What's the best way to find my dog's breed and potential health risks?

The commercially available DNA tests I am familiar with are Wisdom Panel by Mars, DNA My Dog based out of Toronto, Paw Print Genetics out of Spokane and Embark out of Austin, Tx. Wisdom Panel® Canine DNA Tests determine the breed ancestry of a dog by determining the genotype of the dog, at hundreds of individual sites in its DNA. The results are then compared with the genotypes of the more than 12,000 breed samples in their database. Similarly, DNA My Dog tests for 85 of the most common breeds that make up approximately 97% of the common North American mixed breed population. Paw Print Genetics is designed to assist breeders and has the advantage of testing for several genetic diseases. The breed-specific panels offer a comprehensive service at a discounted rate, and you can choose genetic diseases you would like to test for. Embark tests for over 150 breeds including wolf, coyote, and village dog ancestry (feral dogs) - accounting for 98% of dogs in America. Additionally, Embark screens for over 160 canine genetic diseases including MDR1, degenerative myelopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, PRA blindness, exercise-induced collapse. It is certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), partnered with Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. All tests require taking two samples of cells from the dog’s inner cheek on swabs, which are then air-dried, sealed, and mailed off to the lab. The turn around time varies from 2-8 weeks. As far as the cost, DNA My Dog is the most economical at about $60, followed by Wisdom and Paw Print at about $80 and Embark at $200.

The best option is to have a Dna breed test done, there are many companies that you can find online that are offering this test. They will send you a kit which you will need to complete and send back to them, it's very simple.

As I guess I would bet some chihuahua, some sheltie and maybe Dachshund. Theres likely a few things in your new pup! Just so you know, there are now genetic bred tests that give can you a definite answer. Thank you for using Pet Coach!

The only way to know for sure Kita's actual breed is to have a DNA test done on her. You can get one from Wisdom Panel, and you take a cheek swab and send it off to them to get a full DNA profile done. http://www.wisdompanel.com

It is difficult to say since she is young but a mix including a herding breed would be a guess. You can purchase a canine DNA kit online or in some pet stores. Most are easy and require a simple cheek swab to determine breed(s). More comprehensive (and expensive) DNA tests can be submitted by your veterinarian after a blood sample is drawn.

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Chowder is very cute! I think he is too young to tell and we would need more pictures. For fun if you want to run a home DNA test you can buy them online. I don't find them very accurate though. If you want to send more pictures or post a gain when he/s bigger it may help. Congrats on your new addition! https://www.chewy.com/wisdom-panel-30-breed-identification/dp/127224?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Wisdom%20Panel&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiqGGx7ak1gIVBAlpCh04xQKfEAQYASABEgLDdPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Jack is super cute! You can probably ask 10 vets and you'll get 10 different answers. He isn't a pure bred dog and there are likely many breeds that contributed to how Jack looks. He likely has Chow (though his tongue isn't pigmented) or Samoyed to get that type of tail. The rest is likely a retriever or shepherd mix. For fun you can do DNA test, they aren't very accurate but it might be entertaining at least. I hope this helps and I wish you both well! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=33924