Locating a DNA test for your dog is usually simple. They can be purchased online from companies that provide genetic testing for dogs. Pet supply stores such as Petco and PetSmart also sell them.Even among dog owners, at-home DNA tests are becoming increasingly popular. They can provide information about a dog’s breed and health.
Some of these kits test for multiple things at the same time. Others look for breed-specific health issues or parentage to determine if a dog is related to a sire or dam.A dog DNA test costs between $40 and $175 on average. They could, however, cost up to $300.The cost of these tests is determined by the type of kit ordered. Testing kits are available for dog owners, veterinarians, and dog breeders.
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Here are some of the best dog DNA tests and their prices:
- DNA Test Embark — $129 to $199
- Dog Wisdom Panel — $79.99 to $149.99
- DNA My Dog costs between $68.99 and $88.99.
Are Dog DNA Tests Cost Effective?
Yes. Dog DNA testing is an excellent way to learn more about your pet. Here are seven reasons why we think they’re worth every penny they charge:
Predict Your Dog’s Behavior
Due to their genetics, mixed-breed dogs can exhibit unpredictable behavior. Personality tests for dogs can help you understand and better care for them.
Determine the Breed of a Dog
Most people test their dog’s DNA because they want to know what breed they have.
While you can tell a dog’s breed by its appearance, this only works if you have a purebred or pedigreed dog with distinct breed characteristics.
Your dog’s breed percentage can be estimated using DNA tests. It can tell you whether you have a purebred, a hybrid, or a mixed breed dog.
Investigate Your Dog’s Ancestry & Family Tree
Many dog DNA testing companies can reveal a dog’s ancestors. They can also compare your dog’s DNA to that of possible family members.
Some tests can determine a dog’s parentage. They can determine whether a dog is related to their mother (dam) or father (sire).
Discover the Health Risks of Your Dog
Another reason people test their dogs is to identify potential health issues. Any responsible dog owner would want to know before they show up.
If your dog has a family history of a specific disease, you can learn about it by analyzing their DNA. Doberman pinschers, for example, are prone to bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
They might also mention whether your dog is a carrier. Thus, you will be able to determine which genetic conditions they may pass on to their offspring.
Responsible Dog Breeding
These tests can help you become a responsible breeder, whether you are a dog owner or a professional. You can use the results to select healthy parents and avoid inbreeding.
This way, you can produce healthy puppies with a lower risk of disease.
Your Dog Can Bring Them Home
At-home dog DNA tests are incredibly convenient. You can order tests from home, collect your dog’s sample, and send it back for analysis.The test results for your dog will be available in 2 to 4 weeks. And you can easily find them online.
It Will Not Harm Your Dog
Taking a DNA sample from your dog should be a quick and painless process. You can do this with a swab or a sample collection tube.
Apply the swab to the inside of your dog’s cheek. You might need to gather significant amounts of saliva to use some kits. Simply follow the instructions included with the kit.
How is a DNA test for dogs conducted?
The method of doing a DNA test on a dog is, thankfully, not overly complicated for those of us who are dog owners. Simply place an order for a dog DNA kit on a website such as Amazon or Chewy (or choose one of our top selections from the list below!) to have your breed identification test mailed to you.
The kit will provide you with a cheek swab that you will use to collect a sample of your dog’s DNA by swiping the inside of your dog’s cheek. We recommend using a reward to capture your dog’s attention and cooperation. Still, it would help if you didn’t let them eat it until after you’ve swabbed them because the treatment can cause your dog’s saliva to become less concentrated, which will skew your results.
Your equipment should contain directions on how to correctly package and mail back the sample of your dog’s saliva to the lab where it was collected. As soon as the laboratory receives your dog’s DNA sample, it will analyze and check it against a comprehensive breed database.
You should expect to get an email with your dog’s results within a few weeks. Some kits, such as Embark and Wisdom Panel, come with their own unique online portals that allow you to explore your dog’s genetic makeup and provide a percentage-based breakdown of their breed heritage.
Are there any guidelines for DNA testing on dogs?
That question’s straightforward response is “no”. In contrast to its oversight of human DNA testing companies like Ancestry and 23andMe, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States does not regulate the quality of dog DNA tests or the promises that they make. The corporations themselves guarantee rigorous standards of quality control within the organization.
When you obtain your results, there are three things you need to keep in mind.
The results of your dog’s examination are not indicative of their fate.
The testing of dog DNA can help satiate our insatiable curiosity. Is it possible that my mutt once shared a home with a purebred? Do the terrier breed’s DNA show up in my furry giant? Is it possible that my itty-bitty puppy conceals German Shepherd genetic markers?
Although the options are intriguing, it is essential to remember that your dog’s breed does not determine their course in life. After getting the results of the breed test, it is crucial to remember that the breed of your dog is not the only factor to consider. When looking at a pet’s breed breakdown, some dog breeds, such as Pitbull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, which have a history of being associated with negative connotations, may cause some pet parents to feel uneasy. On the other hand, a wealth of research indicates that when properly socialized, these breeds make beautiful pets just as much as a Labrador Retriever or a Chihuahua would.
To summarize, learning your dog’s breed can assist you in gaining a better understanding of your cherished canine companion, but it won’t always explain everything, such as why they look at you all the time (really, why?).
DNA testing for dogs might provide insight on how best to care for your pet.
Not only does it sate a pet parent’s natural curiosity, but it also supplies them with information that can help care for their dog. Knowing the breed mix “may assist an owner design a more precise diet, wellness, and preventative care plan for their pet,” as noted by VCA Hospitals.
Different dog breeds are more suited to specific ways of living than others. A Labrador Retriever, who was initially developed to assist fishermen, absolutely adores going to the neighbourhood swimming hole. Beagles’ excellent drive for food allows them to express their natural hunting instincts.
And Pugs, well, they were basically made for lazing about on the couch all day. If you don’t believe us, just ask the breed specialists at the American Kennel Club. They will tell you that “throughout their long history, [pugs] have performed just one very vital job: keeping us company.” Good done, pugs!
Getting your dog’s DNA tested is only half the fun; the other half is learning more about the breeds that appear in your dog’s results. Finding out more about your dog’s habits can only serve to deepen the connection you share with him.
Put your faith in the experts when it comes to potential health hazards.
Although the results of dog DNA tests can help you take a more assertive preventative approach to your dog’s health, it is crucial to remember not to freak out at every potential health risk that appears in their findings.
According to the American Kennel Club, DNA health tests are still considered to be in the “infancy” stage of the study. They point out that testing companies conceal their procedures, making it difficult to validate the reliability of the data they produce. The American Kennel Club issues a warning about “an unquantifiable level of concern, heartbreak, and occasionally false confidence” that these tests may induce.
Even though it is a fact that some dog breeds are more likely to suffer from particular health issues than others – for example, Dachshunds are prone to back problems – there is no assurance that your specific pet will develop a condition that is typical of their breed.
Take, for instance, the potentially fatal condition known as degenerative myelopathy, which affects dogs (DM). In older dogs, degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a devastating spinal illness that ultimately results in paralysis. DNA testing can potentially tell owners whether their dog is a carrier and whether their pet is in danger of acquiring diabetes mellitus (DM). Researchers have established a connection between DM and a mutation in a particular gene.
Having said that, the diabetes mellitus mutation exemplifies how challenging it can be to use genetic testing to diagnose diseases. Kari Ekenstedt, a professor of anatomy and genetics at Purdue University, was interviewed for a piece that was published in The Atlantic on DNA testing for dogs. She emphasized that it is difficult to put one’s faith in the “ever contentious DM mutation.”
Why? Due to the fact that even if a dog carries the mutation, it does not guarantee that the dog will get the disease.
Take the results of any DNA health tests performed on your dog with a grain of salt, and consult your veterinarian whenever you have any concerns. The veterinarian can offer a comprehensive health screening during the routine checkups you take your pet in for. After all, frequent examinations will provide you with a greater understanding of your dog’s health than the findings of any DNA test could ever accomplish.
Are dog DNA tests reliable?
It is conditional. There are canine DNA testing kits available; some are more precise than others. So, when selecting the best one for the price, keep accuracy in mind.
These tests’ accuracy can be affected by a variety of factors, including:
- The type and quality of the sample collected
- The number of genetic variants being tested
- Genetic testing procedure
- The genetic makeup of your dog
According to Aimee Llewellyn-Zaidi, a spokesperson for the American Canine Health Association (ACHA), test results can be misleading.
They may reveal risk factors associated with a dog’s breed rather than the dog itself.
Breed results may also be less accurate. They only display breeds to which your dog is most likely related based on genetic resemblance.
Do not forget to share the results with the veterinarian who treats your dog. They can assist you in interpreting them and making decisions that will benefit your dog’s health.
For example, the vet may advise you to change your dog’s diet or lifestyle to reduce genetic health risks and ensure they live a long and happy life.
The solution to a puzzle
Even though the science of DNA testing is still in its early stages, significant strides have been made in the field in recent years. Numerous users who have posted reviews online at Amazon, and other websites that review products, and even on the DoggyDNA subreddit community have attested to the breed results of their pets.
For most pet parents, a dog DNA test is a beautiful experience. Your relationship can only become more substantial if you continue to educate yourself about your dog. Try not to become emotional while watching this heartwarming video from BuzzFeed that shows owners of rescued dogs finding out the results of their dog’s DNA test.
Final Notes
Please take into account that ordering a DNA test through your veterinarian will almost certainly incur additional costs, so it’s best to test directly through the laboratory whenever possible. Be wary of laboratory prices that appear “too low.” Sometimes the unrealistically low price comes at the expense of the other critical testing aspects listed at this article’s beginning. Remember that cost is essential, but it is not the only factor to consider when selecting a reliable provider.
