What Breed is My Dog? 7 Best Dog DNA Tests to Consider

DNA testing kits for humans and pets alike have seen a huge surge in popularity over recent years…and for good reason! We’re all curious to learn more about ourselves, and DNA kits can help provide the answers we’re looking for — revealing everything from our ancestry and heritage to potential health risks before they have a chance to develop. And it only makes sense that curious pet parents would want to learn as much as possible about their furry loved ones, as well.

In fact, according to a study in the National Library of Medicine, the tools available to analyze the canine genome are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Thanks to those advances, we can now discover health insights about both purebred and mixed breed domestic dogs that may help us protect them against certain health risks as they age.

Whether you’re hoping to understand your dog’s unique genetic makeup so you can get ahead of any potential health issues or you just want to know the different breeds in your pet’s family tree, there are lots of dog DNA tests on the market that can help you get to know your dog on a whole new level.

What Breed is My Dog?

Every pet parent wants to understand what their dog needs to live a healthy, well-balanced life. And knowing your dog’s breed and family background can give you an advantage when it comes to providing care that’s customized to your dog’s unique needs. 

But now you don’t have to rely on apps, online quizzes, or pricey lab work ordered by your veterinarian to try and solve the mystery of your dog’s genetic makeup. At-home dog DNA testing kits are affordable and easy to use, which may make it easier to find out more about your pet’s breed-specific needs. 

However, most experts will tell you that it’s a good idea to take at-home dog DNA tests with a grain of salt before you make any major decisions based on the results. According to Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club (AKC), “At-home DNA tests should be considered first as a fun and interesting way to discover your dog’s breed descendants or ‘family history.’” 

Actual test results can vary from one company’s dog DNA test kit to the next. So if you’re looking for guidance on how to take care of your dog based on their genetic makeup, it’s still a good idea to check with your veterinarian to ensure the most effective approach.

“Not every DNA test is created equal, and some are more reliable than others,” explains veterinary surgeon Dr. Linda Simon. “Some can be done at home and only require saliva, while others use your dog’s blood, which is taken at the vet clinic.” Simon recommends discussing DNA testing with your veterinarian before purchasing a kit, so you understand all the options. 

Dog DNA Test Benefits 

“Given just how popular cross-breed and hybrid dogs have become in the last few decades, we are getting more and more requests from owners to run DNA tests,” says Simon. “It’s natural to want to discover what breeds make up your dog…not only to satisfy your curiosity but also to find out if there are any genetic diseases to be on the lookout for.”

According to Simon, many owners are keen to learn what breed-specific personality traits to watch for or whether they might benefit from more exercise. Dog DNA testing has also become popular for those who purchased a certain pedigree through a breeder and aren’t convinced they got what they paid for. 

For instance, if you purchased a purebred German Shepherd, but his ears don’t stand erect and he has a patch of white in his coat, a dog DNA kit might be able to tell you if your dog has any other breeds in his background. 

Some tests identify breeds only, while others will list diseases that your dog may be prone to develop, based on their genetic profile. Knowing such details about potential health risks is especially important when it comes to conditions that can be prevented or where early treatment affects prognosis.

That said, pet parents need to understand that, for many medical conditions, simply carrying the gene does not mean a dog will develop the disease. It’s a good idea to shop for a dog DNA test that comes with clear guidance about how to interpret the results. 

Best Dog DNA Test Kits

Shopping for the best dog DNA test kit for your furry friend can be a challenge if you don’t know what to look for. Below, we’ve rounded up our top picks for dog DNA test kits — and why we like them.

We’re laying out each kit’s unique features, how they work, what kind of dog DNA test it is, how long it takes to get test results, and pricing information, so you can make the right decision for you and your pup. 

Overall Top Picks Dog DNA Tests

• Best Dog DNA Test Overall Winner: Embark Breed + Health Kit
• Best Budget Friendly Dog DNA Test: DNA My Dog Canine Breed Identification Test
• Best Dog DNA Test For Most Genetic Markers: Basepaws Breed + Health Dog DNA Test
• Best Scientific Dog DNA Test: Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry
• Best Easy-to-Use Dog DNA Test: Wisdom Panel Essential
• Best Dog DNA Test for Mixed Breeds: Wisdom Panel Premium
• Best Dog DNA Test for Purebred Dogs: Embark Purebred Kit

Best Dog DNA Test: Overall Winner

Our pick: Embark Breed + Health Kit

The Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test Kit earns our top-ranked spot for good reason…actually, several of them: It’s highly accurate, easy to use, and offers rapid results that can easily be interpreted thanks to the comprehensive Embark smartphone app. The all-in-one test uses your dog’s saliva (that you collect using a simple cheek swab) to unlock key details about your dog, including breed identification, predisposition to disease and allergies, and even potential relatives. Embark has launched the world’s only Canine Relative Finder, so you may even be able to connect with your dog’s extended family members, if they’ve used an Embark test, too.

Embark is widely trusted and recommended by veterinarians. The company has partnered with some of the top research organizations in the country, including Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, and the Morris Animal Foundation.

Highlights

• Very easy to use and submit.
• Results are fast (2-4 weeks) and accurate.
• Test checks for over 350 breeds and more than 210 genetic health risks. 
• The smartphone app makes it easy to understand the results.

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers complained that this test doesn’t pick up niche breeds as easily.

Best Budget-Friendly Dog DNA Test

Our pick: DNA My Dog Canine Breed Identification Test

Dog DNA kits can be expensive. But if you’re simply curious to find out more about your pet, and you don’t want to spend a bundle, the DNA My Dog kit is a great choice. The budget-friendly testing kit costs less than most other kits, but it still provides you with a full report on your mixed breed or purebred dog with up to 99.997 percent accuracy. After submitting your dog’s swab, you can expect to receive your results in as little as two weeks, including a detailed breed analysis, a list of potential health concerns, and a custom certificate with a snapshot of breed breakdown.

Highlights

• Results arrive in two weeks or less.
• Affordable price point for the quality.
• Very easy to use.

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers found the results to be confusing.

Best Dog DNA Test For Most Genetic Markers

Our pick: Basepaws Breed + Health Dog DNA Test

Screen your dog for more than 280+ health risks and potential genetic conditions with the Basepaws Dog DNA Kit by Zoetis. Basepaws’ health testing can help determine your dog’s susceptibility to cancer and other more severe illnesses. By knowing this information, pet parents can talk with their veterinarian about any preventative measures early on. Basepaws is also one of the first pet genetics companies in the United States to use Illumina Next Generation Sequencing. This technology is so advanced that it analyzes 2.5 billion nucleotide bases for every genome. The result is a detailed overview of your dog’s breed, health, traits, and overall picture of heredity.

Highlights

• Easy-to-use by swabbing your dog’s gums and teeth
• Free shipping to and from the lab within the United States
• Checks for over 280 genetic health markers
• Screens for over 30 genetic traits from size to coat color
• Your sample is run through an extensive 200+ dog breed database
• Uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for accurate DNA analysis

Things to Consider

• This test is one of the newer ones to the market as of this writing
• Results are received within four to six weeks

Best Scientific Dog DNA Test

Our pick: Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry

From the global leader in helping people understand their genealogy comes the Know Your Pet DNA kit. The company states they analyze more than twice as much of a dog’s genetic data compared to other canine DNA kits. As a result, pet parents can learn more about their dog’s traits and behavioral qualities. Everything you need to get started is mailed to your residence. Once your dog’s sample is returned, Ancestry scientists use their cutting-edge technologies to provide pet parents with a full report.

Highlights

• Developed by an expert team of DNA scientists and animal geneticists 
• Ancestry’s scientists analyze genetic patterns compared to an expansive database
• Pet parents receive results of their dog’s lineage, traits, and kinship connections in a detailed, easy-to-read format in just 2-4 weeks
• Made by Ancestry, a global leader in family history

Things to Consider

• Relatively new to the market so not many reviews to date

Best Easy-to-Use Dog DNA Test

Our pick: Wisdom Panel Essential

If you’re looking for a dog DNA test that is easy to use and understand from start to finish, the Wisdom Panel Essential kit is for you. It includes a durable swab that makes it easier to collect a good sample in just 15 seconds. Two weeks after the sample is received, you’ll get a detailed analysis on the included smartphone app that comes with easy-to-understand explanations of your results so you can fully comprehend what has been uncovered.

Highlights

• The Wisdom app is very comprehensive and easy to use.
• Results will typically arrive in less than two weeks.
• The extra-tough mouth swab is easy to get in and out.

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers complained that Wisdom doesn’t differentiate between “bully breeds.” like the American Staffordshire Terrier or Bullmastiff.

Best Dog DNA Test for Mixed Breeds

Our pick: Wisdom Panel Premium

For pet parents of mixed breed and rescue dogs, it can be a bit challenging to crack the code of their pets’ breed history. That’s why it’s important to look for a test that analyzes as many dog breeds, traits, and varieties as possible. The Wisdom Panel Premium kit tests against over 350 different breeds and 35+ traits to ensure you get the most accurate results possible—even if your dog doesn’t look like any breed you’ve ever come across. Wisdom results can take up to three weeks and can be accessed through the super simple and easy-to-understand smartphone app.

Highlights

• Analyzes over 350 breeds, types, and varieties to ensure accuracy.
• Excellent smartphone app makes it easy to understand results.
• Looks at over 200 health tests and drug sensitivities.

Things to Consider

• This DNA kit is quite a bit more expensive than comparable alternatives.

Best Dog DNA Test for Purebred Dogs

Our pick: Embark Purebred Kit

Pet parents of purebred dogs might not think it necessary to do a DNA test on their pup. After all, they’re pedigreed! But the Embark Purebred kit can unlock benefits beyond the standard purebred family tree. This kit screens for 210+ genetic health risks and 220,000+ genetic markers, providing valuable information about hereditary disease risks and inherited variants you can share with your veterinarian. Plus, results include your pet’s genetic coefficient of inbreeding (COI) — a much more accurate calculation than pedigree-based COIs — along with a comparison chart showing how your dog compares to the breed expectation.

Highlights

• Smartphone app is super easy to use.
• The swabbing process is quick and efficient.
• Includes both health and breed-specific quirks and personality traits.

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers mentioned that, depending on the time of year, it can take a while to get results, but the company sent regular updates about the status of the results.