The Best Dog DNA Tests To Help You Learn Your Dog's History
Want to find out more about Fido's ancestry? These dog DNA tests are guaranteed to help.
Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Humans have 23andMe, Ancestry.com, My Heritage, and more ways to test their DNA and learn more about their background. And, as it turns out, there are also DNA tests for dogs to help owners learn more about their pets' history. Although it can be pricy, the testing is often as simple as sending a saliva sample to a lab. (Getting that saliva, however, might be a challenge.)
DNA testing is somewhat controversial in veterinary circles because some professionals worry not every test result could be an accurate portrayal of a pet's background. This is particularly worrisome for the tests that dig into the dog's health history. "I want pet owners and veterinarians to understand that they should not be using direct-to-consumer dog DNA testing to make medical decisions about individual animals," veterinarian Lisa Moses told NPR. But president of the American Veterinary Medical Association John Howe told the outlet that DNA testing for things like breed history could be a harmless fun thing to do so long as owners understand that the results may not always be entirely accurate.
There are a lot of tests on the market that do different things. Here are 12 that may appeal to you if you want to know more about your doggo.
Wisdom Panel Breed Detection
Wisdom Panel boasts one of the largest breed databases, and will test your dog's DNA against over 350 breeds. NPR reported that it can give a dog's history back to its great-grandparents. This test only determines breed makeup, and does not give any health information.
Wisdom Health Wisdom Panel Breed Detection + Health Screening
For a higher price, dog owners can get the Wisdom Panel breed and health screening test for their pup. In addition to determining the dog's breed makeup, this test will also screen the dog's DNA for over 150 genetic health conditions. The information can then be shared with the dog's vet for further care instructions.
Embark Breed Identification
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show uses Embark tests for their dogs. This particular test looks compares your dog's DNA to over 250 breeds and can determine breed contributors that make up as little as 5 percent of the overall DNA. Like human DNA testing companies, Embark will show owners when other dogs have DNA that matches with their pooch.
Embark Breed & Health Kit
Like Wisdom Panel, Embark also offers a breed test that also screens for health concerns. This tests your dog's DNA against 170+ genetic diseases. Results come in two to four weeks.
DNA My Dog Genetic Age Test + Breed Identification
This test comes with a lot of features. It's a breed identifier that will also supply personality traits, genetic health concerns, and potential for disease. But what makes this one really unique is that it also helps determine your dog's genetic age.
So your pup may be 5 years old in chronological time, but they're 3 years old health wise. Or ,if they're much older genetically than their actual age, you can learn that and work with a vet to improve their health.
DNA My Dog Wolf Or Coyote Test + Breed Identification
Like the genetic age test, this one also tests for breed, genetic health concerns, and personality traits. But it also screens to see whether your dog shares DNA with wolves of coyotes. Pretty cool.
OncoGuarDx Dog Cancer Detection
Concerned pet owners can ease some of their worries with this dog cancer early detection kit. Using a nose swab, the company examines the DNA for any stress that could indicate an increased cancer risk.
Don't use this test instead of a visit to the vet, but rather in addition to regular checkups for a full profile of your dog's health.
The Geno Pet test screens your dog's DNA against over 200 genetic diseases and traits, and 350 breed types. It will also help you create a life plan for your dog with this DNA information in mind and you can share it easily with your vet, groomer, pet sitter, and more.
For a little bit less money, Orivet also offers a test that screens for a dog's breed and then any health traits that might be relevant to the dog's breed makeup. This test also includes a life plan for your dog based on the test results.
DNA My Dog Deceased Dog DNA Breed Testing
If your dog passed away before you got a chance to run a DNA background test, it's not necessarily too late. DNA My Dog offers a deceased dog DNA test. If you still have one of the dog's items (like a chew toy or toothbrush) the company may be able to pull a saliva sample off of it.
Visit their website for the full list of items they can use to test and how to send them in.
This test won't tell you what breed your dog is, but it will create a sort of DNA fingerprint that can always prove that the dog is yours. It can be used if your dog is lost or stolen or by breeders who want to prove a dog's lineage.
Specific Breed Screening
Vet DNA Center provides a number of breed-specific tests that purebred dog owners may want to look into — especially those who breed dogs. There's a test to determine the authenticity of your dog's breeding line, tests for inherited diseases specific to your breed, and tests for specific breed inherited traits like coat color and type. Each test runs about $38 to $58.
Watch Next
The Best Dog Pools to Shop for Summer Fun
Amazon Big Spring Sale: 20 Best Pet Deals to Shop
20 Adorable Dog Birthday Party Ideas
30 Interactive Dog Toys for Small and Large Pups
