Wednesday, June 18th
2025 Dog DNA Test Kit Reviews
DNA My Dog
- Essential Breed ID Test costs $79.99, Premium Breed ID Test is $129.99, and Canine allergy test is $107.99
- Premium test includes dog's genetic age and Wolf/Coyote DNA identification
- Compares to over 350 dog breeds
- Identifies potential health concerns and personality traits
- Offers bonding ideas based on the breed
- Offers a unique Deceased Dog DNA Test
- Results are received in about 2-3 weeks
- Has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau
DNA My Dog, founded in 2008 by Mindy Tenenbaum, a specialist in Veterinary Forensics, initially provided DNA testing for rescue organizations. Now, they offer tests offering insights into dog breeds and traits to all dog owners. Although they were pioneers in consumer-based canine DNA tests, claiming to have developed the first genetic age test and a test for deceased dogs, some recent controversy has put them in the doghouse.
Breed ID, health and allergy tests for low prices
DNA My Dog offers a few kinds of tests to help you understand your dog better. Their Essential Breed ID Test, costing $79.99, provides information on over 350 breeds, potential health concerns, personality traits, and even ideas for bonding. For only $129.99, the Premium Breed ID Test offers everything from the Essential test along with your dog's genetic age and if she has any Wolf or Coyote DNA. They also offer a Canine allergy test for $107.99 (1-week processing available for $199.99), and an uncommon Deceased Dog DNA Test, for which you'll need to contact them for pricing and instructions. Before you reach out, though, you should know that you'll need to have something your dog has had in her mouth.
No sample report available
When we looked for an example of how the results are presented by DNA My Dog, we came up empty-handed: there is a link to a sample result page, but it leads nowhere.
Watch instructional videos about sample collection
To use the DNA My Dog kit, you first order it and register online. When it's time to collect your dog's sample, remember the breed and allergy tests require different methods. For the breed test, avoid feeding your dog or letting her interact with other dogs before swabbing her cheek for 30 seconds in the morning. Then, let the swab dry for 20 minutes. For the allergy test, you'll swab for 45 seconds to a minute, and the tube setup is a bit different, so you might want to watch DNA My Dog's helpful YouTube video. After you've collected the sample, send it back and wait for your results, which should arrive in about 2-3 weeks.
Refunds are unlikely
If you're not satisfied with your order, you can get in touch with DNA My Dog at hello@dnamydog.com. However, keep in mind that all refunds are subject to a 15% restocking fee and are given at the company's discretion - which doesn't seem to be very lenient. One customer expressed frustration at results that were wildly off-base for their dog and asked for a refund, but the company replied that the results were based on a "sophisticated genetic analysis” and a refund could not be issued. Some customers have even found themselves to be blocked on social media by the company while pursuing a refund.
Results determined by dice roll
While DNA My Dog has an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau and a few hundred 4- and 5-star reviews can be found online, we would take all of that with an entire block of salt. Many customers have been drawn in by DNA My Dog's low prices, but when they receive their results, suspicions arise. You know what they say - if it walks like a German Shepherd and barks like a German Shepherd, it's probably not 45% Chihuahua. One such suspicious customer sent in a swab containing her own human DNA, and was told she was 40% Border Collie. A reporter repeated the experiment and was told she was 40% Alaskan Malamute. (When other companies were presented with human DNA in these experiments, they were able to detect something wrong with the DNA and honestly informed the customers of the problem.) We think it's pretty clear that whatever DNA My Dog's results are based on, it's not your dog's actual DNA.
DNA My Dog is not your dog's friend
We would advise you to stay far away from DNA My Dog, especially if you're testing for serious issues like allergies and genetic health risks. Seeing how they feel so comfortable giving you fake results for your dog's breed, we don't have a lot of confidence about their other tests. It's one thing to rip your human customers off, but playing fast and loose with our furry friends' well-being? That's really barking up the wrong tree.
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Which Dog DNA Test is the Best?
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.
Dog DNA Test Kit FAQ
Continued from above...
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:
- Breed identification accuracy. Look for a test that offers a high level of accuracy in breed identification, verified by customer reviews. Some dog DNA test providers have been known to give breed breakdowns that seem more like a best guess than the result of carefully considering data.
- Value for money. Consider the range of information the test provides and weigh it against its price. Some tests are more comprehensive and therefore more expensive, while others might offer less information but are more affordable.
- Database size. The size of the company's breed database can affect the accuracy of the test. A larger database generally means better results in identifying a wider variety of breeds.
- Ease of use. Check user reviews to gauge how easy it is to collect a sample. The best dog DNA tests should come with clear instructions and all the tools needed for a non-invasive, hassle-free sample collection.
- Turnaround time. Check how long it takes to receive results. Some companies may offer quicker results than others, which can be important if you're making medical or behavioral decisions based on the outcomes.
- Customer support. Good customer support can be invaluable, especially if you have questions about interpreting the results of your test.
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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