What Will a Dog DNA Test Tell Me?

Dog DNA testing has become more popular over the years, but what can they really tell you? Whether you're wondering about your rescue pup's mysterious past or want to be one step ahead of the family dog’s possible health issues, dog DNA tests can reveal a world of insight into your four-legged friend.

Your dog's DNA contains a wealth of information that can transform how you understand and care for them. With scientific analysis of their genetic makeup, you gain access to insights about their heritage, traits, potential health concerns, and genetic relatives.

As the most advanced kit on the market, Know Your Pet DNA offers key insights into behavioral and physical traits, plus (if you choose our Breeds & Health kit) over 200 screenings for health conditions.

It’s all brought to you by Ancestry, the global leader in consumer DNA testing, and it all starts with a simple swab.

Breed composition and heritage

Detailed breed breakdown

Dog DNA tests usually reveal the specific breeds in your dog's genetic makeup with percentage breakdowns. Know Your Pet DNA can help discover their diverse heritage with analysis based on our growing database of over 400 breeds, showing you exactly what mix makes your dog unique.

 

"The most rewarding part was finally being able to answer the question everyone at the dog park always asked: 'What kind of dog is that?' Now I had a definitive answer backed by science." - Sara Seitz review for PangoVet

 

Understanding your dog's breed heritage helps explain physical characteristics, behavioral tendencies, and potential health concerns that might be common in certain breeds.

Physical and behavioral traits

Physical characteristics

Genetics determine your dog’s physical characteristics, but it can be complicated. For example, 9 of the traits the Know Your Pet DNA kits test for influence your dog's coat color!

DNA tests can help explain why your dog looks the way they do, from size and ear shape to fur look and feel. The Ancestry scientists can assess how your dog’s DNA may influence 30+ traits.

Behavioral insights

How much will your pet miss you when you’re away? Are they likely to bark at a delivery driver?

Many behaviors have genetic components. DNA tests can help you understand if your dog's tendency to dig, herd, or bark stems from their breed heritage, giving you context for behaviors you might otherwise find puzzling.

Beyond obvious behaviors, the Know Your Pet DNA test can provide insights on genetic traits like separation anxiety tendencies, social behavior with strangers, and other temperament factors with genetic links.

Learn more about our Breeds kit

Health screenings and risk assessments

Genetic health screening

The Know You Pet DNA Breeds & Health Kit screens for over 200 genetic health conditions, categorizing results as:

• Clear results: Conditions not detected in your dog's screening
• Notable results: Potential risks worth discussing with your veterinarian
• Increased risks: Conditions for which your dog shows heightened genetic risk factors

These results range from respiratory and neurological conditions to autoimmune and metabolic disorders and more. Some common examples include Brachycephaly, Congenital hypothyroidism, Macular Corneal Dystrophy, Elbow dysplasia, and Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1).

 

“DNA health results revealed my blind dog has a genetic reason for his sudden unexplained vision loss. I have previously spent literally 1000’s of dollars trying to find out why, and now I have an answer. If only I had tested him sooner! While his disease was not preventable, it could have helped save that money and time. Highly recommend!” - MS

 

Identifying potential health concerns before symptoms appear allows for proactive preventive care, more targeted wellness plans, and early intervention when beneficial.

 

"The health screening gave me peace of mind knowing that Daisy wasn't predisposed to any serious genetic conditions, which is invaluable information for any pet parent." - Emily Muller, review for Hepper

 

It’s important to note that genetic tests can’t guarantee a diagnosis. If you're concerned about your dog's health or have questions about their genetic test results, please consult your veterinarian.

Learn more about the Know Your Pet DNA Breeds & Health Kit

 

*Test results from the Know Your Pet DNA Breeds & Health kit do not constitute a diagnosis of any disease or condition. Consult your veterinarian for any health concerns.

DNA relatives and connections

Genetic matches

Both test kits from Know Your Pet DNA connect you with other dogs that share DNA with yours. You can see how much genetic material they share and what breeds they have in common.

If you have multiple dogs, you can see how much DNA they share.

The Matches platform enables communication with owners of your dog's genetic matches, creating opportunities to share experiences, advice, and even photos with their four-legged relatives.

Professional support

Veterinary consultation

The Know Your Pet DNA Breeds & Health Kit includes a free 30-day televet membership, allowing you to discuss your dog's results with our trusted veterinary partners at Dutch, who can help interpret findings and answer any questions you have about your dog’s breed mix and traits.

A veterinary professional can leverage your dog’s DNA test results to inform conversations and advice around breed-specific health risks, exercise requirements, potential genetic disorders, nutritional needs, and even preventative care recommendations.

Science-backed analysis

As a product from Ancestry, Know Your Pet DNA testing uses established scientific methods to analyze canine DNA, comparing your dog's genetic material against thousands of reference samples.

Test process for Know Your Pet DNA kits

• Kit delivery: Receive your testing kit with all necessary collection materials
• Sample collection: Follow simple instructions to collect a saliva sample from your dog
• Laboratory analysis: Send the sample in the prepaid return box
• Results ready: Access detailed reports in 2-4 weeks, on average

Know Your Pet DNA kit options

Information that was once inaccessible can now guide today’s pet parents on decisions about their dogs’ care and well-being. Now you can discover the science behind what makes your dog one of a kind.

Breeds kit

• Comprehensive breed breakdown
• Behavioral and physical trait reports
• DNA matching with relatives in our database

Breeds & health kit

• Everything in the Breeds Kit
• 200+ screenings for health conditions*
• FREE 30-day televet membership

What will you dig up? Choose your Know Your Pet DNA dog DNA test kit today.