5 Best Dog DNA Tests Of 2023

With different test options to choose from, dog DNA tests can be both informative and intriguing. DNA tests can help you learn more about your dog’s health, as well as satiate the curiosity many pet parents have about their pup’s breed and background.

What Do DNA Tests Tell You About Your Dog?

Depending on which dog DNA test you choose, these tests give you the ability to really dive into who your dog is, where they came from, and what health conditions your pup may be dealing with. They’re a great way for pet parents of adopted or rescued dogs to figure out what breeds their furry best friend is mixed with. You love them regardless, but the details are just interesting and helpful to know! Dog DNA tests can also help pinpoint certain health risks and genetic conditions. This gives you the opportunity to take preventative steps for your dog’s health.

Are There Different Types Of Dog DNA Tests?

There are so many different types of dog DNA tests to choose from! From stand-alone single-trait tests, to extensive health tests, breed identification, or kits that cover every detail you could ever imagine, there’s a test for everyone. Here are just a few of your options:

• Online/store-bought DNA test kits
• University lab DNA testing kits and individual tests
• Breed identification test kits
• Health and genetic conditions test kits
• Combo breed + health kits
• DNA test kits specifically for breeders
• Dog coat color tests
• Breed specific health test kits
• Shedding tests
• Hereditary disease tests
• Age tests
• Gut health test kits
• Oral health test kits

Other Options For Pet DNA Testing

Buying an online dog DNA test kit isn’t your only option for having your dog’s (or other pets’) DNA tested. Many university veterinary programs offer their own specific testing and kits online. One such program is the DNA testing facility at Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Their genetics lab not only tests dogs, but all kinds of animals (in case you want to get your llama tested too), and they have tons of tests to choose from! Many genetic laboratories, like this one, allow you to pick and choose which specific tests you’d like run. For instance, certain genetic testing facilities offer packages directed toward specific breeds, to check for health conditions they may be prone to. Other options you could choose from include stand-alone tests—like a shedding test to see how much your dog is expected to shed.

Best Dog DNA Tests

With dog DNA tests still in their infancy, there’s a limited number of manufacturers to choose from, but there’s plenty of choice when it comes to the types of tests available. Here are the 5 best dog DNA test kits of 2023:

1. Wisdom Panel – Breed Identification

BUY HERE: $74.99 on sale (originally $99.99) at Wisdom Panel
BUY HERE: $74.99 on sale (originally $99.99) at Chewy

This dog DNA test tells you a little bit of everything about your dog—and at an affordable price. Wisdom Panel’s Essential kit doesn’t go into as great of detail as some other DNA tests on this list, but it’s perfect for pet parents who are interested only in essential info about their dog’s breed and health.

Sample Needed: Cheek swab
Breed Identification: Yes
Health Condition Identification: Yes
Result Time: 2-3 weeks

2. Embark – Breed + Health

BUY HERE: $134.99 on sale (originally $199.00) at Embark
BUY HERE: $134.00 on sale (originally $199.00) at Chewy

This dog DNA test is for pet parents who want to know every nitty gritty detail about their pup’s breed, health, and ancestry. Embark Health + Breed may have the heaviest price tag in our list, but it’s also the kit that gives you the most detail. Embark uses research-grade testing developed at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Sample Needed: Cheek Swab
Breed Identification: Yes
Health Condition Identification: Yes
Result Time: 2-4 weeks

3. Wisdom Panel – Premium Breed + Health

BUY HERE: $119.99 on sale (originally $159.99) at Wisdom Panel
BUY HERE: $119.99 on sale (originally $159.99) at Chewy

This dog DNA test gives pet parents another option for extensive details about their pup’s breed, health, and ancestry. Wisdom Panel’s Premium kit tests for everything in their Essential kit, plus tons more! This kit also gives you access to discuss your dog’s results with a vet.

Sample Needed: Cheek Swab
Breed Identification: Yes
Health Condition Identification: Yes
Result Time: 2-3 weeks

4. Embark – Breed Identification

BUY HERE: $99.00 on sale (originally $129) at Embark
BUY HERE: $99.00 on sale (originally $129) at Chewy

Are you just absolutely stumped as to what kind of dog you have, and want to know what breeds they’re mixed with? Or maybe you think you have a purebred, but aren’t quite sure. For anyone trying to figure out if they have a Pithuskihuahua or maybe a Goldenshibadoodle, the Embark Breed test is for you.

Sample Needed: Cheek Swab
Breed Identification: Yes
Health Condition Identification: No
Result Time: 2-4 weeks

5. 5Strands – Pet Food and Environmental Intolerance

BUY HERE: $148.00 at 5strands
BUY HERE: $103.60 on sale (originally $148.00) at Amazon

5Strands Food and Environmental Intolerance test for dogs is a bit different than the others on our list. Instead of testing for information on breed, health, or ancestry, this test uses bioresonance technology to test your dog for intolerances to foods and things in their environment (e.g. grains, animal proteins, egg, plants, mites etc…). However, It noes not test for allergies that cause an immune response. An intolerance is something that may cause your dog stomach upset, diarrhea, and other symptoms without activating their immune system. Read more about the difference between an allergy and intolerance here.

Sample Needed: Pain-free hair sample
Breed Identification: No
Health Condition Identification: Only tests for intolerances, not other health conditions
Result Time: 5-10 days (from the time test is received)

Which DNA Test Is Right For My Dog?

The right dog DNA test is different for everyone. Which test you choose is mostly going to depend on two things: 1) what type of information you want learn about your dog and 2) how detailed you want those results to be.

Some dog DNA tests give you results for breed identification alone, whereas others test for just health conditions and risks. Combo DNA test kits give you results for both breed and health. Additionally, budget-friendly options will give you basic information, while pricier tests give you extensive results that really dive into details. It’s all about what, and how much, you want to know about your four-legged friend. Below is a chart to help you compare options from this article: