Have you ever wondered how your pup ended up so loyal, silly, or with a thick coat? Genetics might play a role! For years, breed distinctions have made welcoming a furry friend into your home a bit predictable, with commonalities among dogs and their backgrounds. Whether you have a purebred pooch or a pup with a questionable background, understanding their genetic makeup can connect you both on a deeper level.
Today, we’ll take a look at DNA tests made just for dogs! These tools effectively give you the information you both deserve to better care for Fido. Let’s jump right in and learn more about these exciting canine DNA tests.
How Do Pet DNA Tests Work?
There are a few steps you and your furbaby must complete to learn more about what makes them man’s best friend. Once you’ve selected a test, you’ll collect a DNA sample from your dog. This can be done in various ways, but the simplest is by swabbing the inside of your pet’s cheek. This swab will pick up cells containing the DNA of your furry friend. Once the sample is secure and free from cross-contamination, it will be sent to a lab for analysis.
When your pup’s sample reaches a lab, genetic scientists will begin analyzing it, looking for specific genetic markers. These markers are known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and help identify particular characteristics and attributes in your canine. After analysis, genetic scientists will then compare your dog’s genetic profile with other breeds to identify commonalities and differences.
Once analysis and comparison have been completed, you and your furry friend will receive information that describes your pup’s genetic background and any other attributes studied during the test! Unfortunately, no results can be 100% certain; however, most DNA tests are incredibly accurate and only continue to become more precise.
Top Dog DNA Tests to Try
Numerous amazing tests can provide insight into your pet’s background, but selecting the one that’s right for your dog can be overwhelming. Let us take care of the hard part! Any of these three tests is user-friendly and requires minimal hassle. Give them a try to learn more about what your pup has in store!
Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit – Wisdom Panel
Widsom Panel does a fantastic job of giving you quick and accurate results. This brand compares your dog’s DNA with the genetic background of over 365 different dog breeds. Simply collect a sample from your pup and send it off to Wisdom Panel’s labs. You’ll receive the results quickly using their app! While exploring your pet’s genetic background, you may also want to consider examining details about their health and potential risks to be aware of.
Know Your Pet DNA – Ancestry
Ancestry is one of many trusted companies helping families discover more about their genetic background. They’re happy to help your pup, too! This test analyzes your dog’s DNA and compares it to 400 breeds. As a bonus, Ancestry goes the extra mile to test for inherited behavioral traits so you can train Fido properly! Once your data is available, you can explore other pet backgrounds that your furbaby may be connected to!
Dog Age Test – Embark
If you’re familiar with your pup’s genetic background but still have questions about their true age, Embark’s Age DNA test is perfect for you! This is the ideal DNA test for families who have a general idea about how old their furry friend is, but could use some more hard evidence to make their birthdays feel that much more exciting. Just activate your kit and send in the sample. In about five weeks, you’ll learn how old Fido really is!
If you’re ready to learn more about what makes your best friend so special, what are you waiting for? Give one of these amazing tests a try and get to know Fido on a new level. You’ll be glad you did!