Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best dog DNA tests to find out your furry friend’s true breed

By

America is known as the great melting pot. Most of us have mixed ancestry, and with the availability of at-home DNA kits, learning more about our heritage has never been easier. If you’ve ever wondered whether the Greene side of the family comes from England, Ireland, Scotland, or Wales, finding out is as easy as choosing a company, sending in a DNA sample, and accessing your results online. But did you know you can do the same with your dog? If you’ve ever adopted a pup of questionable origin, now you can find out your fur baby’s true breed as easily as you can learn your family’s genetic background. Let’s take a look at the best dog DNA tests to find the perfect match for your pooch. 

Four dogs looking down from a concrete wall.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The best dog DNA tests

Whether you’ve adopted a mixed-breed dog or taken in a shelter dog, knowing your pup’s genetic makeup can do more than just tell you what percentage of each breed helped create your dear dog. Just like human DNA tests, many canine DNA tests will provide valuable information about your pup – like breed-specific health conditions – and help you determine the best diet for your beloved pooch. Which is the best DNA test for your dog? Here are our top picks. 

Recommended Videos

#1: Embark Breed Identification & Health Condition Identification DNA Test for Dogs

Nothing is more important to you than your pet’s health, and this DNA test from Embark screens for 210 genetic health risks. Because it was developed in partnership with the prestigious Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, you know you can trust the results. All you have to do is take a quick swab of your pup’s cheek, send in the sample, then Embark will analyze the sample using over 200,000 genetic markers. Not only will you uncover potential health risk factors, but you’ll also learn your pup’s breed. Embark traces their lineage going back to their great-grandparents. Embark has genetic data for over 350 breeds, and it can even help your pooch find his relatives in just 2-4 weeks. 

Two dogs looking up into the camera.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

#2: Wisdom Panel Essential, New and Improved Dog DNA Test for Ancestry, Traits, and Medical Complications

If you’re curious about your dog’s breed but want to avoid spending a small fortune on the results, Wisdom Panel Essential is probably your best bet. Wisdom Panel has tested over two million dogs and boasts the largest dog DNA database in the world. All it takes is a painless cheek swab, and within 2-4 weeks you’ll know your pup’s breed mix. Wisdom Panel’s test is so accurate it can determine breed percentages down to a single percent, and the database houses genetic data for over 350 dog breeds and varieties. Additionally, the test screens for over 25 medical complications, which can help you discover any medication sensitivities and even determine which medical procedures are safe for your pup. And it screens for 35 unique traits, which can determine everything from your pup’s ideal weight to why his muzzle is shaped the way it is. 

#3: Embark Dog DNA Test for Purebred Pets Canine Genetic Health Screening & Genetic Diversity Score

Does your dog look exactly like every other golden retriever you’ve ever met? While there’s a good chance that he is a purebred golden, this test from Embark can identify more breeds and varieties with greater accuracy than other commercially available genetic tests. Embark’s test allows you to validate your pup’s breed, reveals any inbreeding – sadly a common issue with purebreds – and evaluates over 200,000 genetic markers to help you learn more about your pet’s health. Worried about breed-specific conditions? Embark can help you learn what to look for. The test screens for over 210 genetic health risks, such as cardiomyopathy, glaucoma, MDR1 drug sensitivity, and more. Collect a DNA sample by swabbing your fur baby’s cheek, send the sample off to Embark’s lab, and you’ll receive the results within 2-4 weeks.  

Four puppies behind a wooden fence.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Take the guesswork out of your dog’s breed

Guesstimating your dog’s breed based on their appearance is a thing of the past thanks to these in-home DNA test kits. If you’ve ever wondered where your pup gets their unique coloring, now you can find out in a matter of weeks. These tests can also provide you with crucial information regarding your beloved fur baby’s health, allowing you to keep an eye out for conditions they may be predisposed to developing later in life. Best of all, collecting a sample is easy for you and completely painless for your dog. 

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
The best hunting dogs to have by your side
These guys can hunt prey or chew toys
Profile of a drooling Irish setter

Most likely, your dog's jobs include lying on the sofa, getting pets, and barking at the neighbors. But in the past, they may well have had an important place in working society. We often split dogs into categories based on which particular duties they performed, like the herding or working breed groups. Hunting dogs, however, stand out as their own unique set of dogs, and the breeds that fall under this umbrella might span a few different types. Whether you want a hunting companion or just love these dogs for their refined characteristics, here are the best hunting dogs.
Types of hunting dogs

Hunting different animals requires different traits, so we must further break down the little predators.
Bird dogs
These guys hunt with their people and include pointers and retrievers. While pointers point with their noses, retrievers fetch and bring back the prey. Lastly, flushers get birds to fly out, so they they're easier to find.
Hounds
You likely know what a hound looks like as this class of pup holds a strong place in our hearts. Broken down into two subgroups, scent and sight, hounds do the hunting on behalf of their owners by tracking or spotting their prey.
Curs
Beloved to early Americans, these beasties learned a technique called "treeing," where they would back the prey, usually a raccoon, into a tree for easy grabbing.
Terriers
Once these guys are off on the hunt, you might miss them entirely because their chase often takes them underground in search of rats and foxes.
Best dogs for hunting

Read more
Your ultimate guide to celebrating Halloween with pets
Halloween isn't just for kids: Here's how to involve your furry friends
A West Highland white terrier dressed as a vampire sits beside a little girl dressed as a witch

The sudden arrival of pumpkin-flavored drinks and snacks can only mean one thing — spooky season is here and the perfect time to start planning your family's Halloween festivities. But what about Fido and Fluffy? Don't worry: We're here to share a few of the best ways to spend Halloween with pets. From finding the perfect costume for your fur baby to baking your own dog treats, we've got ideas that will make celebrating All Hallows' Eve fun (and, most importantly, safe) for the entire family. 
How to keep your pets safe during Halloween?

There are a few things you need to think about when planning a pet-friendly Halloween.
Candy
You already know about chocolate, but other ingredients in candy might pose a threat as well. This includes xylitol, a sugar alternative that hurts dogs even in very small quantities. Some healthy festive snacks might go into the no pile as well, like grapes. But remember that pumpkin is great for pets in moderation. So if you want a fall treat for your buddy, stick to plain jack-o'-lantern.
Decorations
We've written extensively about the dangers of Christmas trees and other accoutrements, so it won't surprise you to learn that some Halloween decor can have the same issues. Ornaments, lights, and tinsel all can do damage to pets if digested or broken, especially cats or dogs who love to chew.
Noise
While this certainly won't end with your pooch or mouser in the emergency vet, you do want to keep things calm enough that your animals don't freak out every October 31. Some dogs might prefer to spend the evening in a crate, and some cats may prefer to hide in their favorite room. Others will love the thick of things and greet every eager kid. Knowing your pet's personality helps.
Wear matching costumes

Read more
The 9 smartest dog breeds, ranked
Is your dog on this list? Let's find out
A Doberman pinscher lies in the grass

Dogs are known as "man's best friend" for many reasons, including how easy they are to get along with. Dogs are intelligent enough to build relationships with one another and friends from other species, but veterinarians are still discovering how intelligent they are. In fact, most dogs are so clever that they can understand our language and interpret our emotions. What makes some of our canine companions so intellectually gifted?

According to research, a dog's intelligence is measured in three ways: adaptive intelligence (how easily a dog adapts to changes in his environment), instinctive intelligence (the original purpose of each breed), and obedience (how easily a dog learns tricks and commands). According to these standards, is your fur baby one of the smartest dog breeds? Keep reading to find out.
#1: Border collie

Read more