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Dog DNA Tests: Why Your Mutt's Makeup Matters

Discovering your mutt's background is easier and less expensive than you think.

By Jennifer Dixon
WebMD Pet Health Feature

Reviewed By Elizabeth A. Martinez, DVM


Now, it may be possible to answer that question. Companies specializing in dog DNA testing are enticing owners who are curious about their mutt's background. Owners may also decide to test so they can take the information to their veterinarians to discuss potential health issues about their dog's breeds.

Priced from $60 and up, the tests are available online and at many pet supply retail stores. All of the kits test DNA via a cheek swab sampling, except for the most expensive, Mars Veterinary's Wisdom Panel Professional, which requires a blood test at a veterinarian's office (call your local veterinarian for pricing).

Not surprisingly, like most products, not all dog breed DNA tests are created equal. The more breeds in a company's database, the greater the chance for accuracyin their results, says


Sutter says such dog DNA tests can typically identify the majority breeds in a canine with great accuracy. "But if a dog is mixed breed and comes from a great many breeds, each with just a small contribution to the total, then the breed test may be unable to identify most or all of the breeds contributing to the dog," he says. Sutter says that if a dog has a purebred parent or grandparent, the results are highly accurate.

Testing the DNA Tests




Wisdom Panel (301-444-7900)

  • Cost: $79.99
  • Tests dog's DNA against 170 different breeds

Canine Heritage Breed Test (800-362-3644)

  • Cost: $99.95
  • Tests dog's DNA against 105 different breeds

DDC Veterinary (800-625-0874)

  • Cost: $68
  • Tests dog's DNA against 62 different breeds

"It was pretty easy," says Belzer of the collection process. After he sent the completed test kits back to each company, results came within two to four weeks (Wisdom Panel was the quickest; both of the others took about a month). DDC and Canine Heritage findings came in the mail, and Wisdom Panel's results were emailed.

Two of the three companies' results validated Belzer's hypothesis: that Girl was a Siberian Husky/German Shepherd mix. Wisdom Panel, which tests against more breeds than the other two, suggested Girl was part Border Collie. "That was something I would have never considered," says Belzer, who doesn't question the accuracy of the test. "The results were a little out of line with what the other two found, but it's certainly not a breed that I would rule out."

All of the companies contain disclaimers that the test is for informational purposes only, and most owners order dog DNA tests solely for the curiosity factor. "It answers hypothetical questions and can validate your assumptions," Belzer says. "It's also a great conversation piece at the dog park."