Dog DNA test accuracy depends upon the breeds contained in the database in which your dog’s sample is tested. Once you get a sample and send it to the lab, you should receive the results in four to six weeks.
Some results will come back inconclusive in part or whole if one or more of the breeds that compose your dog is not present in the company’s database.
Two Types of DNA Tests
In canine DNA testing, you can have blood drawn from your dog by a vet, or swab the dog’s cheek to obtain a saliva sample containing DNA.
Both types of samples contain the same DNA, but you can purchase kits for saliva testing online or at local retailers for between sixty and ninety dollars, and perform the test yourself instead of having to take your dog to the vet. In some cases, taking a blood sample may be compared to more breeds, which gives you a better chance of receiving complete results.
What Company Should Conduct Your Dog’s DNA Test?
Many online retailers who sell dog DNA test kits. When looking for a reliable company, you should read reviews posted by other consumers who have used the product. In addition, legitimate labs post the number of breeds to which they compare your dog’s DNA during testing.
You are more likely to get results that are more accurate with a larger pool of possible matches. The three most popular companies for DNA home test kits using saliva are Bio Pet, which identifies over sixty breeds, Canine Heritage that compares DNA from over one hundred breeds, and Wisdom Panel, which tests against one hundred seventy breeds.
In addition to the saliva testing, Wisdom Panel sells kits for blood DNA testing that must be done by a veterinarian and compares against over two hundred breeds.
Testing your dog’s DNA will result in interesting and useful results. The test is done either at a veterinarian’s office or from the convenience of your own home. The results of the test can determine the variety of breeds represented in your dog.
Some results can be as specific as to identify the percentage of the breeds in your dog, as long as the breeds in your dog are in the company’s database. You can also get results that tell you the primary breed your dog is, from which you can trace the breed’s ancestry to learn more about that breed’s personality and traits.
Knowing whether your dog is part of a breed that is susceptible to certain diseases or conditions can help you start preventative treatment if it is available.