Alternative: Get A Dog Dna Test At Your Veterinarians Office
If youd rather have your veterinarian conduct your DNA test, you can check with your vets office to see if they offer the Royal Canin DNA test. With this test, your vet draws a small amount of blood and mails the sample to the lab, where they analyze your dogs DNA. They determine your dogs breed and do a health screening for more than 130 genetic mutations. Once your vet receives the results in two to three weeks, you can meet to discuss a health and wellness plan for your pup.
We dont have any information about whether this test is better than what you can do at home. Weve read several comparisons that suggest that you will get a higher level of detail from our top at-home DNA pick than you will from the Royal Canin DNA test. Plus, it will likely require you to pay for a vet office visit and whatever the cost is for the test.
Best For Mixed Breeds: Wisdom Panel Premium Dog Dna Test
If your dogs breed is truly mysteriousor if you suspect there are many or rare breeds in the mixthe Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Test is impressively thorough, testing for more than 350 breeds.
The testing process is fairly simple: Each test comes with two DNA test swabs. Youll use them to take a sample from the inside of your dogs mouth. This process may be a bit more complicated than it seemsbecause you need make sure your dog does not lick, chew, or eat anything for a couple of hours before getting the sample. Then, using pre-paid postage youll mail the sample off. At a lab, this DNA sample will be tested for hundreds of markers that help identify your dogs breed ancestry all the way to the dogs great-grandparents. Within three weeks, youll receive an email with your dogs results.
Our tester found the results of this test to be accurate and the user interface easy to use. As well as the details on the dogs genetic background, youll also receive weight range predictions for your dog and some details on your dogs mix of breeds.
“Wisdom Panels interface is intuitive and informative. The breed information is displayed in a pie chart and you can click on each breed to learn more about their typical height, weight, and predisposition. A family tree also breaks down your dogs ancestry with the breed makeup of its parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.”Suzie Dundas, Product Tester
Does The Dnaffirm Dna Test Work
Yes, the DNAffirm dog breed DNA test works.
Each test arrives in a cardboard box with directions about correctly extracting your dogs DNA and has cheek swabbing tools. Swabbing the dogs cheek for 20 seconds to a minute is advised for most tests before mailing the sample to the clinic. To avoid cross-contamination, make sure your dog doesnt feed or drink for two hours prior to the test.
When the samples arrive at the clinic, technicians collect and filter the DNA, and compare it to the DNA in their database. The percentage of each breed your dogs DNA is matched with is then calculated using a computer algorithm. Instead of viewing it on a webpage, the results are sent to you as a PDF via email.
Unlike other studies, the DNAffirm Test result does not include a percentage breakdown of the dogs breed. Instead, your pets heritage is divided into five levels. A breed that contributes 75% or more of its DNA to your dogs genetic makeup is classified as level one, whereas a breed that contributes 5% or less of its DNA to your dogs genetic makeup is classified as level five. This means that the dogs findings may not have a level one or level two breed for a heavily mixed breed dog.
You can purchase the DNAffirm Dog Breed DNA Test Kit here.
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Dog Dna Tests Are A Thing Heres What Happened When I Tried One On My Mutt
For each of these tests, I swabbed the space between Guss cheek and gums for several seconds while my husband held Guss quivering body. Then I sealed the cotton stick in the included envelope and mailed it off in a self-addressed package to the laboratory. Gus wasnt thrilled by the swabbing, but it wasnt awful, and it actually easier to do than Id expected. Each test took a few weeks to come back.
The results showed me that Gus is clearly a mutt . Alas, complete with an official-looking certificate, a lab reference number and an explanation of the different breed-determination levels, Guss possible ancestry was now at my fingertips.
What I like about dog DNA testing:
- I have an answer to give people when they ask me what kind of dog Gus is.
- Its a pretty painless process, and it doesnt feel too invasive for the dog.
What to consider about dog DNA testing:
- Its pretty hard for me to be certain of the accuracy of the results.
- It might not be that easy to get a DNA sample from your dogs mouth. You have to swab the space between their gum and their cheek for several seconds, and Gus wasnt thrilled it might be helpful to have an extra set of hands to help conduct the swab.
- It can take a while to get results.
Bottom line:
Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect that the author has now tried multiple dog DNA tests.
Also Great: Wisdom Panel Premium
*At the time of publishing, the price was $160.
If youre positive that your mixed mutt is made up of an unusual breed or two, Wisdom Panel Premium is the kit to get. It tested for more breeds than any service we reviewed, the collection process was easy to follow, results arrived quickly, and it was cheaper. But since it uses fewer DNA markers than Embark, its results are less precise.
Wisdom Panel tests for over 350 different breeds, including 97% of all breeds recognized by the AKC. Comparatively, Embark includes 90%, and DNA My Dog tests for 49% of the breed list. Thus, this is the best service for dogs adopted from abroad or suspected of having a highly unique breed in their genetic code. Wisdom Panels database covers a variety of breeds found around the world, including the Brazilian terrier, the coyote, the Jindo, the Lacy, the Mexican street dog, and the wolf.
Hughes, Wisdom Panels veterinary geneticist, said that its international purebred DNA collection efforts were widespread so the product could be both accurate and accessible to most dog owners. A robust breed database, she said, is a side effect of that commitment. Its very important to find a database that has those weird and wonderful breeds, she said.
Dog owners can share their pets findings by downloading a breed breakdown chart, or grant anyone access to the full report via a shareable link.
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Embarks Investment In Research
Embark sponsors the International Partnership for Dogs, a consortium standardizing dog genetic-testing services. Partners of IPFD disclose their accreditation, mishandling protocols, licenses and patents, and their genetic-testing list to increase transparency in an unregulated industry.
Embarks dedication to scientific openness is twofold, since it also partners with researchers to better understand canine genetics. In October 2018, Embark published the culmination of one such study in PLOS Genetics, using 6,000 canine participants, and found a chromosomal link to blue eyes in Siberian huskies. It may seem obvious that theres a genetic component, but researchers say the proof was abstract at best. They believe large-scale canine genetic testing like this can potentially unlock the genetic basis of aging, behavior, and even cancer.
How Does A Dog Dna Test Work
Luckily for us dog owners, the dog DNA test process is fairly easy. Simply order a dog DNA kit from a site like , Chewy, and receive your breed identification test in the mail.
To get a sample of your dogs DNA, the kit will provide a cheek swab to swipe the inside of your dogs cheek. We recommend using a treat to get your dogs attention and cooperation, but dont let them eat it until youve swabbed them, as the treat can dilute their saliva and mess up your results.
Your kit should come with instructions on how to properly package and send your dogs sample back in the mail. Once the lab receives your dogs DNA sample, it will be analyzed and compared against an extensive breed database.
Within a few weeks, you should receive your dogs results via email. Some kits like Embark and Wisdom Panel offer customized online portals for viewing your dogs genetic makeup and break down their breed heritage by percentage.
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What Does A Dog Dna Test Tell You
Dog DNA tests “look for markers in the DNA and compare them with a database of DNA taken from dogs with confirmed pedigree,” Sergio Pistoi, a molecular biologist and author of “DNA Nation ” told Live Science in an email.
From there, these companies use an algorithm that looks at the number and types of these genetic markers and determines your dogs breed makeup. Pistoi says that this is rather similar to how human DNA tests analyze ancestry, but with one key difference. “While animal breeds are artificially created and maintained by crossing individuals with certain features, there is no such thing as genetically distinct human races.”
Related: How do DNA ancestry tests really work?
Depending on the test you buy, you can screen for a number of genetic disorders. Just like humans can be at risk for congenital conditions, dogs are no strangers to genetic disorders. So, while the owner of a purebred dog might not feel the need to confirm their pet’s breed, they might still be interested in screening for common genetic conditions.
“Think of genes as a deck of cards that are shuffled and passed on through the generations. Inbreeding limits the number of cards in the deck, meaning that a bad hand, such as a mutation in a common ancestor, will be passed on more frequently to the offspring,” writes Pistoi.
Related: How to protect your DNA data
Best Overall: Embark Breed And Health Kit
via amazon.com
Founded by canine geneticist Adam Boyko, DVM, of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the Embark dog DNA test kit is backed by a genotyping of over 200,000 canine genetic markers. Embark also tests for 350 breeds, including some non-domestic types, like wolves, village dogs, and dingoes. When it comes to results, Embark says it sticks to breeds identified with a high degree of certainty and leaves out low-percentage findings that dont represent true ancestry.
For the health portion of the kit, Embark screens for over 210 genetic health conditions in 16 different areas, including neuromuscular, heart, blood, skeletal and skin, and connective tissues, plus MDR1 drug sensitivity.
The user-friendly Relative Finder feature notifies you of other dogs who have taken the test and share your dogs common ancestry. You can connect with pet parents who have pups that share DNA with your sweetie and swap pictures. And whenever a new doggo enters the database with a similar breed mix to yours, youll get an update.
Highlights:
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Dnaffirm Dog Breed Dna Test Reviews:
The DNAffirm test kit costs less than $50 on online platforms such as Amazon and provides specific breed details in the form of a PDF.
The details are a little more in-depth, and it also includes two basic health checks. The simple test kit allows you to learn more about your pets genetic profiles at home with ease.
Three Things To Keep In Mind When You Get Your Results
1. Your dogs test results arent their destiny
Dog DNA testing can help satisfy our curiosities. Is there a purebred in my mutts past? Does my furry giant possess terrier genes? Is my petite pup hiding German Shepherd genetic markers?
While the possibilities are exciting, its important to remember that your dogs breed isnt their destiny. Whatever your dogs makeup, be sure to remember that breed isnt everything after you get those breed results. Dog breeds that have been stigmatized in the past, such as the Pitbull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, might alarm pet parents if they show up in a pets breed breakdown. However, plenty of evidence shows that these breeds make great pets with proper socialization, just as much as a Lab or a Chihuahua.
In sum, knowing your dogs breed can help you learn more about your beloved canine, but it wont always explain everything like why they stare at you all the time
2. Dog DNA tests can give clues to your dogs ideal lifestyle
Knowing your dogs breed doesnt just satisfy a pet parents curiosity, but it also provides useful information. As VCA Hospitals note, knowing the breed mix can help an owner develop a more accurate diet, wellness, and preventative care plan for their pet.
Different breeds lend themselves to different lifestyles. For instance, a Labrador Retriever, bred to help fishermen, lives to visit the local swimming hole. Beagles display their hunting instincts with intense food motivation.
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Are Free Dog Dna Tests Worth It
Yes, the free dog DNA test is worth it.
The free dog DNA test is a great way to determine your dog breed mixhowever, there are some things to remember before you take the plunge and order one of these kits.
The first thing to consider is the accuracy of the genetic test. If your dog has an unusual coat color or pattern, you may not get an accurate result from a free test because it may not include all of the different genetic markers that are necessary for identification.
Another thing is that not all free DNA tests use the same technology or even measure the same markers. If youre only interested in finding out what breeds make up your dog, then this shouldnt matter too much.
But if you have specific questions about health issues or behaviors related to specific breeds, go for paid DNA test kits.
The bottom line is to go for a paid test if you want more accurate and comprehensive results.
How Do You Do A Dna Test On A Dog
All of the dog DNA tests we reviewed needed a sample of a dogs saliva and cheek cells in order to identify its genetic makeup, which typically required swabbing the dogs cheek for around 20 seconds. You simply put the swab into the provided container or clean envelope, mail it to the manufacturer, and wait the requisite two to six weeks for your results to arrive in an online dashboard.
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Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
Embark has the largest collection wand of any DNA test we reviewed, and that can likely feel uncomfortable inside a small dogs mouth. The swab itself looks like a Q-tip and is approximately four times larger than other swabs we used in this guide. Our testers with dogs under 20 pounds said it was difficult to fit the swab between their dogs cheeks and gums.
The collection instructions were also confusing. Embark has the pet owner swab the inside of the dogs cheek and under the tongue for 30 to 60 seconds, then enclose the swab in a stabilizing solution tube and mail back the kit using a prepaid box. But Embark offers three versions of printed instructions , and each was slightly different. I think having a single set of instructions printed on the box would be much clearer and leave less room for confusion, said Wirecutter’s Aviva Johnson and Swansons owner.
Embark was also the second-slowest service we tested. The process took two to six weeks, more than any other kit we reviewed. On average, it took Embark 21 days to deliver the results, compared with 18 days for both Find My Pet DNA and Wisdom Panel.
Dont be surprised if youre drowning in emails after registering the kit online. Embark sent 19 promotional and update emails over three months, more than any service we reviewed. By comparison, Wisdom Panel sent five, DNA My Dog sent four, and Find My Pet DNA sent one email.
How Does Dnaffirm Dog Breed Dna Test Kit Work
Your DNAffirm Dog Breed DNA Test kit includes health details about your dogs genetic makeup, as well as information about his weight, sex, age, and MDR1 and EIC screening findings.
A positive result for MDRI means that your canine is sensitive to some common medications. A positive result for EIC indicates that your dog is more likely to collapse following times of intense exercise.
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Best For Mixed Breeds: Wisdom Panel Premium
via amazon.com
The Wisdom dog DNA test kit screens for over 350 breeds, including coyotes, wolves, and rare dog breeds. The results are compiled in an easy-to-use interface that displays the breakdown of your dogs breed mix all the way down to 1 percent. With the kits genetic mutation testing for more than 200 diseases, including MDR1 drug sensitivity, youll also get a heads up on potential health risks. This information is very helpful to know should your dog ever require medication.
Wisdom, which launched to U.S. consumers in 2009, says it has tested more than 2.7 million dogs. Once your dogs DNA is in the database, theyll search for genetic family members so you can compare DNA results, photos, and more with your dogs parents, siblings, or extended family members.
Highlights:
Best Dog Dna Test Deals This Amazon Prime Day
These dog DNA test deals will let you peer into your dog’s past and get a glimpse of their future
Ever wondered what breed your marvelous mutt is? Our pick of the best dog DNA test deals can give you the answer – at a bargain price!
We’re seeing some super impressive dog DNA test deals, with up to 25% off some of the most comprehensive kits on the market.
Not only will the best dog DNA tests help you discover more about your dog’s ancestry and breed, they’re also incredibly helpful in predicting personality traits and alerting you to any medical conditions your pup may be prone to.
These tests are often quite expensive, so these Prime Day deals are the perfect opportunity to score more than $50 off a premium kit.
So, what are you waiting for? With heavily discounted options available, there’s never been a better time to tell your dog’s fortune without having to spend one!
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