Breed reveal!

Pet owners have been dying to know what breeds make up their one-of-a-kind pups. They may be concerned about certain hereditary diseases their dog might develop one day. 

DNA dog tests are a fun and informative way to understand who your pup is and help you develop a better health plan for their future. Not only to reveal your dog’s breed mix but also their family tree from their parents to their great-grandparents.

Before having one, it is essential to consider a few factors, including its health testing features, accuracy, reliability, result speed, pedigree depth, ease of use, and some pup parent reviews. Take a more detailed look at each guide below.

Health Testing Features

Pet DNA tests can analyze many factors in their DNA or genetic code. Everything from which breed they are, what their ancestral lineage is like, who their modern genetic relatives are, and how their genetic makeup can affect their health and behavior.

So, DNA tests for dogs and cats are to learn more about your furry friend, have insights into their behavioral patterns and needs, and potentially improve their long-term health by learning more about their future health risks.

But some conditions are associated with multiple genes, but DNA tests might only test for one of those genes. The result would be that pet owners falsely believe their furry companions have that particular condition. 

It is essential to consider what you want to learn about your pet before purchasing a test. For example, a simple breed identification test is for the genetic makeup only of your dog. And, if you are interested in more detailed information about the predisposition to genetic mutations or diseases, you will need a more comprehensive test for health screening.

Remember, being at risk for a disease does not mean your pet will get that condition. It may simply mean that statistically, it is more likely than other individuals or breeds to develop that particular health problem. 

Accuracy 

For pet owners, the opportunity to read and understand your pet’s DNA can offer several valuable benefits for you and your pet. However, no test is 100% accurate. 

Pet owners should be aware of the margin of error for the one they select. Some test kits are analyzed through specialized genotyping technology, ensuring results are as close to perfect as possible. 

DNA tests for pets are not regulated, so there is no way to judge the accuracy of claims. Look for a well-respected company with positive customer reviews when you shop around.

Reliability

The DNA testing kit may include an accuracy percentage. It is hard to gauge these claims since the industry may not reveal its data or methodology for competitive reasons. Any test is never 100% reliable. It includes tests performed by a veterinarian though they tend to be more reliable.

You can probably feel confident if you choose a reputable company with good reviews.

In the future, genetic testing is likely to get even more reliable, and who knows what we might be able to test dogs. For now, genetics is a science we have yet to master.

Speed of the Result

For pet owners, the appeal of the result speed tests is that knowing more quickly about the breed could give them insights into how to handle their pet.

It is understandable to want the test results back as fast as possible. However, most DNA tests take between two and four weeks to populate. Some kits advertise results in less than two weeks. While other DNA kits are only a matter of time before that curiosity extended to our four-legged friends. 

So, it is still better to look for pet DNA kits with the speed of results without compromising the accuracy and reliability of the result.

Pedigree Depth

A pedigree refers to its family lineage. Many DNA test kits offer the family tree back to its great-grandparents of your pet. 

A peek into the ancestry also helps inform pet owners of their pet’s risk for various genetic health conditions, including drug sensitivities and heart abnormalities.

Testing pedigree depth is about understanding their behavior. For instance, on the reason, they act and look the way they do. This kind of insight can help pet owners understand that their pet is not trying to irritate them but to show that it is how they are.

In determining the pedigree, genetic testing is only one of the tools available in your toolbox. Pet owners can have a little research or knowledge on their part that can help them get a complete picture of their pup’s pedigree.

Ease of Use

To determine breed results, a dog DNA testing company collects a sample from a subject and loads the information onto a DNA reader, known as a chip. And to administer this, almost all dog DNA test kits come with a cotton swab to collect saliva from a dog’s mouth. 

Most of these tests take around 10 seconds to conduct if the larger sample size is not needed or your pet is cooperative or not squirmish while getting the sample. Then, once the test is at the lab, it will now begin processing. Your pet results will be ready soon.

Budget

Costs for high-quality dog DNA tests for a single animal range come with many expectations. Of course, you want the best possible price, but the cost is not the only consideration. Pet owners should also consider the following given guides.

• Are test results accurate and reliable?
• Do you stand behind your services?
• Are results posted quickly?
• Do you provide customer service?
• Would customers recommend this to their friends and family?

However, with the advancement of DNA tests, there are test kits, especially for dogs, which are now more affordable than ever.

Pup Parent Reviews

Increasingly, pet owners are buying DNA testing kits to know the breed and ancestry of their pets. Especially, if you are one of the millions who own a rescue dog and are curious about what breed your best friend is. 

DNA test kits should be known or referred by friends and family who have done the test themselves. Each pet DNA kit has its features, pros, and cons. Reading reviews of a product is also a great help. Customers’ feedback is all positive for a reason, do not look only for what is popular but also for its effectiveness. Moreover, the transparency of the pup’s parent reviews can be of great use for new pet owners or those deciding to have their DNA test kit.

Finally, DNA test kits can be exciting to pet owners. You want to end up the day speculating and wanting to know exactly what breed your dog or cat is.

Knowing your pets can be helpful when deciding on training methods, ways to keep them happy, and how to play to their strengths. 

However, if you are concerned about a health problem, the best bet is still to talk with your vet. Veterinarians are adept at using their education, experiences, senses, and knowledge to diagnose and treat patients. Pet owners would not want to make treatment decisions based on a misleading diagnosis.