Dog DNA Testing Questions

How much does the Canine Heritage™ XL Breed Test cost?
$59.95 (regular price $79.95) per dog, which includes all laboratory processing, shipping and handling charges, and a certificate with dog photo, if desired, and DNA Breed Analysis.

Are you still offering the 38 breed version of the Canine Heritage Breed Test?
At this time we have discontinued the 38 breed version of the Canine Heritage Breed Test. Any outstanding tests will be accepted and processed as normal. If you have recently purchased the Canine Heritage Breed Test and not yet received your results, you will receive a special offer to upgrade to the Canine Heritage XL Breed Test.

How long will it take for me to receive my testing kit?
After you place an order, your Canine Heritage™ XL Breed Testing Kit will be sent via United States Postal Service First Class Mail from our California fulfillment center. Depending on where you live, you should receive your testing kit in 3-10 buisness days.

Do I need the help of a veterinarian to take the DNA sample?
No. Our product allows you to perform the collection yourself, which will save you time, vet fees and a blood draw on your dog. Instead, cheek swabbing is done easily and comfortably by the pet owner, which avoids the trauma and expense of other sampling methods.

What type of sample is required for testing?
DNA testing is performed on the cheek cells, which have the same genetic information as the white blood cells found in blood. In order to collect the DNA samples, we include a soft-bristled nylon cheek swab brush in your testing kit. Our DNA Cheek Swab sampling method is specifically designed to be non-invasive and painless for your pet. And prevents you from having to go to the vet and pay to have a blood draw. At this time, we do not accept any other type of sample for testing unless you use a CHILD toothbruth in place of our swab brush.

How do I send my DNA cheek swab to the lab for testing?
You will initially receive a tube in the mail containing your paperwork, instructions and a soft-bristled nylon cheek swab brush. Once you've collected your DNA sample, slide it and the used cheek swab back into the provided pre-paid mailer and drop it in a mailbox - No postage is required. It's that easy!

How long does it take to get my results?
On Average, test results are typcially available within 2 or 4 weeks from receipt of each sample. At that time, you will receive the frame able certificate with your dog's photo. All results are sent via USPS mail.

How do you provide the results?
Your frame quality "Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis" which will display your pet's breed composition, along with your uploaded photo, will be delivered via United States Postal Service First Class mail. You should receive your results with in 3-10 buisness days.

How do I submit a photo of my pet?
Photos can be uploaded to this website directly through our photo upload form only after you have received your kit in the mail (test ID required). The photos will be included with your order information and transmitted securely to the laboratory for inclusion on your breed certificate.

How will the Canine Heritage™ XL 120 Breed results be reported on the Certificate of DNA Breed Analysis?
Your dog's DNA results are presented in one or more of the three categories described below. Due to the genetic complexity of a mixed breed dog, the total number of identifiable breeds may vary and it is uncommon for breeds to appear across every category.

Primary – This category is intended to help owners recognize when their pet's DNA contains a majority of a specific breed (i.e. 50% or greater). If your dog has a strong match to one of our validated breeds, then it is categorized as primary. Most mixed breed dogs will not usually have a breed in this category unless one or both of their parents are purebred.

Secondary – This category reports breeds that are easily recognizable within your dog. While these breeds may have a strong influence on your pet, each breed listed makes up less than the majority of your dog's DNA. In the Mix – This final category identifies breeds that have the least amount of influence on your pet's composition; however, they still appear, at a low and measurable amount, in your pet's DNA.

In the Mix – This final category identifies breeds that have the least amount of influence on your pet's composition, however, they still appear, at a low and measurable amount, in your pet's DNA.

What happens if my sample fails testing?
Unfortunately, a small percentage of samples do not contain enough cheek cells to complete the test. If this occurs, you will be contacted to resubmit another sample at no charge. Therefore, getting a good sample is important to minimize turn-around time, please carefully review the included DNA CheekSwab instructions.

What happens if my dog is composed of non-validated breed(s)?
The Canine Heritage™ XL Breed Test can only determine if any of the validated breeds make-up your pet's breed composition. If your pet's composition contains non-validated breed(s), the test may identify a breed earlier in your dog's ancestry. This may cause identification of apparent unlikely breeds for your animal's composition.

Does the Canine Heritage™ XL Breed Test work on dogs from outside the U.S.?
The Canine Heritage™ XL Breed Test was developed using a population of breeds common to North America. Although we have plans on validating the test internationally, the current product has not been tested on populations of dogs in regions outside of North America, which may cause results to vary.

Can the Canine Heritage™ XL Breed Test be used to determine if my dog is a purebred?
The Canine Heritage™ XL Breed Test is not designed for use as a purebred or paternity verification test and is not an established legal tool. A kennel or breed club certifies a dog's breed based on pedigree documentation. If necessary, kennel and breed clubs use legally recognized DNA paternity testing to verify relationship. These tests use a different type of DNA analysis than the Canine Heritage™ XL Breed Test.

Will you be validating more breeds? If so, what breeds?
Our recognized breeds cover a large percentage of the mixed breed population, however we expect to validate more breeds in the future.

If you have questions about the dog DNA test products listed on this site or test results, please contact:
Toll Free: 888-362-4339 or email us at info@dog-dna.com