Collecting Your DNA Sample
A dog’s DNA is taken in the exact same way that a human’s is, if this is something you’re familiar with. You’ll simply need to insert a small bristle brush, which will be sent to you, into your dog's mouth, and swirl it against the inside of its cheek. This brush can then be casually packaged and sent to the AKC with the prepaid packaging.
How Fast do the Results Come Back?
You should allow up to 10 business days for delivery. Once received, your dog’s DNA will be processed, and you can hear back about it in as soon as five weeks’ time.
What do the Results Include?
These tests are to be used purely for checking the parentage and genetic identity of a purebred AKC registerable breed only. In this respect, the tests are excellent for proving the pedigree of your pup. However, they should not be used to determine the breed of the dog or whether the dog is purebred, its genetic health, conformation, performance ability, or coat color.
How Does American Kennel Club Protect Your Privacy?
All samples collected are added to the AKC DNA program and database and archived at the discretion of the AKC. There’s no option to withdraw your dog’s DNA or your personal data once you pursue a test here.
Matching With Relatives
The purpose of these tests is to check and verify the purebred status of your dog’s parents. In this respect, you’ll certainly find out about the relatives of your faithful friend. However, this provider won't cross-reference DNA against others in the system looking for a random match in the way that some human DNA testers will.
American Kennel Club’s Prices and Details
American Kennel Club Regular DNA Test - $50.00
You’ll receive an AKC letter of DNA analysis with the following information:
- The dog’s registration information
- The owner’s name
- DNA profile number
- The dog’s actual genotype
You must pay a $50 processing fee (per dog) when the sample is returned to the AKC.
American Kennel Club Prepaid DNA Test - $45.00
Receive an AKC letter of DNA analysis with the following information:
- The dog’s registration information
- The owner’s name
- DNA profile number
- The dog’s actual genotype
You’ll pay a non-refundable $45 fee (per dog) upfront.
Summary
American Kennel Club offers one clear use for its dog DNA tests, and that's to verify the lineage that you suspect your dog has. This will only really be useful to dog breeders, and if you’re just looking to learn a little more about your hound’s background, there may be better options out there.
For example, DNA My Dog offers a variety of testing to assess not just your four-legged friend’s parentage, but also its breed, genetic age, whether it’s purebred or a hybrid, its health, and allergies.
