We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Pet Products The 6 Best Dog DNA Tests of 2024, Tested by Our Dogs Get to know your canine companion on a genetic level By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 3, 2024 06:00PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Add to Cart What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Dhara Patel In a world of constant connectivity, DNA tests are wildly popular amongst humans who want to know more about their heritage and ancestors — and they're helpful for dogs, too. Dog DNA tests can share accurate information about breed makeup in mixed breeds, provide breed verification in purebreds, and test for other important aspects such as genetic disorders, personality traits, medication allergies (including MDRI drug sensitivity), and inbreeding. Experts Say The reason not all tests have the same accuracy comes down to differences in technology and reference databases used. — Annette Louviere, DVM, data and veterinary genetics manager at Wisdom Panel Although not a necessity, some owners might find Dog DNA tests worthwhile, as they can identify dog breeds, provide insight into a dog’s health, and screen for hereditary diseases. Many dog DNA tests also provide ancestry and share family tree information for a pup, as well as connect owners with their dog's nearby relatives. To find the best dog DNA tests, we tested 12 popular kits for ease of use, comprehensiveness, result time delivery, and value. Our Top Picks Best Overall Dog DNA Test: Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test at Amazon $105 Jump to Review Best Budget Dog DNA Test: Wisdom Panel Breed Dog DNA Collection Kit at Amazon $85 Jump to Review Best Investment Dog DNA Test: SALE Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test at Amazon $199 $149 Jump to Review Best Dog DNA Test for Mixed Breeds: Embark DNA Test Breed Identification Kit at Amazon $99 Jump to Review Best Dog DNA Test for Purebreds: Embark Purebred Dog DNA Test at Embarkvet.com Jump to Review Best Dog DNA Test for Age: SALE Embark Dog Age Test at Amazon $159 $129 Jump to Review Best Dog Bed: Furhaven Memory Foam Plush and Suede Sofa at Amazon $64 Jump to Review Best Dog Leash: Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Dog Collar: ORVIS Personalized Reflective Collar at Orvis.com Jump to Review Best Dog Pen: Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen at Chewy $47 Jump to Review Best Overall Dog DNA Test Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test PHOTO: Amazon $105 at Amazon $85 at Chewy View on Wisdompanel.com Star Qualities Simple process Provides a thorough breakdown of breeds Identifies potential health concerns Red Flags Some dogs might dislike the collection tool Overall, the best dog DNA test is the Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit. Ideal for pet owners looking for comprehensive breed identification, this test checks your dog’s DNA against a database of over 350 breeds and reports results down to 1 percent, making it one of the most accurate dog DNA tests available. We found that it was not only easy to collect samples and mail them off, but we also received results much faster than the expected two to three weeks. We do wish that the collection tool was a cotton swab instead of a spoolie-like brush, as it wasn't a dog favorite, but that's not a dealbreaker. We also love that the Wisdom Panel test also looks at ancestry and other important factors, including potential health complications and possible allergic reactions to medicines. While not a diagnosis, this is still helpful to know and ask your vet about. On top of that, it is licensed to provide an MDR1 medication sensitivity test, which can tell you whether or not your dog might experience extreme reactions to common drugs. The breed identification test also provides valuable insight into the ideal weight range for a dog, which can contribute to their overall health and help owners maintain their pup’s weight. Result Delivery: Around 3 weeks, although it arrived sooner for us | Breeds in Database: 350+ Editors Say "I used this test when I first rescued my dog, and it was wonderful to learn more about her breed, health information, and local kin nearby!"—Madison Yauger, shopping editor PHOTO: People / Cheyann Neades PHOTO: People / Cheyann Neades Best Budget Dog DNA Test Wisdom Panel Breed Dog DNA Collection Kit PHOTO: Amazon $85 at Amazon $85 at Chewy View on Wisdompanel.com Star Qualities High-quality product User-friendly kit and website Provides thorough insights Red Flags Some deeper insights are behind a paywall Dog DNA tests aren’t exactly cheap, especially if you want a high-quality and accurate one; however, you can still find some at more cost-effective price points, and they make a great gift for dog owners. The most affordable dog DNA test worth buying is the Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Identification DNA Test for Dogs. With a database of over 350 breeds, this kit breaks down a dog’s genetic makeup in precise percentages, which we loved. Additionally, the kit was super easy to use for sample collection and the website was user-friendly as well. While we love that the kit also tests for medical sensitivities (including the MDR1 test), we found that some of the deeper insights in the results are locked behind a paywall, so if you want to save on a kit, it means that you won’t get much beyond breed identification and some medical insights. Nonetheless, we were impressed by the overall accuracy of the test and the low cost for the more common data you may be searching for. Result Delivery: 2 to 3 weeks | Breeds in Database: 350+ Best Investment Dog DNA Test Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test PHOTO: Amazon $199 $149 at Amazon $109 at Chewy View on Embarkvet.com Star Qualities Easy account setup Provides actionable insights on dogs' health Connects you with nearby relatives Red Flags None noted If you want a lot of insight and don’t mind splurging for a dog DNA test, we recommend the Embark Dog DNA Breed & Health Test Kit. Albeit a little pricey compared to other tests, we found this to be well worth the investment, especially since it provides such extensive information on a dog’s genetic and health history. With a database of over 350 breeds and 230 health risks, the test kit looks not only at what breeds make up your precious pooch but also lets you know if they are at risk of anything health-wise. In addition to breed and health information, the results also show physical traits and can connect you with family matches, too. This test is an excellent way to understand your dog better and gain insight into what they are made of so you can be better prepared for their care and future. Result Delivery: 2 to 3 weeks | Breeds in Database: 350+ PHOTO: People / Jenna Stregowski PHOTO: People / Jenna Stregowski Best Dog DNA Test for Mixed Breeds Embark DNA Test Breed Identification Kit PHOTO: Amazon $99 at Amazon $109 at Chewy $130 $120 at PetSmart Star Qualities Kit comes ready to use You get exactly what is advertised Red Flags Does not include info on behavioral traits Dog owners with mixed breed companions are likely most intrigued by DNA tests, as the results can give them answers about their dog’s heritage, ancestry, and more. After testing dog DNA tests, we found that the best option for mixed breeds (after our best overall, the Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit) is the Embark Breed Identification Kit. The kit comes ready to use with a cotton swab that makes collecting a sample and mailing it back to the company a total breeze. Plus, the company has a database of over 350 breeds, providing plenty of data. As a research partner of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Embark provides a user-friendly experience to dog owners with clear insights on the genetic makeup of your dog. While there weren’t a ton of details provided (including our dog’s age and more extensive information like behavior), we appreciated all of the great insight on the different breeds, which helped us understand our pup a little better. Result Delivery: 2 to 4 weeks | Breeds in Database: 350+ PHOTO: People / Dhara Patel PHOTO: People / Dhara Patel PHOTO: People / Dhara Patel Best Dog DNA Test for Purebreds Embark Purebred Dog DNA Test PHOTO: Amazon View on Embarkvet.com $139 at Chewy Star Qualities Excellent attention to detail Certificate provided for purebred dogs Received updates and notifications during the testing period Red Flags Test results included discrepancies around coat colors, markings, and build If your dog is a purebred, you likely already have a good idea of what their breed results will be. However, if you’re looking for breed verification, a DNA test is a great idea. For the best dog DNA test for purebreds, we recommend the Embark Purebred DNA Test. In addition to verifying breeds, the test also looks at other important factors including genetic health risks, ancestry, physical traits, and inbreeding levels. In addition to its vast breed database, the company also tests for over 215 genetic health risks (such as MDRI drug sensitivity and glaucoma) to determine if a dog is at risk or a carrier of a genetic disease. The test also looks at genetic diversity, which can indicate levels of inbreeding and give owners the insight necessary to take a more informed approach to their dog’s health. Through Embark’s ancestry results, owners can also match their dogs with relatives and connect with those nearby, similar to human DNA tests, allowing pups to meet and bond with their family members. That being said, we received ancestry results that noted relatives who could either be siblings or cousins, so it wasn’t very clear. Additionally, the test results we received didn’t have super accurate results for physical traits, including coat color, markings, and build. Overall, however, the test boasts excellent attention to detail with clear sample collection instructions. And, if your dog is in fact a purebred, the company sends you a certification. Result Delivery: 2 to 4 weeks | Breeds in Database: 350+ PHOTO: People / Meredith Luksetich PHOTO: People / Meredith Luksetich PHOTO: People / Meredith Luksetich PHOTO: People / Meredith Luksetich Best Dog DNA Test for Age Embark Dog Age Test PHOTO: Embark $159 $129 at Amazon View on Embarkvet.com Star Qualities We felt confident in results Can even estimate a dog's birthday Red Flags No information on breeds, health, ancestry, or physical traits If you have a rescue dog or aren’t sure when your pup’s actual birthday is, the Embark Dog Age Test can help you gain insights, which can be helpful for their overall health and well-being (especially as they age). After using the Embark Dog Age Test, we were incredibly impressed by how extensive these test results are. Despite not providing any additional insight on breeds, health, ancestry, or physical traits, the Dog Age Test gave us thorough results, sharing insights from over 100 breeds and mixes that were used to help determine our dog’s age. The company uses DNA methylation to identify biomarkers of aging within a dog to narrow down not only a pup’s age in years and months but an actual birthday, too. Result Delivery: Within 8 weeks | Breeds in Database: 100+ breeds and mixes PHOTO: People / Anna Pattison PHOTO: People / Anna Pattison PHOTO: People / Anna Pattison Add to Cart If you’re shopping for dog DNA tests, you might be interested in these other PEOPLE-Tested pet products, too. Our recommended picks undergo rigorous testing from our editors and independent testers. Furhaven Memory Foam Plush and Suede Sofa $64 at Amazon View on Wayfair View on Furhaven.com Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash $16 at Amazon $16 at Chewy $17 at Maxandneo.com ORVIS Personalized Reflective Collar View on Orvis.com Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen $47 at Chewy What to Know About Dog DNA Tests Accuracy One of the most important things about a DNA test is accuracy. When shopping for a dog DNA test, consider what factors into a test’s accuracy. For example, the Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit has over 350 breeds in its database — which is a key aspect of DNA test accuracy — and can report breed mixes down to one percent. Embark Breed Identification Kit also has a database of 350 dog breeds, which helps ensure it provides accurate results as well. According to Dr. Amanda Takiguchi, a veterinarian and founder of Trending Breeds, a dog DNA test is considered more of an extracurricular but can be beneficial nonetheless, as long as it's accurate. “In general, a DNA test is only necessary when you breed your female to two males and use DNA to sort out which puppies were sired by which male so that you can register the puppies,” she explains, in context to breeding processes. Purebred vs. Mixed Breeds Dog owners with mixed breeds might be more inclined to test their dog’s genetics to learn what their pet’s breeds are. However, purebred owners can also benefit from doggie DNA tests as those specifically created for purebred pups can validate purebred status and share additional insight into genetic markers, including potential hereditary diseases. While those with purebred dogs could technically use most of the popular dog DNA tests, one that is specifically dedicated to purebreds — like the Embark Purebred DNA Test — provides more value with its health focus. Knowing what health issues your dog is likely to experience as they age, and being able to manage or even prevent those issues, could make a DNA test as important as other basic dog supplies. Delivery Time For the most part, it can take up to three weeks to receive results from dog DNA test kits. However, some kits have shorter (and longer) result timeframes. If result time is important to you, be sure to look for information on how long it takes for DNA results, to save frustration and give you clear expectations during the process. The Embark Breed Identification Kit takes around two to four weeks for results, while the Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit takes about three weeks for results. The Embark Dog Age Test, however, can take up to eight weeks to process results. Health Markers, Personality Traits, and Ancestry While the purpose of dog DNA tests is typically to identify dog breeds, many kits come with additional features, such as health markers, personality traits, and ancestry. If these features are of interest, consider purchasing a kit with additional perks. The Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit is an excellent choice for those who want to know more about their pet’s ancestry, potential medical complications, and potential aversions to medications. With a focus on purebreds, the Embark Purebred DNA Test tests for ancestry, breed validation, and health markers, and also looks at genetic diversity, providing more insight into a dog’s level of inbreeding. PEOPLE / Meredith Luksetich. Behind the Scenes Before testing dog DNA tests, our PEOPLE Tested team first interviewed registered veterinary technician Jenna Stregowski of Daily Paws to help outline our methodology. With that information in hand, we set out to test 12 different dog DNA tests to see how they performed against these four attributes: ease of use, comprehensiveness, result time delivery, and value. Ease of Use: First, we read the instructions specific to each DNA test we were evaluating to see if they were easy to follow and reviewed the details provided by each brand about their testing process. We then registered our pets online and downloaded apps where applicable.Results Process: After submitting our dogs' DNA samples using the instructions provided, we waited for the results; once delivered, we noted how long it took to receive the results and the genetic insights they provided, plus any other additional features such as the dogs’ family tree and breed identification. After all dog DNA tests were evaluated fully, we rated each kit on a scale of 1 to 5 against each testing attribute. The dog DNA kits that received the highest averages earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list. Frequently Asked Questions Are dog DNA tests worth it? Dog DNA testing can provide a wealth of information on a dog’s breed(s) and other genetic information and is definitely worth it if you want to find certain information about your dog. It’s worth noting, however, that they are not 100 percent accurate, though some are more accurate than others. “Do your research and choose a reputable product, or ask your veterinarian for a product recommendation before purchasing a test kit,” advises Dr. Takiguchi.Factors like laboratory quality control guidelines can also play a role in the accuracy of a test and might be the reason why not every company will provide the same results, says Dr. Louviere. Can a vet do a dog DNA test? A veterinarian can definitely do a dog DNA test, although a pet owner can too. “Some veterinarians prefer to submit a blood sample for assurance that large amounts of DNA are present,” says Dr. Takiguchi, adding that the blood sample process is not harmful to dogs. Can a DNA test show inbreeding? Some DNA tests — such as the Embark Purebred DNA Test — can show indications of inbreeding through a test called genetic diversity (aka heterozygosity). According to Dr. Louviere, this is “a measure of commonality within a range of inherited genes from each side of the family.”Although it won’t exclusively provide inbreeding levels, measuring for genetic diversity can provide an indication of inbreeding levels in an individual dog. “A high genetic diversity score indicates a wide variety of different traits, while a low score indicates a lesser variety,” Dr. Louviere says. How long does a dog DNA test typically take? The process of conducting a dog DNA test is quick for dog owners, as it typically involves a mouth swipe using a cotton swab. Once the lab receives the swab, technicians start the process of extracting DNA by matching the chromosomal patterns of a dog’s DNA to a breed database using a computer algorithm.“It can take up to six weeks or more to get the results back, depending on the service,” says Dr. Takiguchi. While most brands claim faster results, it’s best to keep in mind that delays are possible. The 6 Best Dog Crates of 2024, Tested by Our Pups Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. (She's also a proud pug mom.) When researching the best dog DNA tests, Jessie spoke with Dr. Amanda Takiguchi, a veterinarian and founder of Trending Breeds, which is dedicated to tips and guidance on various dog breeds, including purebreds and mixed breeds, and Dr. Annette Louviere, a data and veterinary genetics manager at Wisdom Panel, for their expert insights and tips. She also looked at our PEOPLE Tested insights as well as the breed databases to gain better insight into the accuracy of tests, additional features like health markers, ancestry, and inbreeding levels, and how quickly results are delivered. Our Expert Panel Amanda Takiguchi, DVM, is a veterinarian and the founder of Trending Breeds, a resource dedicated to tips and guidance on various dog breeds, including purebreds and mixed breeds. Jenna Stregowski, RVT, is a registered veterinary technician and the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for Daily Paws. Annette Louviere, DVM, is a veterinarian and a data and veterinary genetics manager at Wisdom Panel. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust - every day, every purchase.