Madison Yauger is a PEOPLE shopping editor and dog mom to a golden retriever. After rescuing Stevie as a puppy, Yauger relied on a dog DNA test to determine her exact breed (field golden) and gain important health insights. She's extensively covered pet products with firsthand testing, compliments of a particularly judgmental dog.
Whether you're adopting a dog with an unknown history or you want to learn about possible health concerns for your pup, a dog DNA test can provide answers to questions you may not have even thought of.
We compared 12 top-rated dog DNA tests from seven leading brands to determine which kits offered the most seamless collection process, along with the most accurate and comprehensive results (using each dog's owner to guide how well the information matched their knowledge of their pets). After testing, four dog DNA tests from Wisdom Panel and Embark earned our PEOPLE Tested stamp of approval. Whether you're looking for breed, age, health, or ancestry information about your dog, these tests are your best bet.
And who knows, maybe your dog has a celebrity cousin -- like Demi Moore's Pilaf or Jennifer Aniston's Lord Chesterfield -- just waiting to be discovered.
Our Stars
Reviews
Though most dog DNA tests make similar promises, this kit came out ahead -- not only in tester ratings, but as an editor favorite, too (I used it for my own dog and was pleased with the process). The registration and setup are both straightforward, though the collection tools are bristle spoolies rather than the more traditional cotton swab, which were a bit rougher in our tester's dog's mouth.
Results came back within two weeks and showed 10 different breeds in our tester's dog (and confirmed my dog's breed) with a percentage for each. It included helpful insights about possible personality and genetic traits, along with health concerns. There's also an ancestry tab to see any extended relatives -- our tester's dog even had some "kin" in the area, and so did mine! Overall, our tester thought, "This test would be great for someone who has absolutely no background on their dog."
For a comprehensive analysis of your dog's DNA, this combination kit looks at your dog's breed and health data by testing for more than 350 breeds and 270 possible genetic conditions, as well as allergy risks. Our tester appreciated the clear directions and online account setup, and how easy it was to swab her dog's cheeks.
The results arrived within the expected timeframe of two to four weeks, and included a list of breeds found in our tester's dog's ancestry, along with health markers to be aware of, physical traits to consider, and some long-lost relatives. Though the test is pricey, our tester felt it helped them better understand their dog.
Our tester appreciated the solid value of this test, its straightforward setup, easy collection method, and clear labeling. She received a comprehensive analysis of her dog's mixed ancestry indicating at least 15 different breeds and their breakdown by percentage. She also received insights regarding physical traits, expectations for training temperament, and more.
She'd previously done a blood test for her dog that was more expensive, less comprehensive, and took longer; Wisdom Panel was returned to her in 11 days. Health-wise, she learned her dog negative for medication sensitivities, but the remaining health data was locked online behind a paywall. The test also includes a family tree element that our tester opted out of.
Maybe you got a purebred puppy, but that doesn't rule out curiosity and that's where this test comes in. You might still have some questions about your dog's ancestry or other hereditary traits. Our tester appreciated this test's step-by-step instructions with color coordination for added clarity. The results took a little over four weeks to return, but our tester received email notifications alerting her of its progress and a text when the results were in. The information proved quite detailed, with a certificate to boot, though the family tree aspect was limited.
Dog DNA Tests That Were All Bark and No Bite
While the above dog DNA tests impressed us the most with their detailed insights and seamless collection process, there were a few others we tried, too, that ultimately didn't make our list.
The Embark Dog Age Test wasn't as comprehensive as other tests but it did provide one tester helpful insights on their rescue dog's age. The Embark Breed Identification Kit yielded solid results, but wasn't as comprehensive as other breed-specific kits. The DNA My Dog Breed Identification Test Kit had some issues with the delivery and detail of the results. The Orivet Genopet Dog DNA Test took over a month to receive the results, which weren't super easy to access. Finally, the Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Test yielded no results or receipt of delivery. We tested a few other kits as well, but those are no longer available to purchase.
How We Tested
Each of our 13 testers tried one dog DNA test via their personal pets, following the provided manufacturer instructions. Some tests required users to register their pet online or download an accompanying app to gain further information. All tests required a swab of some sort to collect the DNA, so our testers were responsible for acquiring that from their pets (a special thanks to our dogs for being patient with us!).
Depending on the specific test, our team waited the designated amount of time -- generally two to four weeks -- to receive the test results. For any testers who had done a previous dog DNA test, we asked them how the new results compared to their original test, and, for first-time testers, we inquired if the results matched their expectations or provided any surprising insights.
Our team evaluated factors like ease of use, comprehensiveness, result time, and value for each test before assigning our winners.
Plays Well With
While you're considering how to best set your dog up for success, let us share a few more of our favorite dog supplies we've personally tested. Whether you're grabbing the basics like dog leashes, durable collars, top-rated dog bowls, and plush beds or looking for grooming essentials like dog shampoo or paw cleaners, we've got you covered.