For many people, these results will be interesting, enabling them to understand their furry friends better and take better care of their health. Others, such as breeders and veterinarians, can use more specialized tests to look for different traits and genetic predispositions.
There are quite a few different DNA tests on the market, but there are large quality differences between the best and the worst tests for dogs. For example, many have quite limited genetic databases, which makes it difficult for them to provide accurate results. We've spent hours researching the best DNA test kits for dogs available on the market..
Our Top 10 Best Dog DNA Tests in 2024:
- Embark - Best dog DNA text Overall
- UCARI - Best for health-related results
- Wisdom Panel - Best for mixed breeds
- Paw Print Genetics - Best for comprehensive results
- Windogz - Best for ease of use
- Orivet - Best for purebred testing
- Find My Pet DNA - Best for cheap DNA testing
- 5Strands - Best for pet intolerance testing
- DNA My Dog - Best for breed Identification
A Closer Look at Our Top 10 Best Dog DNA Tests - Reviews:
1. Embark
Embark is a clear leader in the canine genetic testing industry. Its dog DNA tests are fast, with results coming back to you in just two to four weeks in most cases. It also offers super accurate testing, with more than 350 breeds and 210 genetic health markets in its database.
After completing a test, you will receive results with information about your pet’s breed mix and ancestry. This will include a family tree, and there’s a powerful relative-finder tool that you can use to find other dogs related to yours.
With the more expensive health kit, your results will also include your dog’s genetic health makeup and data about its genetic traits. Overall, Embark is an excellent all-around option that you should be considering.
Product Highlight: Fast, accurate dog DNA testing
Best for: Accurate, in-depth DNA results
Price per kit: $109-$159
Pros:
Super accurate results
Relatively fast delivery
Very easy to use
Cons:
Slightly expensive
Results are too detailed for some people
2. UCARI
UCARI offers quite unique pet testing services. Its tests focus on allergies and intolerances, enabling you to ensure your furry friends are living in comfort.
The test requires a simple hair sample that’s fast and easy to take. You will receive everything you need to take your sample in the simple test kit, which is returned to the lab for testing. Once the lab has received your sample, you will receive digital results within two days.
UCARI tests for more than 1000 intolerances and allergies, including skin, food, and environmental issues. Overall, it’s a great option if your aim is to find out more about your pet’s health.
Product Highlight: Health-focused dog testing
Best for: Health-related results
Price per kit: $79.99
Pros:
Tests for 1000+ intolerances
Fast and easy to take a sample
Super fast results
Cons:
No information about your dog’s breed
Questionable accuracy
3. Wisdom Panel
Wisdom Panel’s dog DNA tests range from a simple kit that provides information about your dog's heritage for $79.99 to a comprehensive health and breed test for $159.99.
The breed test analyzes more than 350+ breeds, providing detailed information about your dog’s breed makeup. Up to 210 health tests can be performed depending on your kit, and the two more expensive kits test for 35+ physical and appearance traits.
On top of this, the DNA test comes with a simple mouth swab that makes it super easy to collect a sample. The hard part is making sure your dog doesn’t eat, drink, or lick anything for at least an hour or two beforehand.
Product Highlight: Comprehensive dog-breed testing
Best for: Mixed breeds
Price per kit: $79.99 to $159.99
Pros:
Tests for 350+ breeds
Simple mouth swabs
Health data available
Cons:
High-end tests are expensive
Genetic marker testing is limited
4. Paw Print Genetics
Paw Print Genetics offers powerful dog DNA testing that encompasses both health and parentage. For starters, its in-depth genetic mutation testing is designed to provide information about your pet’s predisposition to certain conditions or diseases.
Basic DNA testing is also available to help you determine the parentage of your dog, which can be useful for breeders. All samples are tested twice with two independent tests to ensure the results are accurate.
The test kit comes with a simple cheek swab that you can use to collect a DNA sample, and you should receive your results within a few weeks. DNA profiling costs just $49, and health testing starts at $80, making this an attractive option that’s definitely worth considering.
Product Highlight:
Powerful dog DNA testing
Best for: Comprehensive Results
Price per kit: From $19
Pros:
Analyzes more than 225 health markers
Uses two independent analyses
Simple cheek-swab DNA collection
Cons:
No breed identification testing
Limited health tests for mixed breeds
5. Windogz
Windogz offers simple genetic health screening for dogs. Its DNA test kit includes a simple mouth swab and sample collection instructions. After collecting a sample, you will need to send it back to the lab. You should receive results within two to three weeks.
One thing we like about the Windogz genetic screening test is that it’s super easy to use. It’s a little basic and includes no breed identification testing, but this won’t be a major issue for many people.
It does test for more than 75 popular diseases and inherited traits. With this information, you can better care for your pet’s overall health and well-being.
Product Highlight: Simple canine health screening
Best for: Ease of use
Price per kit: $99.99
Pros:
Fast and easy to take a sample
Tests for 75+ diseases
Can be used with all breeds
Cons:
No breed identification
More basic results than some other tests
6. Orivet
Orivet offers powerful DNA testing that focuses on breed-specific traits and diseases. The cheapest testing kit comes in at just $79.95 and includes full breed identification. Orivet has more than 350 breeds in its database, enabling it to provide accurate ancestry and breed mix information.
The more expensive DNA kit tests for more than 220 health risks and 40 physical traits, providing much more information than the simple ancestry test.
There’s also a neat full breed profile test for purebreds that enables you to test your dog for traits and diseases that are relevant to their breed. This is useful for breeders and others who already know their dog’s breed.
Product Highlight: Powerful purebred DNA testing
Best for: Purebred testing
Price per kit: $79.95-$139.95
Pros:
More than 350 breeds in the database
Advanced purebred DNA testing
Health testing available
Cons:
Customer service isn’t great
Results can be a little slow
7. Find My Pet
The Find My Pet dog DNA test kit is a budget-friendly option, but that does mean it’s more pared-back than most competitors’ kits. Its breed database contains genetic information about 100+ breeds, significantly fewer than most other testing companies.
You will also receive information about your dog’s genetic predisposition to certain health conditions and physical traits. The kit is easy to use, and results should be delivered via email in three to four weeks.
Product Highlight: Cheap, simple dog DNA testing
Best for: Cheap DNA testing
Price per kit: Around $70
Pros:
Cheap
Easy to use
Simple PDF results
Cons:
May not be accurate
Only 100+ breeds in database
8. 5Strands
5Strands offers a selection of dog and other pet health testing kits. These use bioresonance technology rather than DNA testing, but they are still great tools for caring pet owners.
The complete Pet Health Test comes in at $212, and it tests for food intolerances, environmental intolerances, nutritional imbalances, and metal and mineral imbalances. You can also buy individual kits or smaller bundles if you would like to test for one or two of these.
One thing that stands out about 5Strands is the speed of results. You should receive a detailed report within seven to 10 days of your sample arriving at the lab.
Product Highlight: In-depth pet intolerance testing
Best for: Pet intolerance testing
Price per kit: $66-$212
Pros:
Fast intolerance testing
Competitively priced
In-depth results
Cons:
No DNA testing
Provides no breed information
9. DNA My Dog
DNA My Dog offers a number of DNA and health testing kits, including simple breed testing, allergy testing, and deceased dog DNA breed testing. The basic breed test costs just $68.99, making it one of the most affordable breed identification options on the market.
At the same time, it’s very easy to use. A simple cheek swab is the only sample collection you need to do. Once you mail your samples back to the lab, you will receive results within two weeks of them arriving.
Product Highlight: Simple dog DNA testing
Best for: Ease of use
Price per kit: $68.99
Pros:
Easy to use
Simple breed identification
Competitively priced
Cons:
Results can be inaccurate
Basic health testing
Why Should I Have My Dog DNA Tested?
A quick dog DNA test can reveal a wealth of information about your furry companion. Ever wondered what breed your pup is? Or what their heritage looks like? A DNA test can reveal the answers to these and many similar questions.
With a dog breed DNA test, you should receive information about your pet’s genetic makeup. For some people, this will be useful to confirm that they are purebred. For others, this is simply interesting information that can help you understand more about your dog.
Dog genetic testing tends to provide information about the traits that could be passed on to offspring, which can be useful for breeders. It can also deliver data about your pet’s predisposition to certain conditions, along with some health issues they may currently have, such as food sensitivities.
At the end of the day, most people use dog DNA health testing and dog breed test kits to find out more about their pets so that they can care for them and provide for their needs better. To achieve this, selecting one of the top DNA testing kits ensures you get reliable and comprehensive information.
What About Cat DNA Tests?
You can get a DNA test kit for your dog, so what about your cat? It would be pretty cool to find out more about your feline companion as well, wouldn’t it?
Unfortunately, cat DNA test kits aren’t as accurate as dog DNA kits. This is because cats have much lower genetic diversity than dogs, which makes it difficult to single out individual breeds. Domestic cat breeds also tend to interbreed much more than dog breeds, which makes it even harder.
There are a few cat DNA testing kits on the market, but they don’t provide nearly as much information as dog kits. For example, the Basepaws cat DNA kit only tests for 21 breeds, and it has clear disclaimers stating that its results may not be accurate.
The bottom line: A cat DNA test could be fun to try, but the current options are limited and may not provide accurate results.
How to Choose the Best Pet DNA Kit
There are a few important things to think about when you’re choosing a pet DNA test kit, including the following.
Accuracy of Results - Some dog tests guarantee a high level of accuracy, but cheaper tests or those done by companies with smaller genetic databases can be inaccurate, so make sure you read the fine print.
Speed of Results - Pay attention to this if you want to receive your pet’s DNA test in a timely manner. Some tests return results in just a few weeks, while others can take months.
Depth of Results - Some dog DNA test kits only return basic information about your dog’s heritage and breed. Others add higher-resolution ancestry testing, and some return more detailed information about your dog’s health profile.
Cost - While you’re unlikely to find a free dog DNA test, if cost is a factor, you can find some for as low as $70. More affordable tests are usually less detailed, so do your research to find the best balance of features and value.
Bottom Line
Dog DNA testing can provide a range of interesting and potentially useful information about your pet’s breed mix and genetic predisposition to certain physical traits and health conditions. Most at-home tests are very easy, and the top options are quite accurate.
Our leading dog DNA testing option is Embark, which offers highly accurate breed mix and health trait testing. Platforms like Wisdom Panel and UCARI are also popular among pet owners, and every option on this list is worth considering.
At the end of the day, we’d suggest getting a dog DNA test if you’re interested in finding out more about your furry friend. Tests that include health information can also help you maintain your dog’s health and well-being.
