Ever look at your furry friend and wonder, “What amazing mix of breeds makes up this wonderful dog?” You see hints of a Beagle here, maybe a bit of a Terrier there, but the true answer remains a fun mystery. Many dog owners feel this way! Choosing the right dog breed test can feel overwhelming. Do you pick the cheapest one? The one with the fanciest packaging? It’s tough to know which test truly gives you accurate, helpful information about your dog’s ancestry.
You want to understand your dog better—their energy levels, potential health quirks, and even their funny little habits. A good breed test can unlock these secrets! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a dog breed test reliable and what you should look for before you spend your money. By the end of this post, you will know exactly how to choose the perfect DNA test to reveal your canine companion’s true heritage.
Top Dog Breed Test Recommendations
No. 1
Embark Breed Identification Kit - Most Accurate Dog DNA Testing Kit - 99% Breed Ancestry Accuracy for Mixed Breed Dogs - Plus Relative Finder & Family Tree
- BREED IDENTIFICATION: Embark screens for over 400 dog breeds. Using a research-grade genotyping platform developed in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Embark offers the most accurate breed breakdown on the market.
- RELATIVE FINDER: Find and connect with your pup's family through the world’s first canine relative finder. Over 90% of dogs tested by Embark have a close relative, like a cousin, and 12% discover a direct family member.
- ANCESTRY: Our genetic analysis can reveal most dogs' breed mix going back to their great-grandparents. With the information embedded in your dog's DNA, we can identify the routes that distant ancestors took around the world before they came home to you.
- NEW! PERSONALITY QUIZ: Discover which instincts are rooted in your pup’s breed mix—and which are uniquely their own.
- EXCELLENT SERVICE & FAST RESULTS: Have a question about your results? Just talk to one of our dedicated vets or geneticists. Embark generally delivers results in 2-4 weeks and keep you updated every step of the way. Embark kits are best used by the date printed directly on the swab to ensure DNA extraction goes smoothly. In the event of a swab that exceeds its best by date or a DNA sample failure due to materials, Embark support will provide a fresh swab upon purchase verification.
No. 2
DNA MY DOG – Trusted & Affordable Breed Identification Test | 350+ Breeds Identified w/ 99%+ Accuracy | Complete Breed Analysis, Personality and Behavior Insights | Easy Cheek Swab, Results in 2 Weeks
- AFFORDABLE, PROVEN AND LOVED BY THOUSANDS – Get top-tier DNA testing with over 99% accuracy without the premium price. Our test is one of the most cost-effective on the market
- 𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 2-3 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗦 – Receive a complete full breed analysis within 2-3 weeks of submitting the sample. Access your results online, including a downloadable DNA certificate that highlights your dog’s unique breed composition
- 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗗 & 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 – Identify over 350 breeds with advanced genetic testing. The detailed report covers breed-specific health risks, behaviour traits, and essential care tips to help you give your dog the best care possible
- UNIQUE 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 & 𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗦 – Learn more about your dog’s personality traits based on its breed makeup. Get expert advice on training, behaviour tendencies, and tips to strengthen your bond with your furry companion
- 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝟵𝟵% 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 – DNA My Dog uses cutting-edge technology to deliver highly accurate breed identification with 99%+ accuracy. Trusted by pet owners and rescue organizations since 2008, the company offers excellent customer service for a seamless testing experience from start to finish
No. 3
Wisdom Health Essential Dog DNA Kit | Most Accurate Test | 365+ Breeds | 30 Genetic Health Conditions | 50+ Traits, Relatives, Ancestry | Pack of 1
- The Most Accurate Breed Detection: Screen for 365+ breeds to get a breed report down to 1%. Because knowing every detail helps you understand how to care for them.
- Unlock 30 Essential Health Insights: Screen for genetic health tests (including MDR1 and IVDD) to get ahead of health risks and create a personalized care plan with your vet.
- Meet Their Relatives: 99.9% of dogs tested have a relative match through Wisdom Panel. With the world’s largest breed database and 5 million dogs tested, you can see photos, compare DNA results, and send messages.
- Learn About Their Traits and Behaviors: Know them better inside and out. Wisdom Panel screens for 51 traits so you can learn how their one of a kind appearance came to be. Plus, understand their individual quirks with insights into their behavioral tendencies.
- 5m+ Pets Tested In 50+ Countries: Wisdom Panel is the world’s leading dog DNA service thanks to its quick, painless swabbing process, fast and accurate results, and reliable insights you can use for years to come.
No. 4
Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Dog DNA Kit: Most Accurate Dog Breed Identification, Test for 365+ Breeds, MDR1 Health Test, Ancestry, Relatives
- The Most Accurate Breed Detection: Screen for 365+ breeds to get a breed report down to 1%. Because knowing every detail helps you understand how to care for them.
- Test For Medication Sensitivities. With an MDR1 test, you’ll know if your dog may have a negative reaction to commonly used medications.
- Meet Their Relatives: 99.9% of dogs tested have a relative match through Wisdom Panel. With the world’s largest breed database and 5 million dogs tested, you can see photos, compare DNA results, and send messages.
- Understand Their Ancestry and Behavior: Trace their family tree back three generations to learn how their unique breed mix came to be. Plus, understand their individual quirks with insights into their behavioral tendencies.
- 5m+ Pets Tested In 50+ Countries: Wisdom Panel is the world’s leading dog DNA service thanks to its quick, painless swabbing process, fast and accurate results, and reliable insights you can use for years to come.
No. 5
Embark Breed & Health Kit - Dog DNA Testing Kit - Discover Breed, Ancestry, Relative Finder, Genetic Health, Traits, Allergy Risk Scores
- ACTIONABLE HEALTH INSIGHTS: Test for over 270 genetic health conditions and get actionable insights to help you give your pup the best care possible. Knowing if your dog is at higher risk for certain health conditions means you can intervene earlier and work with your veterinarian to create a personalized care plan. After receiving their test results, 37% of dog owners changed how they care for their dog.
- MOST ACCURATE BREED IDENTIFICATION: Test for over 400 dog breeds including dingoes, coyotes, wolves, and village dogs. Using a research-grade genotyping platform developed in partnership with Cornell University of Veterinary Medicine, Embark offers the most accurate breed breakdown on the market.
- TRAIT INSIGHTS THAT HELP YOU BE MORE PREPARED: Test for 55 physical traits. Size, coat, grooming needs — your dog's traits don't just make them adorable! Knowing their characteristics in advance, from how big your dog will become to how much they will shed, makes you a more informed and empowered pet owner.
- NEW! ALLERGY RISK SCORES: Find out your dog’s risk for four allergy types: environmental, food, contact, and flea. Embark is the only dog DNA test that gives you personalized allergy risk insights for your dog, so you can help them stay comfortable all year round. Plus, you'll get expert tips from our veterinarians to help you prevent or manage allergies.
- NEW! PERSONALITY QUIZ: Discover which instincts are rooted in your pup’s breed mix—and which are uniquely their own.
No. 6
Basepaws Dog DNA Testing Kit - 330+ Breeds, 280+ Health Risks, and 30+ Traits - Comprehensive Mixed Breed Identification, Pet DNA Test kit, Canine Genetic Ancestry and Heritage
- 330+ BREEDS TESTED: Better understand your dogs needs by learning dog's unique ancestry and connect with your pet's heritage. Basepaws' dog genetic testing kit helps you understand your canine traits better through our comprehensive dog dna kit.
- 280+ GENETIC TESTS: A proactive approach to your dog's health! Our DNA kit screens for potential genetic health risks, helping you take preemptive measures for your puppy's well-being.
- 30+ TRAITS AND TENDENCIES: Discover more than 30+ dog traits related to your dog's mixed breed DNA that make them truly unique, from coat color, to size, and more.
- HOLISTIC HEALTH OVERVIEW: Beyond just dog breed identification, our kit dives into potential genetic health issues, equipping you with vital information for your dog's long-term health.
- VET-TESTED, PET-PARENT APPROVED: Basepaws pet DNA has been trusted by tens of thousands of pet parents, veterinarians and even Sharktank to provide the most actionable insights to help create care plans for your pet using dna test kit for dogs & cats
No. 7
Embark Breed & Health Kit (2 Pack) - Dog DNA Test - Discover Breed, Ancestry, Relative Finder, Genetic Health, Traits, COI
- ACTIONABLE HEALTH INSIGHTS: Test for over 250 genetic health conditions and get actionable insights to help you give your pup the best care possible. Knowing if your dog is at higher risk for certain health conditions means you can intervene earlier and work with your veterinarian to create a personalized care plan. After receiving their test results, 37% of dog owners changed how they care for their dog.
No. 8
Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Kit: Most Comprehensive with 265+ Health Tests, Identify 365+ Dog Breeds, 50+ Traits, Relatives, Ancestry, Genetic Diversity - Pack of 1
- Screen For More Health Conditions Than Any Other DNA Test. We test for 265+ genetic health conditions (including MDR1, IVDD, POMC, and urinary stone risk) so you can get ahead of health risks and create a personalized care plan with your vet.
- The Most Accurate Breed Detection: Screen for 365+ breeds to get a breed report down to 1%. Because knowing every detail helps you understand how to care for them.
- 5m+ Pets Tested In 50+ Countries: Wisdom Panel is the world’s leading dog DNA service thanks to its quick, painless swabbing process, fast and accurate results, and reliable insights you can use for years to come.
- Learn About Their Physical Features: Wisdom Panel screens for 51 traits, offering the most complete explanation of your dog's appearance. Learn how their one-of-a-kind appearance came to be, and how to keep them looking (and feeling) their best.
- Meet Their Relatives: 99.9% of dogs tested have a relative match through Wisdom Panel. With the world’s largest breed database and 5 million dogs tested, you can see photos, compare DNA results, and send messages.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Breed Tests
Thinking about finding out what breeds make up your furry friend? Dog breed tests can be a fun and informative way to learn about your dog’s ancestry. This guide will help you choose the best test for you and your pup.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a dog breed test, some features really matter. Think about what you want to learn. Do you just want the main breeds? Or do you want a detailed breakdown?
Accuracy and Database Size
- Accuracy: A good test uses reliable science. Look for tests that mention using advanced DNA testing methods. Higher accuracy means you get a truer picture of your dog’s heritage.
- Database Size: The company needs a large library of dog DNA to compare your dog’s sample against. A bigger database usually means they can identify rarer breeds more easily.
Report Detail and Presentation
- Breed Breakdown: How detailed is the report? Some tests show just the top three breeds. Others offer percentages for many breeds. More detail is often better for understanding mixes.
- Health Information: Many tests now include optional health screenings. See if the test checks for known genetic risks common in your dog’s identified breeds. This information can help you talk to your vet.
- Ease of Reading: The final report should be easy to understand. Look for clear charts and simple explanations, not just confusing scientific terms.
Important Materials and What They Mean
Most dog DNA tests require a simple sample from your dog. How the sample is collected is important for quality.
The Testing Kit
- Swabs vs. Saliva: Most modern kits use cheek swabs. You gently rub a swab inside your dog’s cheek to collect cells. Some older or different types of tests might ask for a saliva sample. Swabs are usually the easiest method for dog owners.
- Included Supplies: Make sure the kit includes everything you need: swabs, a secure collection tube, and a prepaid return envelope. You do not want to have to buy extra postage or packaging.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your result depends on a few things. You can control some of these factors.
Improving Quality
- Sample Collection: Follow the instructions exactly when collecting the cheek swab. Do not feed your dog right before testing, as food particles can contaminate the sample. A clean sample leads to a better result.
- Customer Support: If you have questions during registration or shipping, good customer support helps a lot. Companies that respond quickly often provide better service overall.
Reducing Quality
- Unregistered Labs: Avoid tests from companies that do not clearly state where the DNA analysis happens. Reputable labs follow strict scientific standards.
- Old or Damaged Kits: If the kit arrives open or looks old, the swabs might not work well. Always check the packaging date if available.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the process from start to finish? A good user experience makes the process enjoyable.
The Process
- Online Registration: You usually need to register your kit online before sending it in. The website should be simple to navigate.
- Turnaround Time: How long does it take to get results? Most tests take between two and six weeks. Shorter times are better for eager owners.
Who Should Use These Tests? (Use Cases)
- Rescue Owners: If you adopted a dog of unknown background, this test reveals their history.
- Mixed Breed Owners: These tests are fantastic for understanding the specific mix in your adorable mutt.
- Health Planning: Owners who want to proactively manage their dog’s potential breed-related health issues use these tests for preparation.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Breed Tests
Q: How accurate are these DNA tests?
A: Most reputable tests boast accuracy rates above 90%. Accuracy relies on the size and quality of their DNA reference database.
Q: Can I use the same sample for both breed and health testing?
A: Yes, most companies allow you to purchase a combined breed and health screening package using just one cheek swab.
Q: How old does my dog need to be to take the test?
A: Puppies can usually be tested as soon as they have enough cheek cells, often around eight weeks old. There is no upper age limit.
Q: What should I avoid doing before swabbing my dog’s cheek?
A: You should avoid feeding your dog, giving them treats, or letting them chew on anything for at least 30 minutes before collecting the sample. This keeps the DNA clean.
Q: Do I need a veterinarian’s approval for the test?
A: No, you generally do not need a vet’s approval. These tests are consumer products that you order directly.
Q: What happens if the company cannot identify any breeds?
A: This is rare with large databases. If it happens, the company might offer a free re-test or a refund, as it usually means the sample was poor quality.
Q: How long does it take to get the results back?
A: The typical turnaround time is about three to six weeks after the lab receives your sample.
Q: Are the results permanent, or do they change over time?
A: The genetic makeup of your dog does not change. However, test results might become more refined as the testing company adds more breeds to their database in the future.
Q: What information is shared with third parties?
A: Always check the privacy policy. Reputable companies promise to anonymize your data or only use it with your permission for research purposes.
Q: Can I use these tests for purebred dogs?
A: Yes, you can use them for purebreds. It is a great way to verify pedigree papers or confirm if a dog is a true purebred.