everything to know about a dog DNA test

If you've been wondering whether a dog DNA test is worth it, the short answer is yes — and probably for more reasons than you'd expect. Beyond satisfying your curiosity about what breeds make up your dog, a DNA test can surface health information that helps you and your vet take better care of them for years to come.

What are the benefits of a dog DNA test?

Whether you have a new puppy or a furry friend that’s been around for years, a DNA test can offer insights that help you take better care of them.

Breed identification
Knowing your dog's breed mix helps you understand their instincts, energy level, and behavioral tendencies. It can also explain physical traits you've been curious about, and give you a better idea of what to expect as they age.

Health screening
This is where DNA tests become genuinely valuable beyond curiosity. Many tests screen for genetic markers linked to hereditary health conditions, which can help you and your vet get ahead of potential issues before symptoms appear. For breeds prone to specific conditions — like hip dysplasia, heart disease, degenerative myelopathy, or certain eye conditions — early awareness can make a real difference in how you manage your dog's health.

Tailored care
Breed and genetic information can inform everything from nutrition and exercise needs to training approaches. Some breeds have specific dietary sensitivities or exercise requirements that are worth knowing about early.

Good for any age
DNA testing is valuable whether you're starting fresh with a new puppy or adding useful context to the care of an older dog. For puppies, it can help you get ahead of health risks. For older dogs, it can help explain symptoms or behaviors or help you prepare for their later years.

What’s included in the Wisdom Panel^™ Dog DNA Test?

• Health screening for more than 200 genetic conditions affecting 16 major body systems
• Breed detection across more than 250 breeds, types, and varieties
• An easy-to-understand breed percentage breakdown Purebred ancestry information going back up to three generations
• An adult weight prediction based on your dog's genetics
• MDR1 screening to identify potential sensitivity to certain medications

Together, these insights can help you better understand your dog's unique needs and support their lifelong health and wellbeing.

How much does a dog DNA test cost?

Dog DNA tests typically range from around $80 to $200 depending on the level of testing. Basic breed identification is on the lower end, while more comprehensive health screening costs more.

DNA testing through Wisdom Panel^™ is available as a discounted customization for all Banfield Optimum Wellness Plans^®, so you can get meaningful health and breed insights more affordably. It's a simple way to layer genetic knowledge on top of the preventive care your plan already includes.

How do dog DNA tests work?

Whether you’re using an at-home kit or doing it at a vet office, the process is simple and painless for pups. You or your veterinarian will rotate a swab inside your dog's cheek for a minimum of 15 seconds to collect a saliva sample. The swab is then sent off to the lab.

If using Wisdom Panel^™ through Banfield, it takes two to three weeks to receive your dog's genetic results online. You get an easy-to-read report covering breed breakdown and any relevant health markers.

From there, your veterinarian can help you make sense of the findings and factor them into your dog's ongoing care plan.

Ready to learn more about your dog?

Ask your Banfield veterinarian about adding Wisdom Panel^™ as a discounted customization to your pet’s OWP. Not signed up yet? Explore Optimum Wellness Plans^® to find the right one for your dog.

Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.

Wisdom Panel and Banfield Pet Hospital are divisions of Mars, Inc.