Buying a Dog DNA Test – What to Know

(Updated Mar 2023.)

DNA testing for dogs has now been around for more than a decade. The first DNA tests for dogs for veterinarians was developed in 2007, with the first Direct-to-consumer DNA tests for dogs coming on to market since 2009.

If you’re considering buying a dog DNA test, here are some things you should consider:

1. Purpose: Determine the purpose of the test. Some tests are designed to determine a dog’s breed or breed mix, while others can reveal potential health issues or even traits like size and coat color which can be useful for breeders.
2. Accuracy: Check the accuracy and reliability of the test before buying. Some tests are more accurate than others, and the reliability can depend on the sample provided, the lab used, and the quality of the test kit.
3. Sample Collection: Determine the sample collection method. Some tests require a simple cheek swab, while others may require a blood sample. Cheek swabs are generally less invasive and more convenient.
4. Cost: Consider the cost of the test. Prices can vary significantly, with some tests costing as little as $50 and others costing several hundred dollars.
5. Turnaround Time: Look at the turnaround time for results. Some tests provide results in as little as two weeks, while others can take several months.
6. Customer Support: Check the customer support offered by the test provider. Some companies provide extensive customer support, including detailed explanations of results and consultation with veterinary geneticists.
7. Privacy: Make sure that the test provider has a clear privacy policy. You may be sharing sensitive information about your dog’s health and genetic makeup, so it’s important to know how that information will be used and protected.
8. Breed-specific tests: If you’re interested in a breed-specific test, make sure that the test covers the breed or breeds that you’re interested in.

By considering these factors, you can choose a dog DNA test that will give you the information you’re looking for in a reliable and accurate way.

Two Major Players for Direct to Consumer Tests

While are all sorts of different tests that you can buy, the two major players that make the top of the list are Embark and Wisdom Panel.

Each company offers a variety of testing depending on your needs and wants. Most dog owners want to understand their dog’s breed background, and consider the heath screening an added bonus.

Both the Embark and Wisdom Panel tests are easy to administer and require only cheek swab. Embark uses a sponge swab and Wisdom panel uses a bristle brush swab which may be slightly less comfortable for your dog.

In terms of results, even though Wisdom Panel’s comprehensive test is slightly less expensive than Embark’s and Embark takes a bit more time to receive, many appear to prefer Embark for it’s comprehensive report retails.

Accuracy

Many people want to know how accurate the tests are. Although both tests have different reasons for being accurate, both are considered to be highly accurate. and both tests are used for research. ^{(1, 2)}

The Wisdom Panel DNA test and Embark tests were developed by geneticists and have been used in several different scientific studies and have underdone repeated testing of a dog’s sample and review by independent third party specialists, geneticists, and leading authorities on canine genetics. 

The new Wisdom Panel and Embark generally agree on the top breeds in results, with percentages even being pretty similar. However they are not using the same databases, algorithms and once you get into the smaller percentages of breeds in your report things break down.

The more “pure” the dog is the easier it is to identify the pedigree.  The more mixed a dog is, understandably, the more difficult. Parents are more easy to determine than grandparents and grandparents are more difficult to determine than great grandparents.  Some breeds were bred less for form than for function, and may vary genetically more than others.

The lower percentages seen in a report are farther back in ancestry, and more diluted. There’s less in the DNA to detect here, and once you get into the really small percentages, it really is little more than guessing or random selection.

Apparently Wisdom Panel decided to not communicate the low certainty of the low percentage results.⁽³⁾ Unfortunately for the average dog owner, they may not understand that the low percentage breeds in the Wisdom Panel may not actually be in their dog’s genetic history. Embark uses a “supermutt” category for these low percentage result which prevents people from assuming their dog has inherits trait from a breed that they may not actually have inherited.

Either way, it’s important to regard the larger percentages as being a better indicator of which breed traits your dog has inherited.

Both Embark And Wisdom Panel Tests Used in Research

Embark’s story is about research and in both cases, each time we buy a test, we contribute to this research which benefits us all as dog owners.

At the time of writing, Embark was currently enrolling participants for the Canine Cancer Initiative, which they are researching some of the more common cancers in dogs, actively recruiting dogs who have been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy through an echocardiogram performed by a cardiologist which will be the largest study of its kind and enrolling annual health survey which can help science understand more about dog health and epidemiology.

Wisdom Panels scientists have discovered new genetic variants associated with inherited disease in dogs—providing models for future research in human health.

Bottom Line

Wisdom Panel wins for being less a little less expensive, for having a nicer interface and for being quicker to arrive. They also give you a free 15 min phone call with a vet if you want. It’s a good option for people who don’t want the details.

About the companies

Where to Buy

Disclosure: We strive to offer genuine assistance based on thorough research and expertise. In some instances, we may suggest products that we believe can aid in addressing these challenges. It’s important to note that we may earn a commission from online retailers if we link to them and if you choose to purchase these recommended products through the links provided on our site. Look for “(promotion)” next to the link. This affiliate income, however, is modest and does not cover all our operational expenses. Our main goal is to give you the support and guidance you need, and our recommendations are driven by our commitment to assisting dog owners. Transparency and integrity are core values at K9aggression.com, and we want you to make informed decisions with complete confidence in our recommendations.

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