The Best DNA Testing Kits for Dogs
Dog DNA testing can actually tell you a lot about your dog. It will tell you about your dogs genetic background, meaning you’ll be able to see what breeds your dog came from, possible genetic health conditions, and more! When you get your results back you may find out something new that could help you know your dog better!
How Do They Work?
When you order the kit, it will come in a cardboard box/envelope with enclosed cheek swabbing equipment and instructions. The whole process is done in three simple steps.
First, you’ll need to collect a sample of your dogs DNA using the cheek swab. Each test recommends swabbing your dogs cheek for about 20-60 seconds before putting it back in the test tube and sending it off. For more accurate results, make sure your dog make sure your dog doesn’t eat, drink, or come in contact with other dogs for 2 hours before testing. Once you’ve done the cheek swab make sure you go and activate your account online before sending your kit to the lab.
When your sample arrives at the lab, technicians manually extract and process the DNA on the cheek swab to those in their database. Their computer will create a chart of how much of each breed the DNA of your dog matches. After the lab does their tests and determines your dogs breed and other testings such as gene variants for certain health conditions, they will send in your results. It usually takes about 1-3 weeks to receive your results.
These tests are said to be 95-99% accurate. The data base of each company only has a certain number of dog breeds in their system (about 100-350+ breeds) so if your dog contains a rare breed, it might not be in the results.
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Wisdom Panel
The Wisdom Panel DNA testing kit cost varies depending on if you get the essential or the premium. It is on the more expensive side of things, however, this kit has a data base of about 350 dog breeds and comes with 2 swabs that they will replace for free if damaged. They also have phone/email customer service for any of your questions and good website resources about canine DNA testing.
- Dog DNA health testing kit: With a simple cheek swab you can do at home, the Wisdom Panel test analyzes for more than 350 breeds, types, & varieties. Some customers may receive kits with older packaging that still refers to 250+ breeds; rest assured that your test will be automatically upgraded to the current 350+ breeds, types, and varieties analysis.
- Three simple steps: Simply collect your dog's DNA with a cheek swab, activate your kit online & send your kit to the lab with pre-paid shipping. You'll receive our genetic analysis of your dog's ancestry & breed identification in as little as 2 weeks.
- Benefits of DNA analysis: Genetic testing can help you identify breeds & specific health issues that may be important to the wellbeing of your dog; Work with your veterinarian & use your results to develop training, nutrition & long-term healthcare plans
Embark
This kit tests for 350 breed types/variants and offers 100x more genetic information than other tests. Like Wisdom Panel, you will receive an extra swab if yours gets damaged. It also includes a relative finder and the available option of live chat or email if you need help interpreting test results. Embark has received a lot of positive feedback from customers. They also have the option of an upgraded kit if you want a health test and genome, however it does cost more.
DNA My Dog
DNA My Dog is by far the cheapest testing kit. However, they doesn’t have as many breeds in their database (about 100 breeds) meaning your results won’t be as accurate as the previous kits mentioned above. This means your dog might contain DNA of another dog breed that isn’t in their system and it wouldn’t in your results. They provide you with 2 swabs and a free replacement if it gets damaged. Plus, they give you the option to phone or email them if you have any questions. DNA My Dog will also send a cute certificate with your dog on it.
- EASY NON-INVASIVE CHEEK SWAB quickly & painlessly gathers dog DNA necessary for testing.
- RAPID RESULTS IN JUST WEEKS with a report including genetic background, breed history & personality traits.
- RELIABLE TEST WITH THE HIGHEST ACCURACY up to 99.997%. Test results are emailed to you in an easy to navigate report.
If you’re interested in true crime forensics, here is an excellent article showing some real life cases of how pet DNA helped to solve crimes.
