You just adopted a new dog and became a proud dog parent. Congratulations! It is the beginning of a fantastic adventure. As every responsible parent, you want to know as much as possible about your family’s latest furry addition.
However, since your canine baby was adopted, there is not much you know about it. So, you are left wondering; how big will it grow, will its fur retain the current shade of color, will it have a happy-go-lucky, laid-back attitude or reserved and calm demeanor?
Luckily, thanks to the latest advances in science and technology, the answers to all of your questions are just one test away. A simple dog DNA test is what stands between you and all the answers.
THE DOG DNA TEST IN A NUTSHELL
The history of the dog DNA test
Dog DNA tests are a relatively new invention. The first test was produced in 2007 and used blood for the analysis. The test could only be obtained through a licensed veterinarian, and the vet’s role in the interpretation of the results was crucial.
Over time, this method was demonstrated to be highly impractical. Perhaps the test’s most prominent reason for not living up to its expected popularity expectation is the veterinarians’ dislike of such testing.
Since necessity is the mother of invention, most companies turned to design tests that allow extracting DNA from dog saliva. Once they perfected their invention, they started selling the tests directly to dog parents. And, all of a sudden, the dog DNA test’s popularity skyrocketed.
However, this new invention triggered suspicions among the scientific community, and a new issue arose. Namely, does the lack of assessing body means there are no standards and regulations when performing dog DNA tests? Are there no laws and orders in the world of dog DNA testing?
Well, with the continually rising numbers of companies producing such tests and customers using them, it seems the importance of the above-accented questions is redundant.
How are dog DNA tests performed?
Luckily, this is quite simple. It all starts with finding a reputable online retailer and purchasing a dog DNA test kit.
All dog DNA test kits come with a collection wand (or two). All you need to do is use the wand to collect some of your dog’s saliva. Usually, the wand is placed between the dog’s cheek and gums and held there for 30 to 60 seconds (based on the manual’s instructions).
It should be noted that the saliva sample should be collected several hours after the dog ate. This is because eating leads to increased saliva production and, consequently, its dilution. If the saliva is too diluted, it will not be appropriate for testing purposes. It is also recommended to try avoiding leaving kibble residues on the collection wand. Finally, try keeping your dog calm during the collection procedure – otherwise, there will be bite marks on the collection wand.
Once you collected the sample, all you need to do is pack the sample in the prepaid box and mail it off. The return shipping cost is included in the kit’s price. You can expect the test results in your email inbox a couple of weeks later.
The science behind dog DNA tests
When performing DNA tests, genetic science relies on algorithms. Since the whole concept of dog breeds is relatively new and many dog breeds are closely related, it is only natural to be puzzled by the question – how accurate dog DNA tests are?
The answer depends on two factors: the data pool size and the number of genetic markers. The importance of the data pool size is pretty straightforward. The more comprehensive the data pool size, the higher test accuracy.
Genetic markers should be perceived as random puzzle pieces. Imagine you have to assemble a puzzle without seeing how its image looks. The few pieces you have can tell you the image contains a blue object. However, that blue object can mean many things – from vast skies and deep seas to blue-colored pieces of furniture and fashion items. Therefore, the more puzzle pieces you have, the easier it will be to make up the picture. Consequently, the more genetic markers the test uses, the higher its accuracy.
Why are dog DNA tests necessary?
Dog DNA and ancestry
This is the most fun part of dog DNA tests. Matching the dog’s physical traits with its ancestral line is beyond entertaining. By performing a dog DNA test, you will know which breed is responsible for your dog’s long snout, which for the floppy ears, which for the feathered tail, and which for the mahogany-colored coat. It can also help you determine your dog’s adult size and weight.
This is beneficial because the dog’s physical appearance can be quite deceiving. In fact, most dog parents are unable to determine their dogs’ primary ancestors, or they make false assumptions.
Dog DNA and lifestyle
Dog DNA tests are not significantly reliable when it comes to behaviors and lifestyle. This is because scientists cannot determine how different behavioral traits intertwine and form lifestyle preferences. Mixing different behaviors is not as simple as mixing dabs of different paint colors.
However, dog DNA tests help us understand the dog’s natural needs and inclinations. They help us understand which behavioral traits should be encouraged and which prevented. For example, if your dog has Border Collie in its genes, the best way to have it release its pent-up energy is by focusing it on performing some task, such as herding. If your dog is part, Labrador Retriever let it swim or encourage fetch plays.
Dog DNA tests and health
Interpreting the dog’s DNA health results is challenging even for veterinary professionals. Unlike other tests whose results can be interpreted by comparing them to their reference values, dog DNA results are unique, and their interpretation requires an individually tailored approach.
This is because many factors contribute to a disease’s development. Some factors can be influenced (lifestyle, diet, exercise, bodyweight), and some cannot (the genetic makeup).
The most common misconception is that a mutation-positive result indicates the dog has the disease. A mutation-positive result means the dog is at higher risk of developing the disease. Whether or not it will develop depends on many additional factors. Therefore, the dog DNA test only provides risk warnings. It is easier to prevent a condition if you are aware of its threat.
Dog DNA test limitations
When it comes to dog DNA tests, two things need emphasizing:
- Dog DNA tests are not as accurate as human DNA tests.
- Dog DNA tests or, better said, their results are not as conclusive as dog parents often assume. To be more accurate, dog parents often confuse the DNA derived risk of a condition with the illness itself. They disregard the dog’s actual state of health and pay more attention to what the test says and reveals.
Dog DNA Tests – BUYER’S GUIDE
What to look for when choosing the best DNA test for your dog?
When looking for the best dog DNA test, you need to consider the following:
- Accuracy – this is by far the most critical feature. What is the point of performing a rather expensive test if its results are unreliable? If looking for insight into your dog’s health risks, make sure the test you purchase guarantees an accuracy rate of as much as nearly 100%.
- Speed of results – some tests offer quick results (no more than a couple of weeks) while others take months to deliver the results. This triggers the question – how long are you willing to wait. Your level of patience and the reason for testing are crucial when deciding which test to purchase.
- The test’s reason – which test is best suited for you depends mostly on what you want to learn. If it is about curiosity and learning about your dog’s ancestors, you need nothing more than a basic test. However, if you want to learn about how your dog’s DNA may affect its personality or which health issues your dog may develop, you will need to purchase a more specific test.
- Price – it goes without saying that tests with guaranteed high accuracy rates are more expensive. It is also safe to assume that tests providing a more comprehensive array of information come with higher price tags.
Product review
With so many scientific terms and so many tests available on the market, finding the best dog DNA test can be challenging. Mainly if you are a first-time dog parent and you prefer spending quality time with your new furry baby over googling the different DNA tests available for dogs.
To help you successfully navigate through the plethora of choices, we have researched the different types of dog DNA tests and picked our four favorite products. What is more, we have carefully investigated and thoroughly reviewed each product.
Without further delays, here are our favorite picks.
1. EMBARK Breed and Health Kit Best OVERALL Dog DNA Test
Made in partnership with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the EMBARK Breed and Health Kit wins our best overall category. This is because, in addition to being the most accurate dog DNA test available on the market, the test provides almost the same amount of information as human DNA kits.
Embark has a sizeable and comprehensive dog breed database that includes 250 different breeds. It includes 94% of the 193 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, seven types of street dogs from all around the world, the American Pitbull Terrier, the Koolie, the Volpino Italiano, the coyote, the dingo, and the grey wolf.
What is more, Embark uses 200,000 genetic markers. That is 110 times more markers than the second-best test on the market. Those genetic markers are responsible for performing 256 quadrillion different ancestry combinations. Once the computer has calculated the results via complex algorithms, all suspicious results are manually cross-checked. As a result, Embark proudly states its breed result tests are 95-99% accurate.
The dog’s ancestral breed composition is broken down in percentage. The ancestral breed with the highest percentage share is labeled as the top breed. On the flip side, breeds with less than 5% share are labeled as ,super mutt,.
The EMBARK Breed and Health Kit also screens for diseases. Its detection tools screen for 171 genetic mutations. Based on the results, a dog can be classified as – clear, carrier, or at risk. When screening for diseases, this test is 99.99% accurate.
The EMBARK Breed and Health Kit offers some additional information such as:
- Inbreeding score
- Predicted adult weight
- Genetic human age
- Wolfiness score.
This test has a social component too. Namely, Embark keeps records of all tested dogs and connects your dog with other dogs sharing the same DNA.
Collecting the sample for analysis is a bit high-tech. There are slight instruction differences in the box’s guides on the inserted cardboard and the plastic storage bag. If not sure which instructions to follow, we advise you to contact the Embark customer support service. The sample is collected with a spongy, Q-tip wand that is almost as big as a medium-sized thumbnail. Because of the wand’s size, taking a sample from a small dog may not be the most pleasant experience. Once the dog’s cheeks are swabbed, the wand is enclosed in a stabilizing solution tube and then mailed back in the prepaid box.
It can generally take between 2 to 6 weeks for the results to be ready, but the average wait time is 21 days. This is a bit longer compared to other tests, but Embark makes frequent status updates via email. Perhaps too frequent email updates. Customers usually receive around 20 update and promotional emails while waiting for the results.
Once the results are ready, they can be easily accessed through Embark’s website. The results can be downloaded and shared with your trusted vet. Plus, the official report features a dashboard with easy to follow charts and visuals which dog parents can easily understand.
Perhaps the best thing about Embark is their proactive approach in cases where potentially alarming findings arise. Namely, if a dog tests positive for the risk of a concerning condition, Embark has one of its amazing geneticists contact the owner before sending the official report.
Embark offers impeccable customer support services. Besides being transparent and thorough, their service manages to answer emails within one business day and respond to phone calls after less than 5 minutes of wait.
Purchasing the Embark Breed & Health Kit is a significant investment. However, the lab offers discounts for multiple kit purchases. Last but not least, Embark offers free test reruns in cases of significant database or algorithm changes. This free re-test is classified as a one-time complimentary service.
Pros:
- Substantial and comprehensive breed database
- Screening for a wide array of inherited diseases
- Offers twice as much information than other tests
- High accuracy and reliable results
- Online available interface with fun, educational tests, and quizzes
- Reliable customer support
Cons:
- The collection wand is four times bigger than wands form other tests
- Confusing collection instruction
- High-tech collection method
- The analysis may take as much as six weeks
- Too much update emails
- Hefty price tag.
2. Wisdom Panel Best Dog DNA Test for MIXED BREEDS
Our top pick for the mixed breeds category is the Wisdom Panel. This test is best suited for determining the genetic makeup in rare breeds because of its robust database. Simply put, the Wisdom panel is recommended for dogs adopted from abroad and dogs with unique genetic codes.
Including 350 different breeds, Wisdom has the biggest breed database. It includes more breeds than the International Cynology Federation. The Wisdom database features 99% of all the dog breeds registered within the American Kennel Club. It also includes some beautiful yet weird and rare breeds such as the Brazilian Terrier, the Mexican street dog, the Jindo, the Lacy, the coyote, and the grey wolf.
However, the Wisdom test uses a small number of genetic markers – only 1800. That is less than 1% of the number of markers its biggest competitor uses. Therefore, despite using a higher number of dog breeds, the Wisdom test’s accuracy is 93%.
Same as with the previous test, the ancestral background is broken into percentages strikingly presented in a pie chart. However, with the Wisdom panel, ancestries with less than 12.5% share are united and classified into so-called breed groups. The three used breed groups are – Terriers, Companions, and Herding.
The Wisdom panel screens for 152 genetic mutations or inherited diseases. Its results carry the labels – clear, carrier, and at risk.
The Wisdom panel offers additional information, such as:
- Family tree that goes three generations backward
- Seven trait markers
- Ideal weight range.
The collection instructions are straightforward. The kit includes two bristle wands, and they should both be used to swab the cheeks. The collection wands have bristled tips – something like mascara wands. Scraping the soft cheeks with such a bristled swab can be uncomfortable. Once the sample is taken, the wands should be kept upright in the included stand until dry. Then they are packed and mailed back in the prepaid shipping container. It should be noted that keeping the swabs upright is a bit challenging since the stand tends to wobble.
While waiting for the results, Wisdom sends around five update emails to let you know how the analysis progress. The results are ready fast – usually within 18 days of the sample collection. The breed results and disease screening analysis arrive at the same time. They can be easily accessed online in the form of a downloadable certificate or summary report. The company’s customer services are highly responsive and happy to answer questions regarding the results.
It is worth mentioning that Wisdom does not report ,at risk, statuses for dogs whose genetic makeup is not associated with the disease. For example, if a dog carries the genetic mutation for a specific disease but that disease is reported only in dogs the tested dog does not share ancestry with, it is the lab’s policy to withhold the information.
Pros:
- Robust breed database
- Suitable for dogs with a mysterious background
- Fast results
- Reliable accuracy
- Easy to follow collection instructions
- Exciting and intuitive user interface
- Relatively affordable price
- Donates to animal rights groups.
Cons:
- Uses a smaller number of genetic markers
- Withholds information that considers irrelevant
- The collection wand is bristled and irritating
- The wand stand is a bit wobbly.
3. DNA My Dog Breed Identification Best BUDGET-FRIENDLY Dog DNA Test
The DNA My Dog Test offers a breed analysis and a predictive health plan. The budget-friendly price compensates for the limited amount of information the test provides.
The DNA My Dog Test runs its analysis based on a small dog breed database of only 96 breeds. Plus, the company does not specify the number of genetic markers it uses when performing the analysis.
Generally speaking, the DNA My Dog Test provides the following information:
- The dog’s dominant breeds
- Personality traits
- Breed-based health concerns.
The test kit includes the regular gear. The collection wand has bristles, which makes the collection process a bit unpleasant. However, the wand does not have to be held in the mouth for long. The kit features two collection wands, and the company offers free replacements in cases of damage.
Once the results of the breed identification are ready, they are sent via email. It should be well-noted that the results come through quickly – usually in a two-week timeframe. The test results are presented in a visually pleasing manner. Namely, the ancestry breeds are listed by level of percentage.
Pros:
- Easily readable results
- Short waiting time
- Affordable price
- Charitable shelter program.
Cons:
- Offers limited information
- Small dog breeds database
- An unknown number of genetic markers used
- Bristled collection wand
- No disease screening.
4. Orivet Mixed-Breed Identification & Health Screening Dog DNA Test – Best Dog DNA Test for NEXT STEPS
The Orivet Mixed-Breed Identification Dog DNA Test will reveal your dog’s ancestral lineage with high accuracy level. This is because the lab uses a comprehensive database of around 220 dog breeds. Knowing the dog’s ancestry is about more than mere curiosity – it gives you a good insight into what can be expected.
This test can be upgraded with the Orivet Dog DNA Health Screening Test. This comes as a second test kit and is capable of detecting over 150 genetic health conditions. The detected health risks are listed and classified based on likelihood and impact potential.
The test is performed the same as in the previously reviewed tests. Once again, the bristled collection wand can be troublesome. On the bright side, you will have the results in your inbox in about three weeks.
With this test, you are also provided with a personalized Life Plan. The Life Plan puts light on inheritable health issues. Those issues can be shared with your trusted vet and help the vet make a better plan for the dog’s future medical management. Based on the dog’s age, the Life Plan gives useful routine care tips. Plus, it recommends tests based on individual risk factors.
Pros:
- Sizeable dog breeds database
- Screens for over 150 canine health problems
- Personalized life plan
- Reasonable waiting time for the results.
Cons:
- Bristled wand
- Expensive (if the two tests are ordered).
CONCLUSION
Dogs are more than their DNA. They are more than breed, ancestry, heritage, and background. Personalities and current statuses do not change by revealing genetic profiles. However, those genetic profiles point out what we need to pay extra attention to. They are beneficial for getting an overview of the dog’s potential future diagnosis and planning the medical expenses. In a nutshell, the dog DNA test provides a piece of mind.
One could argue that getting pet insurance might be a better option when aiming towards peace of mind. But, then again, where is the fun in filling insurance policy forms? Plus, insurance policies do not provide detailed information about you pouch’s lineage.
All in all, dog DNA tests are beneficial and have fantastic potentials as long as they are correctly executed and adequately interpreted.