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Have you ever looked at your dog, with her mismatched ears and quirky habits, and thought, "What in the world are you?" Well, you're not alone. Many dog owners are turning to DNA tests out of curiosity about their furry friend's breed, health predispositions, and even unique behavioral traits.
Whether you adopted your pup from a shelter with a mysterious past, or simply want to understand why your dog insists on greeting any visitors with a toy in his mouth, a DNA test might just hold the answers. However, there are quite a few services offering dog DNA tests these days, so you may be wondering if one is much different from the other.
Wednesday, February 19th
Embark is a dog DNA test that delivers a wealth of information about your furry friend, from their breed mix to potential health conditions to who their relatives are. They've partnered with Cornell University for cutting-edge research, contributing to discoveries that benefit all dogs. You'll find the process simple and quick, with results in just 2-4 weeks. Plus, Embark offers some unique features, like a "wolfiness" score and the inclusion of village dogs. We think their test makes for an affordable, thoughtful gift for a pet owner in your life. Despite a recent drop in their Better Business Bureau rating, we still rank Embark as our top choice for dog DNA tests.
Wisdom Panel offers reliable DNA tests that give you a thorough understanding of your dog's breed and genetic health. With a simple swab process, you can discover your pet's breed mix down to 1% and potentially connect with other dogs in their database. You'll get detailed results in 2-3 weeks, and have access to expert advice if health concerns are detected. Despite some limitations in the relative finder feature, Wisdom Panel is a cost-effective choice for in-depth canine DNA testing. We recommend them highly for those on a budget.
Paw Print Genetics is your go-to service for comprehensive genetic health testing of your beloved dog. They offer dozens of tests that are based on medical research and are trusted by professionals, with test panels suggested for each breed. If you're a breeder, you'll appreciate their "Clear by Parentage” program that can prove your puppies are free from inherited diseases. Paw Print Genetics doesn't want cost to be an obstacle in canine health, so they offer discounts on multiple tests and affordable rush orders. Although they don't offer breed testing, their 4- and 5-star reviews, professional service, and commitment to privacy make them a top-notch choice for your dog's genetic health testing needs.
Are you a dog lover curious about your pup's genetic traits? Prosper K9, founded by a dedicated dog owner and UCLA professor, offers a unique service: an affordable, comprehensive Breed and Health Test using whole genome sequencing for just $85. This test goes deeper into your dog's DNA than genotyping can, revealing insights about breed, traits, and health that more popular tests might miss. Additional tests for age, personality, and oral health are sold separately. Despite some past customer service issues, recent improvements suggest a promising future for Prosper K9. We say give it a try and share your experience.
Easy DNA is a trusted global company that provides DNA tests for both humans and pets, including more than a dozen tests for dogs. With over 15 years of experience, they offer detailed PDF reports and a simple swab process for collecting samples. Their services include breed identification, which recognizes up to 400 breeds, and tests for genetic diseases and traits. However, be mindful of their return policies and potential additional fees. Despite some mixed reviews, their "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau suggests they're a reliable option for your dog's DNA testing.
Looking to learn more about your dog's heritage? Home DNA might be an option, but there are some things to consider. They've been a trusted provider in human DNA tests since 1995, now offering two types of dog DNA tests for breed identification and health screening. However, their breed identification is limited to 220 popular breeds, and their health screening covers fewer genetic diseases and traits compared to others. Collecting your dog's DNA may also be more uncomfortable. Turnaround time is about 3 weeks, and their refund policy is a bit murky. While Home DNA has an "A+" from the Better Business Bureau, customer reviews are sparse and the tests may not offer the value for the cost. Try one of our higher ranked dog DNA test providers instead.
Orivet Genetic Pet Care offers breed identification and health screening options for your dog. They even provide a special DNA test for purebred dogs, which is not a common offering. With every purchase, you get a customized wellness plan for your dog based on their DNA. However, you'll want to know that Orivet has had some issues with delivering results on time and their customer support could be better. Given these concerns, we're hesitant to fully recommend them. It might be safer to go with a more reliable vendor for your dog's DNA test.
Basepaws offers a simple and affordable way to learn about your dog's health and breed. Established in 2017, they are pioneers in at-home cat DNA and oral health tests and are now expanding into dog DNA testing. Their Breed + Health test, normally priced at $149, screens for health issues, analyzes breed makeup from over 300 breeds, and delivers insight into your dog's physical traits. But, there might be room for improvement in some areas, considering that they've only earned a "B-" from the Better Business Bureau. Overall, Basepaws is a just okay choice for dog DNA testing, better if you catch a good sale.
Ancestry, a well-known company in human genealogy, has expanded into dog DNA testing with their Know Your Pet DNA test. For $99, you can discover your dog's breed mix and traits. But watch out - they'll charge you $25 if you need a replacement test and they may not be as accurate as other competitors. Customers have reported confusing and likely inaccurate results. We recommend holding off on this one and looking into other more reliable options.
DNA My Dog, established in 2008, offers tests to discover your dog's breed, health risks, and allergies. They were one of the first to provide these services and even have tests for deceased dogs. However, their refund policy is strict and some customers have been less than satisfied with the accuracy of their results. The company has even been in hot water for falsely identifying human DNA as dog DNA. Our advice? You should look elsewhere for your canine DNA testing needs.
Some tests focus solely on identifying breed composition, which can be fascinating for owners of mutts - who knew your funny-looking Boston Terrier has a Chow Chow great-grandparent? If you want to be proactive in managing your pet's health, you might prefer a test that screens for genetic health conditions. Some tests analyze traits and behaviors, shedding light on why your dog might exhibit certain habits, like digging up your dahlias or barking exclusively at his reflection in the oven door.
Some popular dog DNA tests also offer a relative database feature, connecting you with other dogs that share your pet's DNA. This can be a fun way to "meet" your dog's relatives and possibly even find some siblings. If this is important to you, double-check that the service you're considering offers this.
Some companies out there offer tests that can identify food or drug allergies your dog is likely to have. Other tests can estimate their age. These options can be really useful if something is making your dog sick, or if you're just curious about how old they really are. You may want to pay a little more for a breed identification test that includes health screenings for genetic disorders. This way, you can prepare for potential health issues and discuss preventive measures with your veterinarian.
As you shop online for a dog DNA test, here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Choosing the right dog DNA test isn't just a walk in the park. It requires careful consideration of these factors. Whether you're driven by curiosity about your dog's breed or concerned about potential health issues, the right test can provide insights that deepen your understanding and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Top Consumer Reviews has sniffed out and ranked the best Dog DNA Tests available. We hope this review helps you fetch the perfect test for your four-legged buddy, making your shared journey even more pawsome.
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