each breed detected, a family tree going back to great-grandparents, and a wolfiness score showing any trace of ancient wolf ancestry. You’ll also get tested for over 170 genetic health conditions and traits.
Overall, Embark’s highly accurate breed + ancestry test paired with their unmatched genetic health screening makes it the top choice for owners of mixed breed dogs who want the most comprehensive DNA insights.
#2 Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test
The Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test is an excellent choice for owners of designer and mixed breed dogs. This test analyzes over 150,000 genetic markers, providing highly accurate breed identification for dogs with complex ancestry. It tests for over 350 dog breeds, types, and varieties, making it ideal even for uncommon mixes.
With 150,000 genetic markers screened, the Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test offers one of the most advanced tests available for breed identification. This extensive database provides very precise results even when testing mixed breed dogs with multiple breeds in their heritage. The test is over 99% accurate when identifying the dominant breeds in a dog’s ancestry.
Another advantage of the Wisdom Panel is its usefulness for designer breeds. Many popular mixed breeds like Goldendoodles and Labradoodles may have complex genetic histories that are hard to determine just by looks. The Wisdom Panel helps identify the likely mix of purebred ancestors that went into your unique mutt.
Owners say the Wisdom Panel test provides detailed results explaining the dominant and secondary breeds detected in their dog’s DNA. The results are easy to understand and come with fun ancestry charts and breed history information. Overall, the Wisdom Panel combines high accuracy with valuable insights for owners of mixed breed dogs.
#3 DNA My Dog
If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use dog DNA test, DNA My Dog is a great option. This test uses simple cheek swabs to collect DNA samples from your dog. You then mail in the swabs to their lab for analysis. Results are delivered within 2-4 weeks directly to an online account you create on their website.
DNA My Dog has breed identification for over 65 breeds in its database. So while it doesn’t offer quite as many breed detections as some pricier competitors, it can still identify all the most common breeds in mixed dogs. The test also screens for genetic diseases and traits like drug sensitivity, coat type, and body size.
The basic DNA My Dog breed ID test costs less than $60, making it one of the most budget-friendly mixed breed DNA tests available. If you want additional genetic screening for diseases and traits, there are upgrade options available when you purchase the test. Overall, DNA My Dog provides solid breed identification and basic genetic screening at a low price point for mixed breed owners who want straightforward, affordable results.
#4 Find My Pet DNA
If you’re looking for a dog DNA test that’s affordable and good at breed identification, Find My Pet DNA is a great choice. This test only requires a simple cheek swab, making sample collection easy and painless for your dog.
Find My Pet DNA tests for over 250 dog breeds and types. The breed detection report provides percentage breakdowns so you can see what mix of breeds make up your mutt. One unique feature is that Find My Pet DNA can identify some wolf and coyote ancestry in dogs.
In terms of health screening, this test checks for the MDR1 drug sensitivity gene mutation. So while Find My Pet DNA doesn’t screen for as many genetic health conditions as some competitors, it provides useful drug sensitivity information.
turnaround time for results is 2-4 weeks. You can access the detailed breed mix analysis and health report online. Find My Pet DNA offers U.S. customer support by phone and email.
With an affordable price point and good breed identification from a simple cheek swab, Find My Pet DNA is a solid choice. The basic health screening provides actionable information on drug sensitivities. Overall, this dog DNA test provides good value and is very easy to use.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing a dog DNA test for mixed breeds, the top recommendations based on accuracy, features and customer reviews are Embark, Wisdom Panel, DNA My Dog, and Find My Pet DNA. While all these tests provide breed identification and ancestry analysis, factors like health screening and relative matching make services like Embark and Wisdom Panel stand out.
Genetic testing can provide invaluable insights for mutts and their owners. Identifying breed composition helps shed light on potential health risks to watch out for, and explains personality traits and physical characteristics inherited from different lineage. For those interested in connecting with relatives or learning more about their dog’s heritage, DNA tests deliver valuable ancestral information that pure intuition simply cannot.
To conclude, owners of mixed breed dogs have several excellent options when selecting a DNA test. Consider factors like health screening, ancestry analysis and relative matching to decide which service best meets your needs. Whichever test you choose, you’re sure to gain fascinating insights into your lovable mutt!