
So, while the owner of a purebred dog might not feel the need to confirm their pet's breed, they might still be interested in screening for common genetic conditions.ĭog DNA test kits can identify certain genetic conditions for which certain breeds might have an elevated risk (Image credit: Boris Zhitkov via Getty Images) Just like humans can be at risk for congenital conditions, dogs are no strangers to genetic disorders. Related: How do DNA ancestry tests really work?ĭepending on the test you buy, you can screen for a number of genetic disorders. "While animal breeds are artificially created and maintained by crossing individuals with certain features, there is no such thing as genetically distinct human races." Pistoi says that this is rather similar to how human DNA tests analyze ancestry, but with one key difference. What does a dog DNA test tell you?ĭog DNA tests "look for markers in the DNA and compare them with a database of DNA taken from dogs with confirmed pedigree," Sergio Pistoi, a molecular biologist and author of " DNA Nation" (Crux Publishing, 2019) told Live Science in an email.įrom there, these companies use an algorithm that looks at the number and types of these genetic markers and determines your dog’s breed makeup. Your choice might come down to either price or your particular interests, like purebred genetic diversity or identifying your dog’s genetic relatives. Of the canine DNA tests, the offerings are rather similar to one another.


Orivet has tests that start at $129, and the thing that sets them apart from the others seems to be their offering of tests for health problems in specific breeds.
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Their most expensive offering comes in at $159.99 and not only offers breed detection, but also screens for more than 200 genetic conditions and offers a free veterinary consultation in the event the test results indicate anything concerning. Right now you can now pick up an Embark Dog DNA Test for just $135 at Amazon – saving 35%! (Image credit: Embark)
