Fido’s family tree

First, consider what type of dog DNA test you want for your canine companion: one that scans for genetic health problems, reveals the breed of your dog, or both?

It’s important to know that not all dog DNA tests are what they seem, particularly those that tell you only the breed heritage of your dog. Some unscrupulous companies ask for a photo of your dog and base their answers off the photo without ever testing the DNA sample you sent, so it’s vital that you opt for a DNA test from a reputable company.

You should also be aware that the results of DNA health tests can be misleading. Just because your dog has the marker for a certain disease or genetic condition, in some cases, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have the disease or condition itself.

Make sure to choose a DNA test from a company that offers support and advice post-results, so you can contact them and ask them what the results really mean.

Depending on the type of test and how much information it gives you, a dog DNA test can cost anywhere from $70 to $150.

It depends on your circumstances and what you hope to find out.

If you mostly want to learn your dog’s breed or mix of breeds just for fun, you can’t go far wrong. This information can also be useful to watch out for signs of conditions that certain breeds are prone to develop.

If you want to look for health conditions, be more careful. Some results are clear and helpful, such as knowing your dog has the MDR1 marker for multidrug resistance, but other results don’t necessarily mean anything on their own, so make sure to follow up for clarification.

Generally, you’ll receive a swab that you need to rub inside your dog’s cheek to take a DNA sample. You then put this swab into a test tube, seal it up, and mail it to the test provider’s lab.

However, you should always carefully read the instructions on your test kit before getting started.