Curious about your pooch’s ancestry? Where breed is she? Are you suspecting an “almost Corgi”? Or does he have the spirit of a Chihuahua or a Husky?
I come across people asking questions about my Jasper’s breed when we’re on a walk all the time. I’m sure you’ll be familiar with those. It’s not always easy to answer for a mixed breed dog, particularly so if your furry friend is from a pound.
So how do I answer them finally?
The solution seems to be a dog DNA test which can show the breed mix in the make up of your dog’s ancestry.
Okay, which dog DNA test kit should you pick?
Worry not, we prepared this guide to help you save time and effort by reviewing the best kits in the UK.
If you’re in a hurry, you can check the top 3 here:
Our top picks
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Best Dog DNA Tests
Before we dive into how to choose a dog DNA test kit and what to watch out for, we present you the cream of the crop, our top picks reviewed:
Embark often gets described as being one of the most accurate and detailed DNA tests.
You can uncover highly informative, surprising and potentially life-saving insights regarding your pet's genetic makeup using this kit.
If you have a mutt and are curious about its background, Embark will supply you with information about breed identification and details regarding its traits and characteristics. This key information may broaden your understanding of your pet's behaviour and antics.
Embark conducts tests for over 170 genetic diseases such as glaucoma, degenerative myelopathy and other life-threatening canine illnesses.
People love Embark, not just because the DNA kit provides them with interesting answers but also gives them info on how to best care for their pets. For example, you can discover if your pup is at risk of being afflicted by specific diseases and can take preventive action right away.
We like that the swabbing is relatively easy to perform, even if you have a squirming pet on your hands. All you need to do is place the earbud-sized swab under the folds of your dog's tongue for a few seconds.
We're also impressed that you receive accurate information based on DNA only (you're not expected to send a picture with the sample).
You might need to be patient with this test. Their labs are in America, so UK users will have to wait several weeks for their results.
The good news is that shipping won't be expensive. Slip the kit back into its original package and send it back without paying exorbitantly on postage fees.
Getting the parcel through customs from the UK to America doesn't seem to present any major issues either. The only disappointing aspect seem to be about the family tree which may not completely be accurate at times.
Features
- Comprehensive health screening and breed identification platform
- Built by experts. Partnered with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Disease detector for 170+ diseases such as degenerative myelopathy
- DNA test tracks about 200,000 genetic markers
What we liked
- Accurate and detailed DNA kit
- Results based on DNA data only
- Detailed info on breed ID, disease markers & actionable health insights
Didn't like
- Family tree results may look random for some users
With Embark's Breed Identification Dog DNA Test, you'll finally have answers to the question, "what breed is your dog?"
Unlike similar dog products that could be a hit and a miss, Embark deliver highly accurate results using a research-grade genotyping platform.
Embark stands out because it claims that it can trace breed contributions down to as little as 5% of a single breed.
This means you can somewhat demystify your pet's attributes, temperament and character, even if they only have minuscule amounts of certain breeds in them.
This kit can also put together a family tree going back three generations for a rough idea of your dog's lineage. Fascinating in and of itself, this information can give you some understanding of how to train and take care of your pet based on their genealogy.
Another cool feature that you can use is the Doggy DNA relative finder. If other furry family members that share your pup's DNA use Embark product, you can easily track them down for a reunion.
You can obtain your pet's DNA quickly with a simple swab cheek that doesn't traumatise your pooch or cause them discomfort.
Although Embark labs aren't in the UK, shipping is fast, easy and affordable. You won't be paying a hefty fee for cross-continental postal services or waiting forever to get results.
Although highly accurate, the attained results aren't always perfect.
Another consideration is that Embark is best used on domesticated breeds. If your pet is part wolf or has wild dog in him, this DNA kit may not provide the most detailed results for breed identification.
Features
- Screens for over 350 dog breeds, types, and varieties
- Can detect breed contributions down to 5% of the total breed make
- Features a doggy DNA relative finder
What we liked
- Delivers highly accurate results
- Puts together family trees
- Easy to sample
Didn't like
- Not highly accurate if your pooch is part wild dog or wolf
Want to know how one-of-a-kind your mixed-breed rescue really is? Unlock the mysteries of your pet's unique genetics lottery with a DNA dog test.
We're impressed that Wisdom Panel Essentials goes beyond identifying the basics such as coat colour, body shape and size. Instead, the DNA kit uncovers all the breeds found in your pet's DNA from their extensive 350+ breed database.
The joys of DNA testing are the surprising results, especially if your pet's heritage is largely unknown. Discovering the breeds found in your pet's DNA is exciting detective work and explains how they're hardwired.
Not just a fun activity that satisfies your curiosity, it could be used for health purposes. The results could help owners plan ahead and make changes to prolong their pup's life as it takes a closer look at a pup's genetic makeup.
You may appreciate that comprehensive instructions and detailed illustrations are included in the package.
Don't stress about collecting DNA. It's a quick and easy activity that involves placing two swabs inside the dog's mouth.
The process of sending the data back to the labs isn't complicated or expensive either. Turnaround time on the tests is quick, usually about 3 weeks.
Best to activate the test before sending the sample through, or the results might be inconclusive. All this is explained in the guidelines.
The DNA kit can be exciting and informative if you haven't a clue or know very little about your dog's genetics. But if you have some idea of your dog's heritage, the results may look obvious.
Features
- The test screens over 350 dog types, breeds and varieties
- Contains pre-paid envelopes for easy shipping
- Screens for 25+ conditions that might cause issues during routine procedures
What we liked
- Includes detailed instructions
- Quick turnaround
- Can be used for health purposes
Didn't like
- Results were obvious for some users
This premium DNA kit delivers extremely comprehensive results for different purposes.
You can find out about the different breeds located in your Dog's DNA. The results might explain your pet's temperament or could take you by surprise.
Either way, this fun activity is a real eye-opener that'll provide you with the clarity and answers you need to be the best imaginable fur parents.
We're huge fans of Wisdom Health because they prioritise health. Use this testing kit for in-depth information about your dog’s genetic predispositions.
Not only does Wisdom Health test for 200 different medical conditions, they're also the only licensed provider that can check for MDR1 medical sensitivities.
This is a serious gene mutation that causes the onset of harmful side effects after taking specific medications. It's an important piece of knowledge to have if your pet needs to undergo a medical procedure or operation.
Features
- Analyses for over 350 breeds, types and varieties
- Includes comprehensive genetic health screens for 200+ conditions
- Includes the MDR1 medication sensitivity test
- Prepaid mailer incorporated into the package
What we liked
- Tests for over 200 different medical conditions
- Helps you stay on top of your pet’s health and wellness
Didn't like
- Their database for mixed dog breeds from outside the USA may not be large enough
What Is It Good For?
There is surely fun in getting to know the breed mix of your pup and satisfy the curiosity of fellow dog owners as much as yourself.
Additionally, it can also prepare you for potential health issues by getting to know what your dog can be prone to if the results are accurate.
Benefits of Dog DNA Testing Kits
- A better understanding of the behaviour of the dog or puppy
- It helps identify potential health issues due to genetic disorders
- It gives details about the breed type of the dog, whether mixed or pure
How Does It Work?
It'll help you collect DNA samples from the inside of the dog's cheek that will then be sent to a lab for practical testing and report generating.
It can be used either for breed testing or health testing of your pet. Some of the products available are also efficient in testing genetic mutations.
How Does It Help With Health Issues?
Every dog has a different genetic makeup, for which they might need a separate set of health care or lifestyle.
Any genetic predisposition to medical conditions, when neglected, might cause health issues.
If your dog is of mix-breed, then the dna kit will help you get knowledge about the breeds to help mark down the possible health issues that might come up soon.
By seeking an early test, you can consult the vet to plan to deal with what might emerge in the future.
Can It Help With Training?
The breed of your dog can effect their personality and how they relate to his owner and other dogs. Just like physical characteristics, the personality can also be effected by their heritage.
For example the make up of your pooch can help understand why he has high energy levels or a drive for prey. Using this information, you can better train your pup.
How to Choose A Dog DNA Test
Credibility & Accuracy
The first thing that you must check is the credibility of the brand, the methodology they use, and the accuracy rate of the results.
However, since the science behind mapping any diseases based on genetic data is very difficult, even the best quality test kits might fail to provide accurate results about health risks.
What Determines Accuracy?
It does depend on the size of the reference pool the company has and the number of breed biomarkers they use.
Look for a test kit provider with the highest amount of reference pool and breed biomarkers used.
Suitable For Adult Dogs And Pups?
Make sure the DNA test you buy is suitable for your dog or puppy.
Some of the test kits are meant only for adult dogs, while some are compatible with both pups as well as adult dogs.
Therefore, make sure you take time and read all the descriptions of the kit properly before buying.
Understand The Limitations of DNA Testing
Results and appearance doesn't match
You might be surprised with the test results you receive. Perhaps your pooch has some Chihuahua under that massive torso and you might be wondering “well that can’t be true!”
Just because your dog has the genetics of a certain breed doesn’t mean that those genes are expressed in your dog's appearance.
Just like as humans we don’t always physically exhibit each of genetic traits we inherit, neither would your dog.
As the DNA test cannot go back an infinite number of generations, the results could be limited. Particularly if your pup’s parents or grandparents are also mutts.
No industry-wide standards
Commercial genetic tests for canines is relatively new and there aren't industry-wide standards. Additionally the manufacturers aren't obliged to publish their methodologies.
The lack of common standards in addition to different methodologies might raise questions about the actual accuracy of the results.
FAQ
Yes and no. It depends on the reference pool, the number breed biomarkers the provider uses. Also, it'll be more difficult to ascertain the genetic mark up of mixed breeds.
Currently commercial dog DNA tests cannot determine an estimated biological age for your dogs.
Final Verdict
The tests featured in this article are all generally favorably reviewed. If you're only interested in finding out the ancestry information, then a simple test would make sense. However, if you're interested in disease prevention, a more detailed health screening DNA test would be the better option.
Considering the limitations of the DNA testing, accuracy rate and the size of the database, our top pick is Embark Dog DNA test.
Haven’t decided yet? Here is the top 4 in a nutshell:
Our Top Picks
- HUNDREDS OF ACTIONABLE HEALTH INSIGHTS: 75% of dogs are either at risk or a...
- BREED ID THAT'S TWICE AS PRECISE: Embark tests over 220,000 genetic...
- HIGHEST RATED & MOST TRUSTED: Embark is the highest rated dog DNA brand on...
- BREED ID THAT'S TWICE AS PRECISE: Embark tests over 230,000 genetic...
- HIGHEST RATED & MOST TRUSTED: Embark is the highest rated dog DNA brand on...
- DISCOVER YOUR PUP'S RELATIVES: Find and connect with your pup's family...
- Use the world's leading dog DNA service: Uncover your dog’s breed mix...
- Know what medications and procedures are safe for your canine companion by...
- Every dog has a story: Uncover the ancestry, trait, and key health insights...
- Developed by top geneticists and veterinarians, Wisdom Panel Premium offers...
- Wisdom Panel Premium screens for over 200 genetic conditions, more than any...
- Referencing the world's largest database of dog DNA, Wisdom Panel Premium...
Which one did you choose?
Now that you’re equipped with enough knowledge, which one is your favourite?
If you already decided, let us know in the comment section below.
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