Best dog DNA tests

Whether your dog looks like a husky, recalls like a bird dog, or behaves like something entirely unknown, a DNA test can uncover fascinating insights about them. These tests can help decode their breed ancestry, identify potential genetic health risks, and maybe even shed light on some of their wacky behavior traits.

Dog DNA tests analyze thousands of genetic markers from your dog's sample and compare them against an internal reference panel of tens of thousands of dogs to identify the breeds that match most closely. These tests also screen your dog's DNA for markers tied to certain physical traits, like coat color or hairlessness, as well as mutations associated with increased risk for certain health conditions.

But here's the catch: There's no universal canine DNA database, so each testing company relies on its own reference panel and breed database. And there's a lot that genetics can't fully explain, like personality and behavior. That means your dog's DNA reports are better viewed as informed estimates rather than definitive genetic blueprints.

For this guide, my editor and I tested seven leading dog DNA tests with three different dogs. The Embark Breed and Health Dog DNA Test is our top pick, thanks to its thorough breed breakdown and health risk screening. Wisdom Panel Premium has a slightly smaller breed database but still delivers detailed, easy-to-understand ancestry and health reports on a faster timeline.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best dog DNA tests

Best overall: Embark Breed and Health Dog DNA Test - See at Chewy

Best runner-up: Wisdom Panel Premium - See at Chewy

Best for European breeds: Koko Genetics Advanced - See at Chewy

How we evaluated dog DNA tests

To evaluate dog DNA tests, we chose kits from seven popular companies and tested them across two households. Senior pets editor Lisa Sabatini tested the kits with her dog Homer, and I collected samples from my dogs Bug and Crocodile. Each dog was swabbed for each test according to the brand's collection instructions to ensure consistency.

We entered minimal information about each dog when we registered our kits. To minimize potential bias, we did not upload any photographs. A small 2023 study out of the University of Colorado found that, in at least one instance, a canine DNA testing company's breed prediction appeared to be influenced by a submitted photo rather than the DNA sample.

After returning the samples by mail, we compared processing times, the consistency and depth of our breed reports, each company's database size and transparency, the clarity of included health screenings, relative-matching tools, and overall user experience.

To get a better understanding of the accuracy and limitations of commercially available dog DNA tests, I also interviewed experts in the field to better understand how breed databases differ, what health risks canine genetics can really reveal, and what today's canine genetic science can (and can't) reliably determine. The experts I spoke with include:

• Dr. Kari Ekenstedt, DVM, PhD, associate professor of anatomy and genetics at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine who studies inherited diseases in dogs and is a former consultant for Wisdom Panel
• Jacquelyn Evans, PhD, assistant professor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine whose research focuses on genetic markers of canine disease
• Clive Wynne, PhD, behavioral scientist and director of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University

Each dog DNA testing company builds its own reference panel using an original pool of canine DNA. These panels typically include dozens to hundreds of purebred dogs per breed to account for genetic drift over time. Because every company uses its own reference panel to analyze your dog's DNA, results can vary from brand to brand, especially for mixed-breed dogs with complex ancestry, and it's impossible to declare a single result definitively "correct." However, results that diverged significantly from the dominant breed identified by multiple other tests raised questions for us.

For more details on what to look for in a dog DNA test, how we evaluated the strength of breed results and clarity of health screenings, and other frequently asked questions, scroll to the end of this guide.

Best overall

The Embark Breed and Health Dog DNA Test delivered the most comprehensive results. Of the seven tests we ran on Homer, Bug, and Crocodile, Embark produced the clearest breed breakdowns and the most detailed health screening data — all presented in an intuitive, easy-to-navigate dashboard.

Embark has one of the largest breed reference panels of any test we evaluated, and it shows in the results. The company says its reference panel includes over 31,000 dogs across more than 400 breeds, one of the most comprehensive we tested. The extra breeds in its database actually showed up in our results. One of our dogs, Bug, was identified as 28% black mouth cur, a rarer Southern breed that five of our seven tests don't include in their databases. This identification may help explain certain physical traits that we didn't find with the breed results from other tests, such as Bug's curly tail.

Embark also has village and street dogs genotyped in its reference panel, which includes 59 village dog populations. These dogs live outdoors without owners and are genetically distinct from standard breeds. This may produce more accurate results for dogs with international ancestry, though it likely doesn't benefit most US-based mixed-breeds much, Ekenstedt says.

It delivers clear, thoughtfully structured breed results. Embark's breed reports are straightforward and easy to navigate, with simple color-coding and a well-organized interface that lets you dig deeper if you want more information. Unlike Wisdom Panel, which includes additional context like breed group category (herding, sporting, guard, for example) and photo galleries for each group, Embark focuses on the essentials with a straightforward breed breakdown with concise descriptions and key stats like average weight and lifespan. I also appreciate that it groups distant breed ancestry into a single "Supermutt" category, with the option to explore in more detail. Ekenstedt says that this is a more "responsible" approach, since breeds appearing as 5% or less are likely very, very far back in the dog's family tree and difficult to attribute with confidence.

Embark's health screening is notably thorough. The test screens for more than 270 genetic health conditions (274 conditions when we tested in December 2025), and the results are organized into "Clear," "Notable," or "At Risk" categories, which makes the information easier to interpret without feeling alarmist. The report includes plain-language explanations and scientific citations that help make complex genetic information more approachable.

The test also generates an Allergy Risk score for potential food and environmental sensitivities. Evans says this can be helpful to share with your veterinarian if your dog develops common symptoms of allergies like itchiness or ear infections.

Embark is one of only two tests that allow users to send health results directly to a veterinarian — a step experts recommend before making decisions based on the report. For Bug and Crocodile, the tests didn't report any genetic health risks. Homer's test reported an Increased Risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease (Type I). "This result does not guarantee that he will develop IVDD, and many dogs never show clinical signs," the report notes, as was the case for Homer.

Embark also has a robust relative finder. You can view photos, locations, breed breakdowns, and even message potential canine relatives' owners.

The overall user experience is seamless from activation to final report. Swabbing and kit registration were straightforward, and results for all three dogs arrived in under 30 days. Once results are live in the dashboard, it is easy to toggle between data on breed, health, traits, and relatives without feeling overwhelmed — no small feat given the volume of information included in a dog's report.

Embark has a strong scientific reputation and research partnerships. Founded in part by a canine geneticist at Cornell University, Embark collaborates with veterinary schools and research institutions to refine its reference panel and contribute to broader genetics research. That investment also shows in the depth and transparency of its reports.

It's an expensive kit, but worth the premium. In our testing, the depth, clarity, and database strength justify its higher price.

Best runner-up

Wisdom Panel delivers results quickly. It was the fastest of the tests we evaluated. We shipped samples from upstate New York and rural Colorado and received our reports within 11 to 13 days. If you're eager for answers about your dog's background, that shorter turnaround can make a noticeable difference. The activation process and swabbing experience were also straightforward.

The breed breakdown is highly detailed and thoughtfully presented. Wisdom Panel tests for over 365 breeds (specifically, 368 in our December 2025 reports). While Embark groups mixed breed heritage into a more accurate "Supermutt" category, Wisdom provides percentage breakdowns down to 1%, with very little grouping of overlapping breeds. Technically, this is less accurate, and Ekenstedt says any heritage reported below 5% should be taken with a grain of salt. Still, hearing that your dog is 2% Pomeranian or 1% wolf can be fun, and for many people, that fun is a big part of dog DNA testing's appeal.

I also like how Wisdom Panel organizes breed results into herding, sporting, guard, companion, and other groups, making it easy to see at a glance what behaviors your dog might be inclined toward. That said, this is largely for fun since Wynne says many of the defining traits of these groups are social constructs. Trace DNA amounts aside, Wisdom Panel's breed breakdown felt largely similar to the other tests, and I appreciated that its breed information pages included more details and photos of dogs than other tests we evaluated.

Wisdom Panel includes street dog populations within its reference panel. The company declined to disclose specifics about its reference panel composition. However, a company representative says its test currently detects several regional street dog and landrace populations.

It screens for almost as many health markers as Embark. Wisdom Panel currently screens for 265+ genetic health conditions, just shy of Embark's 270+ but more than the other tests we tried. The reports are thorough but not overwhelming, with risk levels front and center, concise snippets on each disease, and the option to learn more. That said, as with all canine DNA tests, these results indicate genetic risk, not a medical diagnosis. A veterinarian or veterinary geneticist will need to confirm any high-risk findings.

The dashboard is intuitive and easy to navigate. Breed, health, and trait data are clearly organized, and the interface makes it simple to toggle between sections without getting lost. While it doesn't feel quite as deep or research-forward as Embark's reporting, it's still among the most polished and user-friendly dashboards we encountered.

You can find and connect with relatives. Similar to Embark, Wisdom Panel has a relative finder, letting you view photos, location, breed breakdowns, and email potential canine relatives' owners.

Wisdom Panel has a strong scientific foundation and contributes to ongoing genetics research. In addition to building its reports on established canine genetics research, Wisdom Panel's in-house research team analyzes veterinary records and owner survey data to better understand how genetics influence health and behavior. The company also collaborates with academic and research institutions to help advance pet genetics.

It's nearly as strong as Embark, and slightly more affordable. Wisdom Panel is an excellent test that narrowly missed our top spot. In side-by-side testing with three dogs, it delivered detailed breed and health results for about $40 less than Embark and with a faster turnaround. However, its smaller breed database and less nuanced breed grouping give Embark a slight edge for testing rescue and mixed-breed dogs.

Best for European breeds

Koko Genetics has a European-dominant database that's especially compelling for international rescues. Spain-based Koko Genetics is built on a reference panel of 30,000 dogs across more than 400 breeds largely from Europe, so its results can look dramatically different from US-based tests.

Koko matched the dominant breeds found in our US tests but also identified additional breeds that may better reflect dogs with overseas ancestry. In our testing, the dominant breeds of our dogs (beagle; poodle and Siberian husky; German shepherd and Staffordshire terrier) remained consistent with our US-based test results. However, Koko surfaced many European, Asian, and South American village and regional breed matches that didn't appear in most US-centric databases, such as Basset Artesien Normand and Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer. There's no universal canine DNA database, so it's impossible to call one result definitively "more accurate," but this geographically shifted database may better reflect lineage for dogs adopted overseas or with European street-dog ancestry, Ekenstedt says.

Its breed analysis is refreshingly exciting, even for American dogs. Because modern breeds share overlapping ancestry, US-born dogs still have genetic relatives abroad, Ekenstedt says. For example, while Wisdom Panel and Embark reported Bug as part Great Pyrenees, Koko classified him as the European South Russian shepherd, most likely a genetically related herding dog counterpart. It may not feel radically different to hear "French Water Dog" rather than "Barbet," but discovering those international equivalents is undeniably fun. I now happily tell people my Supermutt pup, Crocodile, is part Karelian Bear Dog and Dogo Argentino.

The reports are engaging but more technical. Breed results are clearly presented with detailed background information on each breed's history, traits, and characteristics. The health report is straightforward, marking genetic conditions as "variant absent" or "present." But the explanations lean scientific and are less approachable than those from other reports, which can make positive findings feel more intimidating even though genetic risk isn't a diagnosis.

There are a few logistical drawbacks. Koko Genetics took the longest of any company to deliver our dogs' results, about 60 days across the board. The kit also doesn't include a printed prepaid return label. You must register your kit first and print the prepaid label yourself, which can delay the process further. I also found it frustrating that you can't register multiple dogs and tests under the same account, and, despite having relative tracking, we didn't find any connections for our three dogs.

Koko Genetics has a solid scientific reputation. Its parent company, tellmeGen, is a well-respected, commercial genetic testing company, and its pet branch utilizes established and widely accepted science to back its canine health reports. The company doesn't formally promote any academic partnerships the way some competitors do.

It's best used as a complementary or situational test. For US-born dogs that most likely have common American breed mixes, Koko Genetics' European-focused database may feel less comprehensive and relatable than Wisdom Panel and Embark. But, if you have the money, it's a fun and enlightening second test to shine more light on your original results. And for internationally adopted dogs, Koko Genetics fills a meaningful gap that most US-based tests don't address.

What can a dog DNA test really tell you?

Most tests will use DNA to report some combination of a dog's breed makeup, genetic health risks, physical traits, behavioral traits, and potentially the dog's genetic age.

Breed analysis is accurate, but it's relative to what DNA is already in the company's database. Each test compares your dog's DNA to a company's proprietary reference panel of tens of thousands of purebred dogs whose DNA was used to define each breed's genetic profile, such as a labrador or a poodle. The reliability of your dog's breed breakdown depends largely on the size of the test's reference panel and how many breeds the company counts in its database.

Genetic health risks are similarly accurate, but they definitely aren't comprehensive or definitive. Rather than each brand having its own reference panel like with breeds, there is a universal research body of specific gene mutations that have been linked with certain diseases. Each brand's health analysis compares your dog's DNA to these known variants. Most disease-related gene variants are breed-specific, meaning the disease arose within that breed and you won't see the variant in other breeds, Ekenstedt says. It's also important to remember that these mutations point to a higher risk, not a diagnosis.

These tests aim to be as comprehensive as possible, but Ekenstedt says they can't truly be comprehensive. Evans agrees, adding that not all disease-causing mutations have been identified by researchers, so a negative test result doesn't mean that a dog will never develop that disease. It's more so that a variant match, or marker of an increased risk, is something you should keep an eye on with your veterinarian. This is especially important if your dog is a carrier of a gene like MDR1 (covered by most dog DNA tests), which affects how sensitive a dog is to certain medications. Ekenstedt says MDR1 is most common in collies and shepherds, but can appear in other breeds, and that just one copy of this gene can make a dog more sensitive. So it's very important you tell your vet if your dog tested positive as "at risk" or as a carrier for this gene variant.

Behavior and personality traits reports are less reliable. As for predicted behavioral and personality traits, research shows some canine behavior may be genetic, for example, a propensity for fetching or pointing, fear of loud noises. However, a 2022 study in Science surveyed owners of more than 18,385 dogs, both purebred and mixed-breed, and found that dogs of the same breed behaved very differently across all breed types. "Behavior is not like fur color," Wynne says. Our genes play some role, he says, but the majority of personality and behavior is based on early and late life experience. Still, you might find some interesting nuggets in your pup's personality analysis. For our dogs, the results were accurate to our perceptions about 50% to 80% of the time.

What to look for in a dog DNA test

The best dog DNA tests should do more than identify your dog's breed mix and screen for potential health risks. They should also be easy to use and continue to provide value after your results arrive.

Reference panel and breed database size: Each dog DNA testing company uses its own internal reference panel to compare your dog's DNA against. That means the size, geographic diversity, and transparency of a company's reference panel and breed database matters more than anything else. Look for a brand that not only has at least 300 breeds in its database, but that is also transparent about how many dogs it's tested. Our top pick, Embark, has a database of over 400 breeds, a reference panel of more than 31,000 dogs, and has analyzed 2.9 million dogs worldwide. Meanwhile, the least consistent results in our testing came from DNA My Dog, which has 350 breeds across 24,000 dogs in their reference panel and has tested over a million dogs.

Meaningful health screening reports: Some tests advertise 200-plus genetic health conditions, but what really matters is how those results are explained. Look for clear risk categories and science-backed citations. Remember: Genetic markers indicate risk, but they are not a diagnosis. Dog DNA tests aren't a substitute for an evaluation by your veterinarian.

Turnaround time and ease of use: Results can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. If you're eager for answers — especially after adopting a new dog — processing time may matter. Kit activation, swabbing instructions, prepaid return shipping, and the clarity of the online dashboard all shape the overall experience more than you might expect.

Relatives finder: This feature isn't necessary, but it is fun to see if your pup has siblings, cousins, or more distant relatives. Just keep in mind familial matches are specific to each database. Also, some brands just show you a small picture and name of dogs whose DNA is close to your own pups, while others, like Embark, let you dive deeper into the relative's profile and even message their owner.

Commitment to advancing canine genetic research: It may be worth considering the added value of buying a test that contributes to canine research long-term. Some companies use aggregated data to contribute to broader academic research. Companies may collaborate with veterinary schools or publish findings to help expand what we collectively understand about canine health, disease risk, and breed history. Just be sure the company is transparent about data privacy and how your dog's genetic information can be used.

Future benefits: Dog DNA tests are constantly being optimized, from new dogs being entered into its database to new research linking specific gene mutations to specific health risks. The best dog DNA tests will add value beyond the initial test; they'll update you in the months and years after your dog's analysis to alert you to new relatives in their database or new health risks. Our top two picks, Wisdom Panel and Embark, both do this.

Price vs. value: Dog DNA tests typically range from $100 to $200. The cheapest option isn't always the best value, especially if the breed database is limited or the health screening is shallow. A slightly higher upfront cost can translate to more comprehensive, actionable insights, particularly for mixed-breed or internationally adopted dogs.

How we evaluated the best dog DNA tests

No canine DNA test can provide completely definitive answers about breed ancestry or health risks. When evaluating the best dog DNA tests, we focused on factors that most affect how useful the results are for pet owners. These include the size and diversity of each company's database, scientific transparency, consistency of breed results across brands, and whether the reports provided clear, actionable insights.

We did not score tests based on the accuracy of their health screenings because our three dogs have no known diseases. We also did not measure the reliability of behavioral trait predictions. As canine behavioral scientist Wynne says, a dog's personality and tendencies are shaped far more by environment and life experiences than by genetics.

To determine the best dog DNA tests worth using, we evaluated the following:

Sample collection, kit registration, and processing time: We assessed how simple the sample collection and mailing process was, including whether the instructions were clear, how easy it was to register the kit, and if a prepaid return label was included. We also tracked how long the results took to arrive. Tests that returned results within a few weeks scored higher, while those taking longer than five weeks scored lower.

Size of reference panel and breed database: Each company builds a reference panel — a collection of purebred, pedigreed dogs whose DNA helps define the genetic profile of each breed. Your dog's DNA sample is compared against this panel to find its closest matches. Companies also maintain breed databases, which refer to the total number of breeds included in their system.

In general, the larger and more diverse a company's database, the more accurately it can compare your dog's DNA. As Ekenstedt explains, the DNA of a specific dog breed changes every generation through a process called "genetic drift," and there is a small but notable difference in the DNA between dogs of the same breed that are bred for different purposes — for example, a Labrador bred for show versus field trials, bomb detection, guide work, or companionship. Because of this variation, databases that include a wider range of dogs within each breed, as well as a greater number of breeds overall, tend to produce more accurate breed analyses for the average dog.

Relative accuracy of breed makeup: Since we tested the same three dogs across seven different DNA tests, we were able to compare how consistent the breed results were from company to company. We also evaluated whether the breed breakdown aligned with what we know about each dog's appearance, background, and the few behaviors known to be strongly breed-linked, such as pointing or herding. Consistency across multiple tests carried significant weight in our scoring.

Number of health markers screened for: Hundreds of genetic variants are associated with different canine diseases. While no single test screens for all of them, we awarded higher scores to tests that analyze a larger number of health markers and clearly explain what those findings mean.

Follow-up tools and information: For health-related results in particular, we looked at whether companies offered helpful resources, such as educational materials, tools to share results with a veterinarian, and guidance on next steps. Tests that presented results in a clear, practical way scored higher.

DNA relatives finders: Some dog DNA services can identify genetic relatives within their databases. We evaluated how robust these family-matching features were and how much useful context they provided, including details like a relative dog's breed analysis, location, and the option to connect with the dog's guardian.

Dog DNA tests compared

In November and December 2025, we tried seven different DNA tests with our dogs: Embark, Wisdom Panel, Koko Genetics, Basepaws, Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry, DNA My Dog, and Orivet. Below, I've compiled each company's basic testing details, along with my assessment of the breed reports we received.

*While Know Your Pet DNA is represented in the table above, the company was acquired by BioPet Laboratories at the end of 2025. Additional tests are not offered for purchase at this time.

** Although we mailed three separately packaged samples to Orivet, all were delayed by several months. When we initially reached out, customer service said they'd likely been lost in transit and offered a replacement for each test. However, our results were eventually received and processed. A company representative says the issue occurred during the time when the company was transitioning from a Florida shipping address to one in Tennessee and that the mail forwarding system did not function properly.

Dog DNA test FAQs

Do vets recommend dog DNA tests?

Dog DNA tests can be a useful tool for identifying whether your dog may be at risk for certain inherited diseases. Evans says this information can allow for earlier screening, routine monitoring by veterinarians, and, in some cases, earlier treatment with better outcomes. However, Evans points out that these tests don't screen for every disease. Some tests also report a dog's potential for dog developing allergies, which Evans says may help speed up diagnosis for minor issues like itchy skin and hot spots.

How accurate are dog DNA tests?

The best dog DNA tests are generally reliable for determining your dog's breed makeup, but accuracy largely depends on the size and diversity of the company's reference panel. The tests can also provide useful insights into genetic health risks by evaluating whether your dog carries certain variants linked to known conditions, though they shouldn't be considered a full health screening. Predictions about behavior or personality traits aren't very accurate, since those characteristics are influenced more by environment and life experiences than genetics.

Should I share my dog's health analysis with my vet?

"Most veterinarians, while incredibly knowledgeable, don't receive much genetics training, so they aren't going to be extremely comfortable interpreting the results from a DNA test," Ekenstedt says. If your dog tests positive for certain genetic variants, Ekenstedt recommends reaching out to a licensed veterinarian who's also a genetic counselor or a board-certified veterinary specialist in the health area of concern.

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