The 6 Best Dog DNA Tests, Tested by Our Dogs

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

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

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 SayThe 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

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

Our Top PicksBest Overall Dog DNA Test:SALEWisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test at Amazon$105$85Jump to ReviewBest Budget Dog DNA Test:Wisdom Panel Breed Dog DNA Collection Kit at Amazon$85Jump to ReviewBest Investment Dog DNA Test:Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test at Amazon$139Jump to ReviewBest Dog DNA Test for Mixed Breeds:SALEEmbark DNA Test Breed Identification Kit at Amazon$129$109Jump to ReviewBest Dog DNA Test for Purebreds:Embark Purebred Dog DNA Test at Amazon$139Jump to ReviewBest Dog DNA Test for Age:SALEEmbark Dog Age Test at Amazon$159$119Jump to ReviewBest Dog Bed:Furhaven Memory Foam Plush and Suede Sofa at Amazon$64Jump to ReviewBest Dog Leash:Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Dog Collar:ORVIS Personalized Reflective Collar at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Dog Pen:Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen at Chewy$50Jump to Review

Best Overall Dog DNA Test:SALEWisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test at Amazon$105$85Jump to ReviewBest Budget Dog DNA Test:Wisdom Panel Breed Dog DNA Collection Kit at Amazon$85Jump to ReviewBest Investment Dog DNA Test:Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test at Amazon$139Jump to ReviewBest Dog DNA Test for Mixed Breeds:SALEEmbark DNA Test Breed Identification Kit at Amazon$129$109Jump to ReviewBest Dog DNA Test for Purebreds:Embark Purebred Dog DNA Test at Amazon$139Jump to ReviewBest Dog DNA Test for Age:SALEEmbark Dog Age Test at Amazon$159$119Jump to ReviewBest Dog Bed:Furhaven Memory Foam Plush and Suede Sofa at Amazon$64Jump to ReviewBest Dog Leash:Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Dog Collar:ORVIS Personalized Reflective Collar at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest Dog Pen:Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen at Chewy$50Jump to Review

Best Overall Dog DNA Test:SALEWisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test at Amazon$105$85Jump to Review

Best Overall Dog DNA Test:SALEWisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test at Amazon$105$85

Best Overall Dog DNA Test:

SALE

Best Budget Dog DNA Test:Wisdom Panel Breed Dog DNA Collection Kit at Amazon$85Jump to Review

Best Budget Dog DNA Test:Wisdom Panel Breed Dog DNA Collection Kit at Amazon$85

Best Budget Dog DNA Test:

Best Investment Dog DNA Test:Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test at Amazon$139Jump to Review

Best Investment Dog DNA Test:Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test at Amazon$139

Best Investment Dog DNA Test:

Best Dog DNA Test for Mixed Breeds:SALEEmbark DNA Test Breed Identification Kit at Amazon$129$109Jump to Review

Best Dog DNA Test for Mixed Breeds:SALEEmbark DNA Test Breed Identification Kit at Amazon$129$109

Best Dog DNA Test for Mixed Breeds:

Best Dog DNA Test for Purebreds:Embark Purebred Dog DNA Test at Amazon$139Jump to Review

Best Dog DNA Test for Purebreds:Embark Purebred Dog DNA Test at Amazon$139

Best Dog DNA Test for Purebreds:

Best Dog DNA Test for Age:SALEEmbark Dog Age Test at Amazon$159$119Jump to Review

Best Dog DNA Test for Age:SALEEmbark Dog Age Test at Amazon$159$119

Best Dog DNA Test for Age:

Best Dog Bed:Furhaven Memory Foam Plush and Suede Sofa at Amazon$64Jump to Review

Best Dog Bed:Furhaven Memory Foam Plush and Suede Sofa at Amazon$64

Best Dog Bed:

Best Dog Leash:Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash at Amazon$17Jump to Review

Best Dog Leash:Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash at Amazon$17

Best Dog Leash:

Best Dog Collar:ORVIS Personalized Reflective Collar at Amazon$18Jump to Review

Best Dog Collar:ORVIS Personalized Reflective Collar at Amazon$18

Best Dog Collar:

Best Dog Pen:Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen at Chewy$50Jump to Review

Best Dog Pen:Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen at Chewy$50

Best Dog Pen:

Best Overall Dog DNA TestWisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA TestPHOTO: Amazon$105$85 at Amazon$100 at ChewyView on Wisdompanel.com

Best Overall Dog DNA TestWisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test

Best Overall Dog DNA Test

Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test

PHOTO: Amazon

$105$85 at Amazon$100 at ChewyView on Wisdompanel.com

Star QualitiesSimple processProvides a thorough breakdown of breedsIdentifies potential health concernsRed FlagsSome dogs might dislike the collection tool

Star QualitiesSimple processProvides a thorough breakdown of breedsIdentifies potential health concerns

Simple process

Provides a thorough breakdown of breeds

Identifies potential health concerns

Red FlagsSome dogs might dislike the collection tool

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 ownerslooking 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 onlyeasy to collect samplesand mail them off, but we alsoreceived results much fasterthan 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 testalso looks at ancestryand other important factors, includingpotential health complicationsand 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+

PHOTO: People / Cheyann NeadesPHOTO: People / Cheyann Neades

Best Budget Dog DNA TestWisdom Panel Breed Dog DNA Collection KitPHOTO: Amazon$85 at AmazonView on ChewyView on Wisdompanel.com

Best Budget Dog DNA TestWisdom Panel Breed Dog DNA Collection Kit

Best Budget Dog DNA Test

Wisdom Panel Breed Dog DNA Collection Kit

$85 at AmazonView on ChewyView on Wisdompanel.com

Star QualitiesHigh-quality productUser-friendly kit and websiteProvides thorough insightsRed FlagsSome deeper insights are behind a paywall

Star QualitiesHigh-quality productUser-friendly kit and websiteProvides thorough insights

High-quality product

User-friendly kit and website

Provides thorough insights

Red FlagsSome deeper insights are behind a paywall

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 greatgift for dog owners. The most affordable dog DNA test worth buying is the Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Identification DNA Test for Dogs. Witha database of over 350 breeds, this kit breaks down a dog’s genetic makeup in precise percentages, which we loved.

Result Delivery:2 to 3 weeks |Breeds in Database:350+

Best Investment Dog DNA TestEmbark Breed & Health Dog DNA TestPHOTO: Amazon$139 at AmazonView on ChewyView on Embarkvet.com

Best Investment Dog DNA TestEmbark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test

Best Investment Dog DNA Test

Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test

$139 at AmazonView on ChewyView on Embarkvet.com

Easy account setup

Provides actionable insights on dogs' health

Red FlagsNone noted

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 bewell worth the investment, especially since it provides such extensive information on a dog’s genetic and health history.

Witha 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 alsoshow physical traitsand canconnect 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.

PHOTO: People / Jenna StregowskiPHOTO: People / Jenna Stregowski

Best Dog DNA Test for Mixed BreedsEmbark DNA Test Breed Identification KitPHOTO: Amazon$129$109 at Amazon$109 at Chewy$130$123 at PetSmart

Best Dog DNA Test for Mixed BreedsEmbark DNA Test Breed Identification Kit

Best Dog DNA Test for Mixed Breeds

Embark DNA Test Breed Identification Kit

$129$109 at Amazon$109 at Chewy$130$123 at PetSmart

Star QualitiesKit comes ready to useYou get exactly what is advertisedRed FlagsDoes not include info on behavioral traits

Star QualitiesKit comes ready to useYou get exactly what is advertised

Kit comes ready to use

You get exactly what is advertised

Red FlagsDoes not include info on behavioral traits

Does not include info on behavioral traits

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 hasa database of over 350 breeds, providing plenty of data. As a research partner of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Embark provides auser-friendly experience to dog ownerswith clear insights on the genetic makeup of your dog. While there weren’t atonof 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 PatelPHOTO: People / Dhara PatelPHOTO: People / Dhara Patel

Best Dog DNA Test for PurebredsEmbark Purebred Dog DNA TestPHOTO: Amazon$139 at AmazonView on Embarkvet.com$139 at Chewy

Best Dog DNA Test for PurebredsEmbark Purebred Dog DNA Test

Best Dog DNA Test for Purebreds

Embark Purebred Dog DNA Test

$139 at AmazonView on Embarkvet.com$139 at Chewy

Star QualitiesExcellent attention to detailCertificate provided for purebred dogsReceived updates and notifications during the testing periodRed FlagsTest results included discrepancies around coat colors, markings, and build

Star QualitiesExcellent attention to detailCertificate provided for purebred dogsReceived updates and notifications during the testing period

Excellent attention to detail

Certificate provided for purebred dogs

Received updates and notifications during the testing period

Red FlagsTest results included discrepancies around coat colors, markings, and build

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.

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 detailwith clear sample collection instructions. And, if your dog is in fact a purebred, the company sends you a certification.

PHOTO: People / Meredith LuksetichPHOTO: People / Meredith LuksetichPHOTO: People / Meredith LuksetichPHOTO: People / Meredith Luksetich

Best Dog DNA Test for AgeEmbark Dog Age TestPHOTO: Embark$159$119 at AmazonView on Embarkvet.com

Best Dog DNA Test for AgeEmbark Dog Age Test

Best Dog DNA Test for Age

Embark Dog Age Test

PHOTO: Embark

$159$119 at AmazonView on Embarkvet.com

Star QualitiesWe felt confident in resultsCan even estimate a dog’s birthdayRed FlagsNo information on breeds, health, ancestry, or physical traits

Star QualitiesWe felt confident in resultsCan even estimate a dog’s birthday

We felt confident in results

Can even estimate a dog’s birthday

Red FlagsNo information on breeds, health, ancestry, or physical traits

No information on breeds, health, ancestry, or physical traits

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 companyuses DNA methylation to identify biomarkers of agingwithin 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 PattisonPHOTO: People / Anna PattisonPHOTO: People / Anna Pattison

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$64 at WayfairView on Furhaven.comMax and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash$17 at Amazon$17 at ChewyView on Maxandneo.comORVIS Personalized Reflective Collar$18 at AmazonView on Orvis.comFrisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen$50 at Chewy

Furhaven Memory Foam Plush and Suede Sofa$64 at Amazon$64 at WayfairView on Furhaven.com

Furhaven Memory Foam Plush and Suede Sofa

$64 at Amazon$64 at WayfairView on Furhaven.com

Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash$17 at Amazon$17 at ChewyView on Maxandneo.com

Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash

$17 at Amazon$17 at ChewyView on Maxandneo.com

ORVIS Personalized Reflective Collar$18 at AmazonView on Orvis.com

ORVIS Personalized Reflective Collar

$18 at AmazonView on Orvis.com

Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen$50 at Chewy

Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen

$50 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, theWisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kithas 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 Kitalso has a database of 350 dog breeds, which helps ensure it provides accurate results as well.

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 theEmbark 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 otherbasic 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.

TheEmbark Breed Identification Kittakes around two to four weeks for results, while theWisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kittakes about three weeks for results. TheEmbark 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.

TheWisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kitis 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, theEmbark Purebred DNA Testtests 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.

Before testing dog DNA tests, our PEOPLE Tested team first interviewed registered veterinary technicianJenna Stregowskiof 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Some DNA tests — such as theEmbark 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.

Some DNA tests — such as theEmbark 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.

“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.

Our Expert Panel

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto 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.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust - every day, every purchase.

source: people.com