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Head-to-head · Best Dog Dna Tests

Embark Breed ID Dog DNA Test Kit vs Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test is best for: owners managing hereditary conditions or verifying purebred lineage who plan to review findings with a veterinarian. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Embark Breed ID Dog DNA Test Kit
Ranked #4 in Best Dog Dna Tests
Embark Breed ID Dog DNA Test Kit
2 sourcesall derived$109as of Oct 17

The Embark Breed ID kit is a cheek-swab dog DNA test that screens for more than 400 breeds and matches dogs with relatives in Embark's database, without the health screening of Embark's pricier kits. The Spruce Pets named it its pick for mixed breeds, finding it easy to use and reporting that results arrived a couple of weeks earlier than promised. Chris and Whitney in the Windy City ran it alongside a Wisdom Panel test on the same dog and found the top breeds and percentages closely matched, with Embark's relative matching turning up the dog's mother. It suits owners of mixed-breed dogs who mainly want ancestry and relatives; owners of very small dogs, or anyone wanting genetic health results, should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Results came back a couple of weeks sooner than Embark promised in The Spruce Pets' test
  • — Screens for over 400 breeds with a detailed percentage breakdown of a mixed dog
  • — Easy to swab, post back and read, according to The Spruce Pets
Watch-outs
  • — Large swab head may be awkward to use on small dogs
  • — Minor breeds are lumped into a 'Supermutt' share without individual percentages
  • — Lacks the trait and adult-weight section that Wisdom Panel's report includes
$109 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Dog Dna Tests
Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test
2 sources$139as of Oct 16

The Embark Breed+Health kit analyzes over 200,000 genetic markers to identify ancestry from more than 350 breeds and screen for over 250 health conditions. TotalVet found that this extensive dataset allows the test to compare DNA against village dogs globally, providing granular breed breakdowns even for complex mixes. knowyourdna noted that while the comprehensive list includes critical screenings like MDR1 sensitivity, these results are data points rather than clinical diagnoses requiring veterinary follow-up. Its $159 regular price ($139 on sale at Embark's store when checked) is nearly double that of budget competitors, making it best suited for owners managing hereditary conditions or verifying purebred lineage who plan to review findings with a veterinarian.

Strengths
  • — Screens for over 250 genetic health conditions and drug sensitivities in the Breed+Health kit
  • — Analyzes more than 200,000 genetic markers using a research-grade platform developed with Cornell University
  • — Identifies breed composition from a database of over 350 breeds including village dogs
Watch-outs
  • — The Breed+Health kit is priced at $159, which is nearly double the cost of some budget competitors
  • — Some genetic tests included in the report are breed-specific and may not be relevant to all dogs
$139 · Buy at embarkvet.comFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Embark Breed ID Dog DNA Test Kit

The Embark Breed ID kit is the breed-only version of the Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test; The Spruce Pets listed it at $109 against $139 for the Breed & Health kit, which adds screening for more than 230 health conditions. The Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test, listed by The Spruce Pets at $105, includes basic genetic health screening that this kit does not, while Embark's breed database covers 400+ breeds against Wisdom Panel's 350+.

Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test

The Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test analyzes more than 200,000 genetic markers and includes a relative finder feature to connect owners with other tested dogs.

Specs side-by-side

SpecEmbark Breed ID Dog DNA Test KitEmbark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test
Breeds Screened400+—
Sample TypeCheek swab—
Health ScreeningNot included—
Relative MatchingYes—
Model NumberDNB301—
Package Dimensions9.29 x 5.67 x 1.46 inches—
Package Weight4.16 ounces—
ManufacturerEmbark Veterinary—
Breeds Identified—350+ breeds
Health Conditions—250+ screened
Genetic Markers—200,000+
Turnaround Time—2-4 weeks
Sample Collection—Cheek swab
Shipping—Free within the United States
Dimensions—1.2 x 3.5 x 5.8 inches; 4 ounces
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