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Long before I went into veterinary practice, my first dog was a “pound puppy” — a stray that had been picked up by the county animal control and was friendly enough to be put up for adoption at the local shelter.
He was a mutt — a mixed breed with few characteristics that could identify what his parentage might have been.
If only I could have purchased a DNA Test for Dogs back then!
My then newly adopted furry friend had big, floppy ears, black silky fur, and a white spot right on his chest.
He passed away years ago, and I often wonder what kind of mix he was, after all.
Border Collie-Labrador? Foxhound-Corgi-Shepherd?
Our veterinarian back then had guessed Border Collie mix, but sadly, the world will never know.
Today, puppy parents can get a better idea about their adopted family member’s heritage.
There are several dog DNA tests out on the market now that are quite advanced and can reach back pretty far into a canine's genetic makeup.
Even though we rarely have a reason to deal with this as veterinarians, I am fascinated by the study of canine genetics and how these technologies continue to progress.
They're not just for mutts and not only for fun, either.
Dog DNA tests can help the owners of pure-bred dogs.
They can be used to improve breeding programs and allow owners to be prepared for diseases that often show up later in the dog’s life.
40% of pure-bred dogs have genetic defects.
The average purebred dog carries genes for 4-6 other genetically related problems that he himself may not have but can pass on to future generations.
Here's what you need to know about shopping around for DNA test for dogs.
ALSO READ: How to Accurately Use Dog DNA Tests
DNA Test for Dogs
the vet’s buying guide for pet owners
A Word on Banned Breeds
A word of warning before we proceed: Most veterinarians urge pet owners NOT to view these tests as concrete evidence that their pet is one breed or another.
Many pet owners are drawn to such tests in order to “prove” that their dog is — or isn't — a particular breed.
For example, today, many countries, counties, cities, military bases, insurance companies, and even residential neighborhoods have a banned breed list.
Some mixed-breed rescues and shelter dogs can resemble certain banned breeds. The most commonly banned breeds include:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Doberman pinscher
- Staffordshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd Dog
- Chow Chow
- Akita
- Presa Canario
- Wolf-hybrids
- Mastiff
- Cane Corso
- Great Dane
- Alaskan Malamute
- Siberian Husky
Many owners invest in a DNA test for dogs to prove that their pup isn’t a mix of a banned breed.
Often, this is a reaction to a complaint by a neighbor who thinks that the dog looks like a suspect on the banned dog breeds list.
DNA testing of these dogs can have mixed consequences and may not stand up if challenged in court.
Likewise, dog DNA test results may or may not be sufficient evidence to convince an insurance company to insure your household.
That is not to say that you shouldn't use them, but rather to be more realistic about what the results actually are and not put all your eggs in one basket.
The DNA Test for Dogs Brands
Not every DNA test for dogs is the same. Some test for more breeds than others, and the cost can vary widely.
I'm very familiar with all of them, but we'll take a look at the most popular brands so you can decide which is best for your needs.
1. Embark Dog DNA Test
This is a veterinarian’s favorite dog DNA test, called the Embark Dog DNA test, mostly because the company prioritizes scientific research and working with other professionals, including animal geneticists and vets, to ensure the accuracy of their tests.
It is readily available to many veterinarians and via the internet.
One of the newer-generation dog DNA tests, this test has the right pedigree but is also the most expensive on the market.
Embark company has also partnered with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and uses a research-grade DNA microarray.
This test’s strong science background has some benefits, but it also has some pitfalls, depending on what you want.
Samantha has previously done two podcasts with one of the veterinarians at the company and their CEO, Ryan Boyko (first and second.)
I recommend those for anyone interested to know how these tests work. Below is what you should know about the Embark dog DNA test before buying it.
Pros:
- Simple cheek swab test
- The most advanced at-home test available
- Evaluate 200,000 genetic markers
- Includes genetic mutation testing for over 150 known health conditions
- Excellent customer service track record
- Contributes to ongoing dog DNA research with Cornell University partners
- Gives individualized recommendations for preventative health measures for YOUR particular dog
Cons:
- Expensive (around $200)
- Takes 6-8 weeks for results, compared to 2-3 weeks for other tests
- Only tests for 150 breeds
- One all-inclusive panel option
Note: This DNA test for dogs from Embark is the panel for dog owners who want to know everything possible about potentially inherited conditions and breed backgrounds.
However, given its price tag, this is not the most affordable option, particularly for pet owners on a budget, and other DNA tests for dog brands (see below) could be used instead.
2. The Wisdom Panel
The first runner-up is the Wisdom Panel DNA test for dogs. This canine DNA test is one of the older ones and the first ones to be offered to pet owners; it has been evolving since its inception in 1999 and is currently on version 4.0.
It's not as extensive as the above-mentioned Embark, and as far as I'm aware, they don't have the same type of strong team of scientists, veterinarians, and college support on their side.
Nevertheless, they still manage to keep improving and provide high-quality testing.
Samantha has also reviewed this more extensively (see here), and Top Dog Tips has also made a direct comparison between Embark and Wisdom Panel (it's here).
This DNA test for dogs is readily available through many veterinarians and via the internet.
Pros:
- Simple cheek swab test
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Excellent reputation
- More affordable
- Several options are available depending on budget and how much you want to know
- Can “add on” services to get specialized health information, including predicted weight and 140+ health conditions
- Largest breed database on the market
- Over 250 breeds included
- Dog Trait Analysis
- Genetic disease and drug sensitivity testing
- One of the most trusted tests
- Results received in about 3 weeks
Cons:
- Not as comprehensive as the Embark test
- Be careful about which version you order — older versions are less expensive but aren’t as accurate as newer versions.
- Only tests for a couple of inherited conditions
- If more comprehensive testing for inherited conditions is needed, an additional, more expensive test can be ordered. This test (called the Wisdom Panel Optimal Selection test) is an excellent tool for breeders.
Note: While the basic option of Wisdom Panel dog DNA test is more affordable, there's a caveat — if you want to know about inherited disease conditions AND breed detection, the two panels needed to do this from Wisdom will cost the same if not more than using one Embark test.
If you only want an excellent breed detection test at an affordable price, the Wisdom Panel 4.0 is the way to go.
3. DNA My Dog
DNA My Dog is a “middle of the road” breed identification DNA test and much less popular than either Embark or Wisdom Panel dog DNA tests. This company offers a range of services from basic breed DNA analysis to health screenings similar to the Embark and Wisdom Panel.
However, while they do offer these options, it is important to note that the pricing varies widely, and you'll need to inquire specifically about that.
They do have a unique option: if you are interested in more advanced testing for wolf or coyote hybrids, this DNA test for dogs offers an add-on test for about $90.
Pros:
- Affordable: basic testing starts around $65-$70
- Easy cheek swab sampling
- Tests many common breeds
- Charitable giving to shelters in the US and Canada yearly
- Good reputation for customer service
Cons:
- Only covers 84 breeds in the most basic test
- More comprehensive testing will cost extra
- No testing for disease-causing mutations
- It is a very basic website with few materials on how the test is run or educational materials
Note: If you are interested in a fairly reputable (though average-rated by pet owners) and affordable resource for breed analysis, this is a good place to start.
It's cheaper than either Embark or Wisdom Panel and will do the basic things the majority of dog owners will need a dog DNA test to do.
That said, if you need more detailed genetic mutation testing, you will likely have to spring for the number one choice of the Embark panel.
4. PetConfirm DNA Test
PetConfirm DNA test for dogs is a lesser-known at-home test for pet owners. It's made by a human testing company called Confirm Biosciences.
This DNA test for dogs is a newer testing option that only recently appeared on the market and hasn't garnered enough attention or reviews, and vets aren't aware of how accurate it actually is yet.
It does not have apparent links to continued canine DNA research or veterinary support.
The company doesn't have pricing or buy options readily available on their site at the moment, and it seems you need to email them to inquire about it.
Pros:
- Affordable
- About $50 per test
- Easy cheek swab test
- Easy to find on the internet or through big-box stores
- Good reputation for customer service
- Easy-to-follow instructions
Cons:
- Only about 85 breeds are listed in the database
- No genetic mutations health testing
- The website is very basic and doesn’t offer much supportive information
- Wide variation reported in reporting times
Note: If you don’t want to spend a lot of money and want to test your dog ‘just for fun’ – this is a good way to go about it, provided you can actually get a hold of this test (they seemed to have removed the buy option at the time of this writing).
Veterinarians aren't too familiar with this test, and some sources, such as Amazon, had previous reviews for this dog DNA test that include complaints about questionable accuracy (the company has since removed this test from Amazon, it would appear).
At the Tail End
Scientists are continuing to unravel the mysteries of canine DNA.
More news continues to come out about the progress being made in dog genetics.
As time marches on, these tests will change and become even more accurate.
The more we understand the intricacies of our pet dogs' DNA, the better we can detect diseases early and possibly prevent such ailments by breeding them out.
While many of the testing avenues today are very high-tech, and results are much more trustworthy, these results should always be read with a certain amount of caution and a grain of salt.
Don’t expect the insurance company or homeowners association to believe the results, particularly when you're trying to plead your case to them.
As for me, the next pound puppy I adopt will likely have an Embark test performed, as I am pretty confident in the quality and accuracy of the testing.
As a veterinarian, I do not directly deal with dog DNA tests, but as a pet owner, I'm simply too curious not to try it.
The information that can be obtained from such a test can help puppy owners prepare for the future both mentally and financially.
The best part about it is we can use it as a tool to provide the best care that we can.
READ NEXT: How the Study of Dog DNA is Improving Our Understanding of Humans
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