Best Dog DNA Tests of 2025
Discover the best dog DNA tests to uncover your pup’s breed, ancestry, and genetic traits. These tests offer valuable insights to help you better understand your dog’s unique needs and care for them with confidence.
- uPDATED: MAR 2025
#2
9.1
Score calculated based on:
#1 top pick
9.7
Score calculated based on:
#3
8.4
Score calculated based on:
Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test
- Test for 250 health conditions
- Over 230,000 genetic markers
- 350 dog breeds
- Connect with your dog’s relative
9.7
Score calculated based on:
Exceptional
Less Details
What We Like
- Embark tests for over 230k genetic markers and 350 different dog breeds, including dingoes, coyotes, and wolves, making it one of the most advanced dog DNA test kits on the market. You can even trace your pup's geographical ancestry!
What To Consider
- While Embark says you can receive results in "as little as 2-4 weeks," it can sometimes take much longer.
Suitable For
- Easy to Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Best for Big Dogs
- Subscription Required
- Best for Large Properties
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Smartphone App Enabled
#2
Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit
- Screens for over 365 breeds
- Unlock 30 health insights
- Over 50 traits tests
- Find your pup’s relatives
9.5
Score calculated based on:
Excellent
More Details
What We Like
- Wisdom Panel has one of the largest breed databases and reports down to 1%, so you can get a thorough overview of every breed that makes up your pooch. You can even trace your dog's ancestry back to their great-grandparents.
What To Consider
- It's not quite as robust as Embark when it comes to testing for genetic health issues.
Suitable For
- Easy to Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Best for Big Dogs
- Subscription Required
- Best for Large Properties
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Smartphone App Enabled
#3
Ancestry Dog DNA Test Kit
- Moderately Priced
- 200 genetic screening tests
- Assessment of over 30 traits
- Results in as little as 2-4 weeks
9.2
Score calculated based on:
Very Good
More Details
What We Like
- Ancestry's relatively new dog DNA test may not be as robust as others on this list but it still offers plenty of valuable insights. It's also more moderately priced than competitors.
What To Consider
- Not as detailed in terms of breed identification as some of its competitors. Some results can take significantly longer to get back.
Suitable For
- Easy to Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Best for Big Dogs
- Subscription Required
- Best for Large Properties
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Smartphone App Enabled
#4
Basepaws Breed + Health Dog DNA Test
- Uses Next-Generation Sequencing
- Screens for 280+ health risks
- 330+ breed database
- 30+ genetic trait markers
9.1
Score calculated based on:
Very Good
More Details
What We Like
- Basepaws prides themselves on being one of the most detailed dog DNA tests in terms of health conditions and traits. Their reports are also beautifully designed and easy to read.
What To Consider
- The turnaround time is the longest of all the dog DNA tests. Results take 4-6 weeks to get back, and sometimes even longer.
Suitable For
- Easy to Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Best for Big Dogs
- Subscription Required
- Best for Large Properties
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Smartphone App Enabled
#5
5Strands Food & Environmental Intolerance Test
- Two comprehensive allergen tests
- Uses your pet’s hair
- Covers over 250 food intolerances
- Covers over 100 environmental intolerances
8.8
Score calculated based on:
Very Good
More Details
What We Like
- While it's not a true dog breed DNA test, it's an invaluable resource for discovering detailed information about your pup's food and environmental intolerances.
What To Consider
- Some customers felt the results were confusing and contradictory. Also, please remember that this does not test for potentially life-threatening allergies, but rather intolerances that can cause your dog discomfort.
Suitable For
- Easy to Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Best for Big Dogs
- Subscription Required
- Best for Large Properties
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Smartphone App Enabled
How We Score
Brand Reliability
We look at how long the brand has been around, how they continue to innovate and update their DNA technology, and their overall reputation and trust factor among customers.
Real-World Testing
We use these products to test out functionality, accuracy, and user-friendliness in real-world situations to ensure that they perform exactly as promised.
Product Diversity
We look at how diverse the product is in terms of the results. Does it screen for common health issues? How about less-common issues? How large is the breed database? How accurate are the results for mixed-breed dogs?
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GUIDE TO DOG DNA TESTS
Why Consider Dog DNA Tests?
Dog DNA tests have gained popularity among pet owners as a way to uncover fascinating details about their furry companions. These tests go beyond surface-level curiosity, providing an in-depth look at your dog’s genetic makeup, which can reveal surprising information about their breed, ancestry, and health predispositions.
By shedding light on your dog’s genetic story, these tests not only enhance the care you provide but also deepen the connection you share with your loyal companion.
How Do Dog DNA Tests Work?
Swab the Inside of Your Dog's Cheek
Most dog DNA kits require swabbing the inside of your dog's cheek. It's quick and painless for your dog, don't worry.
Send Your Sample Away for Analysis
Test kits include a prepaid mailer to return your dog's sample. Just follow the directions, then pop it in the mail!
Wait for Your Analysis
Now comes the hard part...waiting. Most results come back within 2-4 weeks, but some can take longer. You'll get an email when your results are ready.
Check out Your Report
Once the results are in, the fun begins! Check out your dog's breed composition, health traits, and more. You can even download a copy to share with your vet.
Choosing the Best Dog DNA Test for Your Needs
Accuracy of Results
Look for tests with a high number of genetic markers for more precise breed identification and health insights.
Health Screening Options
Some DNA tests include comprehensive health screenings, while others focus solely on breed ancestry. Choose based on your priorities.
Database Size
A larger breed database ensures more accurate and detailed breed identification.
Turnaround Time
Check how long it takes to receive results, as processing times can vary between companies.
Ease of Use
Opt for tests with simple swab collection kits and clear instructions for stress-free sampling.
Pros and Cons of DNA Tests for Dogs
PROS
Breed Identification
Identifies your dog’s breed mix.
Health Insights:
Screens for genetic health risks and traits.
Behavior Understanding:
Provides insight into breed-specific behaviors.
Family Connections:
Helps locate relatives or siblings of your dog.
CONS
Cost:
These services often come at a premium, making them less affordable for some pet owners.
Limited Accuracy:
Results may vary between companies.
Health Uncertainty:
Doesn’t guarantee prevention of health issues.
Privacy Concerns:
Genetic data storage may raise privacy issues.
FAQs About Dog DNA Tests
Are dog DNA tests accurate?
Accuracy depends on the test and the size of its breed database. Tests with larger databases and more genetic markers tend to provide more precise results.
What information can a dog DNA test provide?
Dog DNA tests can reveal your dog’s breed mix, potential health risks, genetic traits, and even ancestral history. Some tests also offer insights into relatives or breed-specific behaviors.
Can a dog DNA test confirm purebred status?
Yes, most tests can verify if your dog is a purebred by analyzing its genetic markers against breed standards in their database.
How long does it take to get results?
Most DNA test results are available within 2-4 weeks after the sample is submitted. Processing times vary, so check with the test provider.
