Are DNA tests for dogs accurate?

Since their debut in the mid-2000s, dog DNA tests have become a social media phenomenon. Dog owners post photos of their pets, encourage people to guess their dog’s heritage, and follow up with dramatic breed-mix reveals.

The appeal of such tests goes beyond online fun. Today’s advanced technology also provides insights into breed-specific health risks. But one question remains: How accurate is this newfound wealth of information?

The rise of dog DNA testing

In 2005, scientists released the first genome sequence of the domestic dog. (Trusted Source)This breakthrough revolutionized how veterinarians, breeders, and pet owners could explore their canine companions’ genetic heritage and potential health concerns.

The market exploded along with public interest, and sales continued to grow. Purchases of dog DNA tests generated approximately $235 million in revenue during 2022 and forecasts show potential revenue reaching $723 million by 2030.

How dog DNA tests work

Part of the appeal of DNA testing dogs is how user-friendly the process has become. Owners send a sample of their dog’s saliva to the testing company, which compares genetic markers against a database to identify likely breeds in the pet’s ancestry. Some tests offer a health panel as well.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process:

• Sample collection. Using the kit provided by the testing company, dog owners swab their pet’s cheek to collect a cell sample and ship it to the lab.
• DNA extraction and sequencing. Researchers extract and break down the DNA from the sample and identify the specific genetic code using a method known as sequencing.
• Data analysis. Researchers analyze the dog’s DNA sequence and compare it to a database of different breeds.
• Report on results. Owners receive a report with their dog’s breed composition, often divided into percentages. The report may include information on health predispositions, inherited traits, and even age.

Some testing companies also require a photo of the dog, which they claim helps with analysis. However, a study published in 2023 (Trusted Source) found this might not be the case.

Some test companies ask for a picture of your pet and the swab, claiming it helps identify what breeds are in your dog’s genetic makeup. However, a new study found that those pictures might be more heavily relied upon for results than the actual DNA sample.

Tests often matched the breeds in the photos, even if the swab belonged to a different dog. Purebred dogs, with official documents proving their ancestry, were sometimes identified as a distinct breed based on the photo, not their DNA.

Even without adding a photo factor, differences in predictions made across all tests show that determining a dog’s genetic heritage is challenging.

Factors impacting DNA test results

Multiple factors impact the accuracy of a DNA test, including:

• Sample integrity. Ensuring the DNA sample is uncontaminated and collected correctly is crucial to avoid misleading results.
• Breed composition. While purebred dogs can be identified with higher accuracy, determining the precise breed makeup for mixed-breed dogs poses a challenge.
• Reference database scope. Breed identification accuracy increases with the size and diversity of the company’s reference database of canine genetic profiles.
• Analytical methodology. The algorithms used by the company to analyze DNA samples play a significant role in the interpretation and reliability of results.

Top DNA companies

Several companies offer dog DNA tests, including these three popular choices:

• DNA My Dog boasts the most affordable tests, ranging from $80 to $108. Choose from essential breed identification or an upgrade that pinpoints sensitivities to over 100 allergens. While easy on the wallet, some users report lower breed accuracy compared to other companies.
• Embark is considered the veteran of dog DNA testing and offers the most comprehensive health screening and detailed ancestry information. Embark also provides targeted tests for digestive or oral health. This in-depth analysis comes at a premium, with prices ranging from $110 to $160.
• Wisdom Panel boasts the most extensive library of canine DNA, exceeding 2 million samples. This vast database allows them to detect breeds contributing as little as 1% of a dog’s genetic makeup. Wisdom Panel offers a balance of affordability ($85 to $128) and comprehensiveness, with packages including over 265 health tests and 50 trait tests. However, their interface and online resources may not be as user-friendly as some competitors.

While dog DNA tests can satisfy an owner’s curiosity about their pet’s ancestry, opinions vary significantly about the methodology, reference databases, and reported accuracies of the many options on the market. Pet owners should view breed results as estimates rather than definitive breed profiles. Consult a veterinarian about DNA-based health screenings, too, as they can help reliably interpret the results.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best dog DNA test?

Embark and Wisdom Panel are often considered the most accurate and comprehensive options for breed identification but have higher price points.

How accurate are DNA tests for dogs?

Accuracy varies across brands, but limitations exist, especially for highly mixed-breed dogs. Most are better at determining genetic heritage ranges than precise breed percentages.

Will a DNA test tell me what breed my dog is?

Dog DNA tests aim to estimate the breed makeup of your dog. Still, they cannot definitively determine a single breed, especially for mixed-breed dogs. The results provide a breakdown of likely breed contributions.

How do dog DNA tests work?

Testing companies sequence the DNA from your dog’s cheek swab and then compare the genetic variants against breed samples in their reference databases to estimate ancestry percentages.

What’s the cheapest dog DNA test?

Lower-cost options like DNA My Dog and Wisdom Panel Essential provide affordable breed identification but may sacrifice some accuracy compared to higher-end tests.