Do you have a mixed breed dog and constantly wonder what combinations of breeds have come together to create your one-of-a-kind dog? Does that curly hair prove it’s part of the Poodle, or does the big ears mean its relative is a Basset Hound? Maybe you asked vets and groomers and got different guesses. If so, that’s not surprising. One 2009 study funded by the National Canine Research Foundation found that when they showed more than 5,700 pet experts photos of dogs, only 27% of dogs were correctly identified.
More and more pet parents are turning to their dog’s DNA testing to finally answer the “what breed” question. There are many different tests on the market, so how do you know which is the most accurate dog DNA test? The accuracy of a dog’s DNA test largely depends on the size of the company’s breed database and the number of DNA markers (data points) that your dog’s sample will be compared to.
What is DNA?
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, a long molecule that carries the unique genetic blueprint information about an organism. You may have seen graphic images of DNA that show it as made up of two linked strands twisted around each other to look like a ladder. Making up the rungs of the ladder is the backbone of adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) or thymine (T), known as ACGT. The order and sequence of the ACGT determines everything about the dog, such as its coat color, how tall the dog will be, its eye color, and even potential health problems. This unique combination of ACGT is the dog’s complete set of genetic information, commonly known as the genome.
In 2005, the first complete domestic dog genome sequence was recorded and published by Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. According to senior author Eric Lander, director of the Broad Institute and professor of biology at MIT, “The incredible physical and behavioral diversity of dogs — from Chihuahuas to Great Danes — is encoded in the genome. of them. There are 2.5 million genetic differences between different breeds.” The study also revealed that sequencing a dog’s genome helps identify genetic contributors, such as cancer or other important diseases, that can affect certain breeds.
How do you collect a dog’s DNA?
Collecting your dog’s DNA is as easy as getting pick your dog’s cheeks. DNA kits typically provide a cotton swab that you place on the inside of your dog’s cheek that you roll and rotate around to collect cells. After letting it dry for a few minutes, you put the swab back on your sleeve and mail it to the company in the prepaid mailing envelope provided.
According to Dr. Adam Boyko, chief scientific officer and founder of DNA Embark, when the sample arrives in the lab, the dog’s DNA will be separated from other parts of the cell. This is achieved by washing the cells through a research-grade microarray (a microscope plate that takes the actual DNA) to analyze it. Using a computer, your dog’s genetic code is compared with the genomes of purebred dogs to determine your breed(s). Results are usually emailed or mailed within two to four weeks and are often broken down into a percentage based on breed composition.
How accurate is a dog’s DNA test?
Accuracy of Dog DNA Test much depends on the size of the company’s breed database and the number of DNA markers (data points) your dog’s sample will be compared to to determine its breed(s). In addition, each company has different proprietary methods for calculating these results.
Some DNA tests also analyze genetic diseases in the dog’s genome. This is done by looking for specific genetic sequences associated with certain diseases. A DNA test can only warn of a possible risk, not a certainty that your dog has the disease. The test can tell you whether your dog may be predisposed to a certain health condition, but it doesn’t mean your dog necessarily has it.
In addition, the dog DNA testing industry lacks long-term scientific research mapping genetic variants with disease risk. There are limited peer-reviewed studies to confirm the data and lack of funding to carry out this follow-up study. For these reasons, it is important not to make medical decisions based solely on a dog’s DNA test results. If you have any concerns about your dog’s risk of certain diseases based on DNA testing, you should consult your veterinarian.
What kind of dog DNA test should I buy?
Deciding on the best DNA test for your dog can be confusing because there are so many choices. Not only are there several companies that offer canine DNA testing, but several offer a variety of tests for you to choose from. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your kit.
- Your budget – Costs can range from $68 to over $200 based on how extensive the test is.
- Accuracy of DNA test Depending on the brand, the accuracy of a dog’s DNA test for breed identification can range from 90% to 99%.
- Company breed reference database – A basic test that compares your dog’s DNA to at least 95 breeds with over 350 breeds based on the company’s proprietary database.
- Medical conditions and characteristics of dogs – For some brands, a medical condition check is part of the basic check, while for others it is an additional cost.
- Veterinarian consultation – Based on the results, you may have questions. Some brands have veterinarians you can contact for advice.
Once you’ve decided on your budget and what features are important to you, there are a ton of dog DNA tests to choose from. Below are details on some of the highlights to help you decide on the most accurate test option for your needs.
DNAmydog.com – starting at $68.99. Results are returned within two weeks and include a custom certificate with your dog’s photo outlining his unique DNA composition. Also available for purchase is an aging test and an allergy test.
Easy DNA – starting at $79. This company offers various animal (and human) DNA testing services. Results will take two to three weeks from their lab receiving the sample. The results were compared with its DNA database, which includes more than 95 dog breeds, plus 350 breeds on sale for $109. For an additional fee, it also has disease testing, genetic disease, and trait testing and allergy testing.
Shake hands with veterinarians – starting at $109. Results will come in two to four weeks. This test checks for more than 230,000 genetic markers and screens for more than 210 genetic health risks. You can also research your dog’s family tree and identify your dog’s relatives in the dog kinship app. Embark Vet also has breed and health kits and thoroughbred testing kits. Certain tests include consultation with an Embark genetics veterinarian.
OniVet – starting at $119. This test screens for genetic diseases, coat color, breed characteristics and confirms parents. Standard testing compares your dog’s DNA with more than 350 breeds and will give an adult weight prediction for puppies. Test results are posted online after two to three weeks. A health add-on is also available that checks for more than 220 health risks and over 40 physical characteristics. Other tests include a mycobiome test and a purebred DNA test.
Information panel – starting at $99.99. Results will be ready in three weeks. This kit screens for over 350 dog breeds, 25 medical conditions, and more than 35 traits. This company has the largest breed reference database in the world. The premium kit includes 180 additional wellness exams and vet consultation for any notable health findings.
No matter what your dog’s DNA test reveals (and if you agree with the accuracy of the results), these tests are a fun and great way to learn more about your dog. , their possible personality traits and why they behave the way they do.
