How much to dog DNA tests typically cost?

5 Comments

1. Racquel S says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:56 pm

   Yes! They are! I have a friend who tested both of his dogs … and learned alot (It was actually suprising!) This one is the service that my friend used for his two dogs:

   http://www.canineheritage.com/
   Costs: $119.95

   There are also a bunch of other ones … I googled "doggy DNA test" (I don’t know anything about these other ones… just about the "canine heritage" one)
   http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=doggy+DNA+tests&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

   **edit** these types of tests will determine the exact pedigree of a mutt dog (these tests DO have their limitations… i’ll spare you the details, let me know if you want more info). My friend who had this done, adopted 2 dogs from the pound … and one is just an non-discript "brown and black dog", the other one is a bulky black dog. But, you couldn’t have gues ed their breed, by looking at them…. but the DNA tests can determine the exact genetic composition.

   This is done because, different breeds of dogs have breed-specific variations interspersed through out their "genome" (their DNA composition). Therefore, the test obtains a biological sample… and once you send it into the lab, the lab techncians will extract the DNA (remove the DNA from the cell) … and perform a series of tests that will evaluate those breed specific areas of DNA… and based on the composition… they can determine (with a high level of certainty) the exact genetic composition that your dog has… and compare your dogs DNA to the DNA of known BREEDS of dogs (having those traits). Based on the comparision, they can make a highly-educated guess as to what your dog is "mixed-with".
2. gsdluvrr planned litter in June! says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:56 pm

   An AKC DNA test costs about $30. Breeders use this test when they have multi-sired litters to figure out which dog sired each puppy.
3. ELIZABETH C says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:56 pm

   I spent time looking on line at the offers from $50 to $200. They range from just a few breeds to over 100. Most ask you to send a picture along with the cheek swab.
   I know it’s my suspicious nature but, I’m not convinced they do a DNA test, I suspect they look at the picture and list their best guesses. I’m thinking of sending the swab from one but picture of a completely different dog to test the reliability. I suspect one of my dogs is an odd mix of a dog not listed on the DNA profile list so they could not give me a proper DNA anyway.
4. Rayven-Fried Sea Kittens Anyone? says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:56 pm

   Most cost just under 100 to over 200 and are a complete and utter waste of time. People with purebreds have used these test to see just how accurate they were and got results back stating their dogs where in fact mixed breeds – a total lie.
5. Joe Ruttman says:

   September 10, 2009 at 3:52 pm

   I work at a large midwestern vet clinic and we get this question all the time. They are not 100% accurate nor do the companies that offer it claim to be, but it’s not a scam either, it’s about 90% and can be a good thing for people who are just curious about the possible background of their dog. It offers insight into the dog behavioral patterns and could help your vet diagnose potential health issues down the road.

   Having done over 100 dogs using these tests I would check out DNA Diagnostics Center. http://www.vetdnacenter.com They have never asked once for a picture of the dog prior to doing the DNA test. We have found them to be very accurate and reasonably priced at $60…and they just need a cheek swab sample.