Whether you have a pure-breed or mixed-breed dog, all dogs have a unique genetic makeup, created through years of controlled breeding or otherwise. Your dog’s physical characteristics reveal only the ‘surface-level’ or phenotypic expression of their genes.
Dog DNA tests provide clues on your dog’s genetic ‘story’, whether it’s clues about their breed ancestry, disease-linked gene mutations, or early clues of inflammation and organ damage.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we take a closer look at the best dog DNA tests available as kits or in select veterinary clinics like Sploot.
Understanding the Different Types of Dog DNA Tests
Before purchasing a dog DNA test, pet parents need to be aware of the different kinds available in the market. Dog DNA testing typically helps pet parents get a better understanding of one or more of the following:
- A dog’s parentage – Dog DNA tests can confirm a dog’s parentage by comparing genetic markers between the dog and potential parents to verify biological relationships
- A dog’s breed ancestry – Some dog DNA testing kits can identify your dog’s likely breed composition, expressed in percentages.
- Potential health risks – Some dog DNA test kits identify potential health risks by 1) looking for genetic mutations or variants that are tied to certain diseases, and/or 2) summarizing your dog’s breed-based predispositions. The findings from dog DNA test kits are considered informational, not diagnostic.
- Early signs of disease & response to treatment – Cell-free DNA testing (cfDNA testing) for dogs is a screening tool that can flag health issues like cancer, inflammation, and organ damage earlier than standard veterinary lab tests.
5 Best Dog DNA Tests
The following are some of the best dog DNA tests that pet parents can consider getting. Some of these dog DNA tests are available as kits, while some are available at veterinary clinics.
1. cfDNA Testing - DeepScan Diagnostics
- Best for: Early screening of certain diseases, more sensitive than standard routine lab work; especially beneficial for older dogs
- Do vets support this dog DNA test?: Yes, for many vets, cfDNA testing provides actionable information on whether further screening tests are needed for early diagnosis.
- Typical sample: Blood; can be included in your dog’s blood panel
- How to get: Available at Sploot Vets (Denver & Colorado Springs locations)
Offered exclusively through Sploot Vets as the regional U.S. partner of DeepScan Diagnostics, this cutting-edge test provides a non-invasive way to strengthen preventive care for dogs.
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) refers to microscopic DNA fragments released by damaged, dying, or diseased cells into the dog’s blood. Because routine bloodwork cannot detect these fragments, cfDNA testing for dogs offers a deeper look into a dog’s health.
By analyzing cell-free DNA, veterinarians can spot potential concerns sooner, including cancer in dogs, inflammation-related conditions, and early signs of organ damage.
2. Embark Dog DNA Tests
- Best for: Breed ancestry, breed-related predispositions, gene mutation-based diseases, dog age based on methylation rates (different test kits feature different scopes)
- Do vets support this dog DNA test?: Some vets consider the Embark dog DNA test as a ‘prognostic’ tool, helping personalize a dog’s care.
- Typical sample: Cheek swab for saliva sample
- How to get: Available for online purchas
Embark delivers one of the most comprehensive canine DNA testing experiences available, using a research-grade genotyping platform developed in partnership with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine,
Depending on the dog DNA test kit selected, Embark can identify the likely breed mix of a dog, screen for 270+ genetic health risks, and offer clues about potential allergy predispositions.*
Embark’s breed screening dog DNA test kit is considered one of the most accurate on the market, as it screens for over 400 dog breeds, including wolves, coyotes, dingoes, and village dogs. Embark also offers a special Dog Age test kit that estimates a dog’s biological age through DNA methylation.*
Note: pet parents consistently praise Embark as one of the best dog DNA test kits available. They also offer special DNA test kits for breeders and veterinary professionals.
*Dog DNA test kit details can change without notice; for the latest information, please refer to each company’s official website.
3. Wisdom Panel™ Pet DNA Tests
- Best for: breed ancestry, breed-related predispositions, certain gene mutation-based diseases, clues for behavioral predisposition (different test kit tiers may vary)
- Do vets support this dog DNA test?: Support for Wisdom Panel™ can vary among veterinarians.
- Typical sample: cheek swab for saliva sample
- How to get: Available for online purchase
Wisdom Panel™ partners with NEOGEN Genomics, utilizing an AAHA-compliant, ISO 17025–certified laboratory accredited by both A2LA and the USDA.*
Their Premium Dog DNA Test Kit analyzes 15 behavioral predispositions and screens for 265+ genetic health conditions, with lower-tier kits offering scaled-down insights. Wisdom Panel™ tests for 365+ dog breeds and draws from one of the largest pet DNA databases in the world (with over 5 million pets tested).*
Note: Frequently praised by pet parents, Wisdom Panel™ offers one of the best dog DNA test kits available, often compared with Embark. They also offers specialized DNA test kits for breeders and veterinary professionals.
*Dog DNA test kit details can change without notice; for the latest information, please refer to each company’s official website.
4. Royal Canin Genetic Health
- Best for: nutritional recommendations, breed ancestry, breed-related predispositions, certain gene mutation-based diseases, clues for behavioral predisposition (different test kit tiers may vary)
- Do vets support this dog DNA test?: Some veterinarians recommend Royal Canin Genetic Health, especially for adding more context to nutritional guidance.
- Typical sample: cheek swab for saliva sample
- How to get: Available at select veterinary clinics
Royal Canin’s Genetic Health dog DNA test screens for more than 365 dog breeds and evaluates over 265 health conditions, offering a robust look at a dog’s unique genetic makeup.*
A standout feature of this test is its personalized nutritional guidance, including recommendations tailored specifically to a dog’s DNA test results. Royal Canin Genetic Health is available exclusively through veterinary clinics, ensuring high-quality sample collection and reliable, clinically supported results.*
*Dog DNA test kit details can change without notice; for the latest information, please refer to each company’s official website.
5. AKC DNA + Health Kit
- Best for: verifying that a dog is from AKC-registered parents, the only AKC-approved parentage verification kit; mainly for AKC registration or AKC breeder programs
- Do vets support this dog DNA test?: Since this test is mainly for verifying parentage for AKC registration, it is not typically recommended by vets for clinical purposes.
- Typical sample: cheek swab for saliva sample
- How to get: Available for online purchase
The AKC DNA + Health Kit provides both the dog’s DNA Profile (featuring 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification), as well as screening for 328 genetic variants related to health and physical traits, including coat color.*
This dog DNA test is typically availed by breeders, since it supports AKC registration requirements and helps breeders meet AKC Breeder of Merit and Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program standards, with some exclusions depending on breed and circumstance.*
*Dog DNA test kit details can change without notice; for the latest information, please refer to each company’s official website.
Other Dog DNA Tests
Beyond the major brands, pet parents can also find dog DNA test kits from companies like Orivet, Basepaws, and Ancestry. These options offer a range of breed and health insights, but online reviews are fairly mixed. It’s a good idea to check recent customer feedback and product details before choosing one of these alternatives.
Are Dog DNA Tests Really Accurate?
Most reputable dog DNA tests are fairly accurate for breed identification and can offer meaningful insights into certain genetic health risks. However, accuracy can vary, depending on factors such as:
- The company’s genetic or breed databases
- The testing methods used
- Laboratory standards used
- The quality of the sample submitted
Dog DNA Test Cost
Basic dog DNA test kits typically cost around $100, offering breed identification and limited trait insights. Combination dog DNA test kits, which may include breed, potential health risk screening, and additional features, usually run closer to $150.*
To screen for cancer, inflammation, and organ damage (especially in older dogs), Sploot Vets offers cfDNA testing for dogs at around $85, providing a non-invasive way to support early diagnosis and treatment.*
*Dog DNA test costs may change since this article's last update; please refer to each provider’s updated pricing information.
Do Vets Recommend Dog DNA Tests?
While dog DNA tests are not a necessary part of preventive care or treatment, some veterinarians will recommend dog DNA tests if these offer helpful information about breed tendencies, inherited health risks, and potential behavior predispositions.
Final Thoughts on Dog DNA Tests
Dog DNA tests can be a helpful way to better understand your pet’s breed makeup, inherited traits, and potential health risks. While they don’t replace veterinary diagnostics, they can complement preventive care and guide informed decisions about your dog’s long-term well-being.
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Sploot Vets: All-in-One Veterinary Care & cfDNA Testing for Dogs
Sploot Veterinary Care offers all-in-one veterinary care, including preventive care, urgent care, and emergency vet services. We also offer cfDNA testing to provide a deeper look into your dog’s health and response to certain treatments.
Our vet clinics are open for extended hours, 365 days a year, with convenient locations across Denver, Chicago, and Colorado Springs.
Book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app!
