Monday, July 7th
2025 Dog DNA Test Kit Reviews
Embark
- Pricing: Breed ID for $109, Breed ID + Health for $159
- Partners with Cornell University for advanced genetic research
- Tests for 350+ breeds, 250+ potential health conditions, and 35 traits
- Easy testing process with results in 2-4 weeks
- Free U.S. shipping
- 60-day return policy and free replacement swabs
- Offers unique "wolfiness” score
- Includes village dogs in the database
- High customer satisfaction with 4.7-star average rating
Embark began as a small startup created by passionate vets and scientists who love dogs. Its founders, Adam and Ryan Boyko, have traveled all over the world, meeting and testing dogs in remote locations. But, they wanted to do more for dogs. That's why they started Embark, to involve dog lovers like you in their mission to boost research on canine health. Embark has been recommended by New York Magazine as their top gift pick, and it's easy to see why.
Outstanding research
Embark is a leader in the field of canine genetic research, thanks to its collaboration with Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. While there may be lots of dog DNA test services on the market now, only Embark can claim a 99% breed ancestry accuracy. And they're not just here to turn a profit - Embark's tests lead to insights that benefit all dogs. For instance, Embark's research has led to significant findings such as identifying deafness in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, understanding the intensity of red coat pigmentation, and studying inbreeding depression in Golden Retrievers, which affects litter sizes. You can contribute to Embark's ongoing research by completing surveys about your dogs that have been tested with their DNA kits.
Breed ID for $109, sometimes discounted
Embark offers two main DNA testing kits: Breed ID for $109 and Breed ID + Health for $159. The word on the street is that they often go on sale, with discounts sometimes reaching $40 off for the Breed ID kit. Your best bet is to subscribe to their mailing list and wait for a promotion code. Embark offers some other tests too, including Dog Age, Gut Health, and Oral Health. When checking out, you need to indicate whether your dog is mixed breed or purebred because Embark will alter the presentation of your pup's test results based on this choice. If you're not sure, it's best to select "mixed breed."
20% discount when purchasing 4 or more kits
If you're purchasing tests for more than one dog, make sure to enter Embark's discount codes to get up to 20% off.
- Breed ID kits
- 5% off for 2 kits (code: BREEDIDX2)
- 10% off for 3 kits (code: BREEDIDX3)
- 15% off for 4 or more kits (code: BREEDIDX4)
- Breed + Health or Purebred kits
- 10% off for 2 kits (code: MULTIPACK2)
- 15% off for 3 kits (code: MULTIPACK3)
- 20% off for 4 or more kits (code: MULTIPACK4)
Schedule playdates with your dog's family members
Embark tests for over 350 breeds and provides detailed ancestry information. They were the first to introduce the feature of identifying relatives in their database. Unfortunately, with the proliferation of dog DNA test services, some of your dog's relatives might be in competitor databases. We like Embark the most, though, because you can see "dogs like mine” and connect with their owners directly (and even follow their dogs on social media). Thanks to Embark's relative database, one customer's dog now enjoys weekly playdates with its siblings from another litter who turned out to live just 15 minutes away.
Find out about potential health conditions
The Breed + Health kit from Embark can help you plan a happy, healthy life for your canine companion. This kit checks for over 250 health conditions in 16 areas that your dog might be at risk for due to their breed and other genetic factors, like allergies to certain drugs or likelihood to develop cataracts. It can also tell you about 35 different traits of your dog, like how well they can handle high altitudes or how much they might shed. It's a great way to get a full picture of your dog's health and potential risks. You can also check out the free "Breed list” and "Health conditions” lists on Embark's website to browse specific health tests recommended by breed or to search for a specific condition.
Results in 2-4 weeks
Using an Embark DNA kit is really simple and comfortable for your dog. First, gently swab your dog's mouth with the provided non-bristled swab for 30 seconds and package it up as directed. Then, activate your kit online (although some customers have mentioned minor issues with this step), and send the swab back in the prepaid envelope. (Make sure to send the sample within six months to keep it stable, and keep in mind that kits expire two years from the purchase date.) Just like that, you can expect your results in 2-4 weeks.
Free US shipping
Embark provides free shipping in the US for their dog DNA tests. For customers outside the US, there's a small shipping charge.
Free replacement swabs if your test fails and 60-day returns
Embark's return policy is straightforward and customer-friendly. If you buy a DNA test kit and don't use it, you can return it within 60 days. However, you can't return just one kit from a bundle, and they don't offer store credit. If your test fails because there's not enough DNA on the swab, Embark will send you a new swab for free, which we really appreciate. If you decide you don't want to try again within 30 days, they'll give you your money back, minus the cost of shipping and handling.
Learn your dog's "wolfiness” score
Embark offers some really cool features that make their DNA test unique. One of these is the "wolfiness” score. This score shows ancient genetic traits from wolves - not recent wolf ancestry. Scientists use markers in parts of the genome called "candidate domestication regions" (CDRs) to figure out this score. These regions have different genetic patterns in dogs and wolves, helping scientists learn about dog domestication. While most dogs have wolfiness scores of 1% or less, sometimes certain breeds and populations have higher scores. (Embark says its wolfiest dog tested to date was a Pomeranian!) Embark takes your dog's safety seriously: if he or she does have any recent wolf or coyote heritage, they automatically set your profile to private to avoid legal issues and protect your pet. You can feel confident about participating and contributing to their growing database of canine genetic information with this protection in place.
Village dogs included
Another feature we love about Embark is their inclusion of village dogs - some competing dog DNA services don't have this classification and instead classify them as heavily mixed dogs. But village dogs are not the same as mutts; they are free-ranging, indigenous dogs found living alongside humans all around the world, and they're the dogs from which all modern dog breeds are descended. They have unique genetic backgrounds that add valuable diversity to genetic studies, helping scientists understand the genetic history and health of dogs worldwide. By studying village dogs, scientists can learn more about how dogs evolved and develop better healthcare for all dogs.
Top choice despite BBB rating
Embark is the most popular choice for dog DNA testing among pet owners who have tried many services. It's widely thought to be the most accurate test commercially available. Customer reviews even say Embark accurately detected health issues that their vets had independently diagnosed. You can read lots of great feedback from customers right on their website, which has earned Embark an average rating of 4.7 stars from more than 16,000 unfiltered reviews. But, Embark's Better Business Bureau rating has dropped recently (from an "A+” to a "C-”). We hope this hiccup in their reputation gets smoothed out soon, but even so, they're still our top choice for dog DNA tests.
More Dog DNA Test Kit Reviews
The 10 Best Dog DNA Test Kits
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.
Compare Dog DNA Test Kits
Select any 2 Dog DNA Test Kits to compare them head to head
Trending Dog DNA Testing News
Related Dog DNA Test Kit Reviews
Since you're interested in Dog DNA Test Kits, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
