Dog DNA Tests Reviews
A dog DNA test is an exciting new tool that dog owners can take advantage of to learn more about their furry family members. Much like human DNA testing, dog DNA testing looks at the building blocks of a dog’s genetics to see what is going on behind the scenes. For most owners, it is used to identify the breed or breeds in the dog’s ancestry to satisfy that nagging question, “What kind of mix is my dog, exactly?”
If you are one of the many dog owners who has asked a similar question about your own dog, chances are that dog DNA testing is something that you would like to know more about and maybe even try for yourself. The more you know about the basics of testing, how it can benefit you and what your testing options are, the easier it will be to decide which testing option is best for you and your pup!
What is Dog DNA Testing?
There is a good possibility that you have heard of human DNA testing being used in one way or another. Test results are used to figure out the ancestry of humans, to identify individuals responsible for criminal acts and more. Dog DNA testing is quite similar to human DNA testing—although it is far more often used to determine what kind of breeds a dog is composed of than whether a dog committed a crime (unless you count finding dog owners who do not pick up after their pets.)
Mapping Dog DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is what contains the blueprint for each and every living organism. Whether it is a human, a dog or tiny bacteria, DNA makes up the genes that dictate what proteins are used to build the cells that each organism is composed of. While humans have 46 chromosomes, dogs have 78. The approximately 25,000 genes that are found on the 78 chromosomes of a dog were sequenced in 2005 by a research team from the Broad Institute of MIT. It is the work of these researchers that serves as the foundation for dog DNA testing today.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog DNA Testing Company
There are several factors you may want to look at as you choose who to get your dog DNA test from, including:
- Price. Some services are priced the same as others, but you may be surprised to discover that there is a noticeable difference in the cost between different testing companies. The differences in price are sometimes based on factors that are obvious—such as the number of breeds in the testing company’s database. However, sometimes the reason for the difference in prices is not as clear.
- Number of Dog Breeds in Database. Each testing company has a specific number of breeds in its database. The more breeds there are in the database, the more breeds the company can compare your dog’s DNA with. Generally speaking, the more breeds a company has it its database the more accurate and specific you can expect the test results to be from that company.
- Processing Time. Some companies take longer to complete and deliver your test results than others. Typically, you can expect a dog DNA test to take between two and four weeks before you get your results.
- Paper or Paperless. Depending on the company you choose, your test results may be available only through the mail, only through email or you may have the option to choose paper or paperless results.
Advantages of Dog DNA Testing
Now that you understand what is involved in dog DNA testing, you probably want to know why you should get such a test. There are multiple advantages to testing, including:
- Finding out breed composition. If your dog is a mutt, he or she may be made up of a variety of breeds. It is difficult to know exactly which ones, though. But with a DNA test, you can get accurate information on what breeds are in your dog’s background.
- Knowing the healthcare needs of your dog. Once you know the breed composition of your dog, you will be much better equipped to make important healthcare decisions. Many breeds have certain health issues that are common in the breed. When you know the breed, you can prepare to deal with such conditions ahead of time.
- Reveal traits that may show up in offspring. While your dog may have certain colorings and other traits that are obvious, there may be traits that are hidden in his or her genes. These traits, like different coat color, may show up when your dog breeds with another dog.
- Discover diseases that are inherited. If you are thinking about breeding your dog it can be extremely helpful to know if he or she has any inherited diseases. If you discover an inherited disease, you can make an informed decision on how you move forward with your breeding decisions.
Overview of Dog DNA Testing Brands
There are numerous companies offering DNA testing for dogs, with more coming on the scene as the demand increases for testing services. When you are trying to find a provider of testing services, it can help to know what each offers and how they compare to one another. Here is a quick overview of some of the most popular dog DNA testing companies:
Embark Vet
Embark Vet, a research partner of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, offers dog DNA testing based on the highest-quality testing available. One cheek swab sent to Embark will give results that include the breed or breeds of your dog, screening for more than 165 genetic conditions, information on your dog’s ancestry and more. Embark also offers the world’s only canine relative finder database to help you find your dog’s relatives.
Wisdom Panel
Wisdom Panel has tested over 1,000,000 dogs, making it the leading genetics company for canines in the world. It offers two different packages for testing your dog’s DNA. These include the Wisdom Panel for canine breed detection which includes identification for 350+ breeds and its Wisdom Panel Health, which detects canine breed and potential diseases that might affect your dog based on its breed profile. Depending on the package you choose, your final online report may include an analysis of your dog’s ancestry, physical traits and up to 150+ health conditions.
DNA My Dog
DNA My Dog offers dog DNA testing that is “fast, easy and completely painless!” The results arrive in just a few weeks and include a custom certificate with your dog’s photo, stating the breed composition of your dog and a percentage breakdown of all the levels of the breeds found in your dog’s DNA. The results also include a report on what breed or breeds are most dominant, as well as potential health concerns and personality traits based on genetics.
Paw Print Genetics
A division of Genetic Veterinary Sciences, Inc., Paw Prints is a company that specializes in dog DNA testing using the highest standards in the industry. They let you search for tests based on breed, disease/trait, symptoms and more. The ability to get a breed-specific panel allows you to get the test that you know is right for your dog. Detailed reports are available along with certificates for each dog that you have tested.
Pet Confirm
Pet Confirm offers home testing kits for dog owners. Once you get your kit, you take a cheek swab of your dog and send it in. Once testing is complete, you can get results that tell you your dog’s breed composition, as well as insights into your dog’s breed and health concerns, a custom photo certificate for your dog and more.
Home DNA by Orivet
Orivet Genetic Pet Care offers a home DNA testing kit for dogs. As with other testing kits, you take a cheek swab from the cheek of your dog, send it into Orivet and wait for your test results. When the DNA test is analyzed and completed, you can find out a range of genetic information about your dog. The results you get from Orivet will including your dog’s breed composition, specific genetic traits that your dog may have and potential health risks he or she may face based on genetics. You will also get customized recommendations from Orivet on how you can keep your dog healthy given his or her breed composition.
Full Home DNA by Orivet Review >>
Home DNA by Orivet Website (Breed Identification) >>
Home DNA by Orivet Website (Health Screen) >>
Find Out Your Dog’s Breed Composition and More!
We want to make getting your dog DNA test as easy and convenient as possible, which is why we have gathered the information you need to know about dog DNA testing here in one location. If you are interested in getting a dog DNA test—and gaining all the advantages of genetic testing, including knowing your dog’s breed composition and how to best care for him or her based on breed—please choose the testing company that looks right for you!
Click here for a side-by-side comparison of all the Dog DNA Test companies >>