Considering the Advancements in Genetic Technology: Is a Dog DNA Test Worth It?
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Dog DNA tests have become increasingly popular since they were first made available to the public in 2007. These at-home kits allow pet parents to gain insights into their dog's breed and ancestry, or genetic predispositions for certain health conditions.
The chemical makeup of the DNA molecule is the same in dogs, humans, and all animals. Each gene in dog DNA is very similar to the corresponding gene in human DNA, with small differences. Dog DNA contains 22,000 genes, about the same number as human DNA. DNA encodes all genetic information and is the blueprint from which all biological life is created.
Dog DNA tests look at select spots across the DNA, called markers. The more markers a panel has, the better it will be at finding small bits of ancestry. For example, tests with more markers are more accurate for mixed-breed dogs.
When choosing a reliable dog DNA test for breed ancestry and health predispositions, the key factors to consider include accuracy, breed database size, health screening scope, turnaround time, and cost.
Tests with larger, well-curated breed databases provide more precise breed identification, especially for mixed breeds. For example, Wisdom Panel covers over 350 breeds and offers strong accuracy, while Embark is noted for even higher accuracy and detailed genetic insights.
A reliable test should provide comprehensive health reports, identifying genetic disorders, breed-related diseases, and traits that affect your dog’s well-being. Embark and Wisdom Panel provide detailed health predisposition reports, highlighting risks such as cancer or hip dysplasia.
Faster results can be important. Wisdom Panel usually returns results within about three weeks, whereas Orivet’s results may take 8 to 12 weeks, which is slower and may affect convenience and satisfaction.
Customer reviews and expert opinions matter. Wisdom Panel and Embark generally receive better reviews regarding accuracy and comprehensive insights than DNA My Dog or Orivet, with Embark typically regarded as the top brand despite its higher cost.
Budget is also a factor. Wisdom Panel offers breed-only tests at about $79, while full health plus breed reports (like Embark’s) cost more (around $159+). Cheaper options may sacrifice some accuracy or health detail.
Additional considerations include ease of sample collection (usually cheek swabs), company reputation, availability of customer support, and whether the test includes features like ancestry up to three generations or parentage confirmation for breeders.
Most companies lack sufficiently diverse samples of less common and rare breeds in their reference databases. With a dog DNA test, you use a swab to collect saliva and cells from inside the dog's cheek. The test then uses a technology called a microarray to look at a large number of locations across the DNA all at once.
In summary, prioritize tests with a large breed database and robust health screening like Embark and Wisdom Panel, balance the cost with desired features, and consider turnaround time and user feedback to select the most reliable dog DNA test for both breed ancestry and health predispositions.
[1] Whole Dog Journal. (2021). Dog DNA Tests: What They Can and Can't Tell You. Retrieved from https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_5/features/Dog-DNA-Tests-What-They-Can-and-Cant-Tell-You_20524-1.html
[2] PetMD. (2021). Canine DNA Testing: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/genetic/canine-dna-testing-what-you-need-know
[3] DogTime. (2021). The Best Dog DNA Tests: A Comprehensive Review. Retrieved from https://www.dogtime.com/dog-health/33026-best-dog-dna-tests-comprehensive-review
[4] Consumer Reports. (2021). Dog DNA Tests: What You Get and What You Pay For. Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/pets-owners/dog-dna-tests-what-you-get-and-what-you-pay-for/
[5] PawCulture. (2021). The Ultimate Guide to Dog DNA Tests. Retrieved from https://pawculture.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-dna-tests/
- Science and health-and-wellness intersect in the field of veterinary genetics, where dog DNA tests provide insights into a pet's breed ancestry and genetic predispositions for certain health conditions, contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of dogs.
- Understanding science is crucial in the selection of a dog DNA test, as it helps Pet parents appreciate the technology behind DNA testing, such as the use of microarray to examine a large number of locations across the DNA all at once, enhancing accuracy and diversity in breed identification and health predispositions.
