#dogdna

Looking for Embark vs Basepaws for your dog’s DNA test? This comparison looks at the significant differences in breed detection, health screening, ancestry reports, turnaround times and overall value. 

Dog DNA tests have become a popular way to learn more about our pets beyond what we can see on the surface.

This comparison explores the differences between Embark and Basepaws, including breed identification, genetic health screening, ancestry information, and overall value. Whether you're curious about your dog's background or interested in potential health insights, it's a useful guide for comparing two of the leading options.

If you’ve ever looked at your dog and thought, “What are you exactly?” you’re definitely not alone. Dog DNA testing has become a go-to tool for pet owners who want more than just a guess about their pup’s breed. In 2026, these kits can reveal ancestry, health risks, and even genetic traits that help you understand your dog on a deeper level.

Most tests are simple: a quick cheek swab, a short wait, and then a full breakdown of your dog’s genetic makeup. But not all kits are created equal.

Let’s look at the best options this year.

Best Dog DNA Test Kits in 2026 Embark Breed + Health Kit (Best Overall)

Embark remains the most advanced and detailed dog DNA test on the market.

It screens for 350+ breeds and hundreds of genetic health conditions, making it one of the most comprehensive options available. It’s especially useful for rescue dogs or mixed breeds where you really want a full genetic picture.

Best for: Complete health + breed breakdown + deep ancestry reports

Wisdom Panel Premium (Best Value Pick)

Wisdom Panel is the strongest alternative to Embark, offering a solid balance between price and accuracy.

It covers a wide range of breeds and includes health insights, but at a more accessible price point. The results are also easy to understand, which makes it beginner-friendly.

Best for: Affordable full DNA testing with clear results

Basepaws Dog DNA Kit (Health-Focused Option)

Basepaws focuses more on genetic wellness and trait tracking rather than just breed ancestry.

It highlights potential health risks and inherited traits, helping owners stay ahead of possible long-term issues.

Best for: Owners who care more about health monitoring than breed history

Ancestry Dog DNA Kit (Best for Fun Insights)

This kit leans more toward storytelling and breed discovery rather than deep medical detail.

It’s simple, fun, and great for owners who just want to know “what mix” their dog might be.

Best for: Casual curiosity and fun breed breakdowns

Orivet Genetic Pet Care DNA Test (Best for Custom Health Insights)

Orivet is a lesser-known but powerful option that focuses heavily on customized breed-specific health recommendations.

What makes it different is that it doesn’t just tell you what your dog is it gives tailored advice based on genetics, breed risks, and lifestyle factors. It’s especially useful for breeders or owners who want very detailed health planning.

Best for: Personalized health guidance + advanced genetic insights

What to Consider Before Buying

Before choosing a kit, keep these in mind:

Size of breed database (bigger = more accurate) Depth of health screening Accuracy of lab testing Ease of use (swab + shipping process) How readable the results are

Most kits take around 2–5 weeks to deliver results.

Final Thoughts

Dog DNA testing in 2026 isn’t just a fun gimmick anymore it’s actually a useful way to understand your dog’s behavior, health risks, and breed-specific needs.

If you want the most complete option, Embark still leads the pack. If you want affordability, Wisdom Panel is a strong choice. And if you want something more niche and health-focused, Orivet adds an interesting angle.

Want to know more about your dog’s genetics? For curious cats – or in this case, dogs – dog DNA kits make an awesome investment. 

I’ve always believed I knew my dog pretty well her habits, her personality, even her little quirks. But trying the Embark Breed & Health Kit made me realize there was so much more beneath the surface. What started as simple curiosity turned into a deeper understanding of who she really is.

More Than Just a Guess

Before using the kit, I had a rough idea of her breed mix based on looks alone. But the results told a completely different story. Seeing her actual genetic background explained so many of her behaviors from her energy levels to the way she interacts with strangers. It felt like connecting pieces of a puzzle I didn’t even know were missing.

A New Perspective on Health

What stood out the most was the health information. Learning about potential genetic risks helped me become more proactive rather than reactive. Instead of guessing what might affect her in the future, I now have a clearer guide on how to support her long-term wellbeing. It’s reassuring to have that kind of insight as a pet owner.

Understanding Her Personality

The trait analysis was surprisingly accurate. It explained her tendencies why she’s independent at times but incredibly affectionate in others. Even her physical traits, like her coat and shedding patterns, made more sense. It gave me a new appreciation for how genetics shape not just appearance, but personality too.

A Worthwhile Experience

Overall, the experience felt both informative and meaningful. It’s not just about knowing your dog’s breed it’s about understanding their needs on a deeper level. The Embark kit gave me knowledge I can actually use to improve her quality of life.

I always knew adopting rescues came with surprises… but I never expected this.

When I moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, I had one dog—Pepe, my Pomsky. Over the past year, I adopted five more dogs—all from different places, different shelters, and different situations. I thought I was just giving them a second chance at life.

Then, out of curiosity, I did DNA tests. And my mind was blown.

The Big Reveal: My Dogs Are All Related!

Turns out, five of my six dogs are all family. Some are siblings, some are cousins, and some are even part of a multi-generational connection I never saw coming.

🐶 Pepe – Pomsky (4 years old, my original dog, related to Penny & Roxxy) 🐶 Lucky – Pit Bull (6 years old, rescue) 🐶 Penny – Pomchipoo (4 years old, rescue, related to Pepe & Roxxy) 🐶 Roxxy – Pomchi (10 years old, rescue, related to Penny & Pepe, and has trace DNA from the Pit Bulls & Great Dane) 🐶 Romeo – Pit Bull (2 years old, rescue) 🐶 Jolene – Great Dane (11 months old, backyard breeder)

Crazy DNA Findings:

Pepe (Pomsky, my original dog) is related to Penny (Pomchipoo) and Roxxy (Pomchi).

Penny (Pomchipoo) is related to Jolene (Great Dane). A tiny dog and a massive Dane… HOW?! 🤯

Roxxy (Pomchi, 10 years old) is related to Penny and Pepe but also has small amounts of DNA from the Pit Bulls and the Great Dane.

Lucky (Pit Bull, 6) is actually Romeo’s GRANDPA. I unknowingly brought together a grandfather and grandson.

At first, I just thought I was rescuing them, but when I realized I had accidentally reunited a lost dog family, I knew I couldn’t separate them. This rescue became a sanctuary. 🏡🐶💖

Want More Details?

I break down even more of the DNA results and how this happened in my Reddit post here: 🔗 Read the full Reddit post (insert Reddit link when ready!)

I’ve also written about some of these discoveries before, like: 📌 Roxxy’s Big Reveal: She’s Family! → 🔗 Read it here 📌 Discovering Unexpected Family Ties → 🔗 Read it here

Now, I make TikToks to keep everyone updated on their progress—how they interact, their training, and their growing bond as a reunited family. It’s been the most unexpected but rewarding experience of my life.

Curious about your dog’s breed, health, and ancestry? Embark DNA testing takes the guesswork out of it, giving you detailed insights into your pup’s genetic makeup. Whether you have a rescue, a mixed breed, or just want to ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life – Embark has you covered!

✨ Why Dog Parents Love Embark:

Breed Breakdown – Discover your dog’s unique mix down to 1% accuracy.

Health Insights – Screen for 200+ potential genetic health conditions.

Family Finder – Connect with other pups who share your dog’s DNA!

Vet-Trusted – Embark partners with vets to ensure the most accurate results.

👉 Ready to learn more about your furry friend? Test Your Dog with Embark!

At Infinite Hearts Sanctuary, our focus has always been on giving animals a second chance, but thanks to Embark DNA testing, we’ve uncovered something extraordinary: our dogs—Penny, Pepe, Jolene, Lucky, and Romeo—are genetically connected! While they may not always get along perfectly yet but, their DNA tells an incredible story of shared ancestry and surprising family ties.

Pepe & Penny: A Shared Pomeranian Heritage 🐶❤️🐕

Shared DNA: 4% Relation: Extended Family (First to Second Cousins)

Pepe, our blue Merle Pomsky, and Penny, our bold Pom-Chi-Poo-Supermutt, share 4% of their DNA, making them extended family. This connection means they likely share a grandparent or great-grandparent in their Pomeranian lineage.

Scientific Insight:

A 4% DNA match is uncommon, especially in mixed-breed dogs from different origins. This percentage typically occurs when dogs share ancestry in a popular breed—in this case, Pomeranians.

Jolene & Lucky: Extended Family Through Shared Ancestors 🐕✨

Shared DNA: 3% Relation: Extended Family (First to Second Cousins)

Jolene, our striking blue Merle Great Dane, and Lucky, our loyal Pitbull-Bully-Staffordshire Terrier mix, share 3% of their DNA, classifying them as extended family. This percentage suggests they have a shared ancestor a few generations back, likely from a working dog breed.

Scientific Insight:

Great Danes and Pitbull mixes have vastly different breed histories, but their shared DNA highlights the interconnected nature of canine genetics, especially in larger working breeds.

Jolene & Penny: Distant Relatives 🐾✨

Shared DNA: 1% Relation: Distant Family (Second to Third Cousins)

Jolene also shares 1% of her DNA with Penny, which places them as distant relatives. This level of connection indicates a shared ancestor several generations back, despite their vastly different sizes and breed characteristics.

Jolene & Romeo: A Surprising Genetic Link 🐾🐾

Shared DNA: 1% Relation: Distant Family (Second to Third Cousins)

Jolene and Romeo share 1% of their DNA, classifying them as distant relatives. While their breed backgrounds—Great Dane and Pitbull—don’t overlap directly, this connection suggests that their ancestry includes a shared lineage further back in history.

Lucky & Romeo: Close Family Ties 🧬🐾

Shared DNA: 11% Relation: Close Family (Half-Siblings or First Cousins)

Lucky and Romeo share an impressive 11% of their DNA, making them the closest match in our pack. This level of sharing is equivalent to half-siblings, first cousins, or a shared grandparent.

Scientific Insight:

An 11% DNA match is highly significant and almost always indicates a close familial relationship. This finding suggests that Lucky and Romeo likely share a direct ancestor within one or two generations.

The Probability of Shared DNA 📊

Here’s what makes these connections so remarkable:

4% Shared DNA (Pepe & Penny):

In mixed-breed dogs, this level of shared DNA is rare, occurring in less than 1 in 10,000 pairs, particularly when breeds like Pomsky and Pom-Chi-Poo are involved.

3% Shared DNA (Jolene & Lucky):

A 3% match is uncommon across dogs with such different breed histories, suggesting an intersection of working breed lineages.

1% Shared DNA (Jolene & Penny/Romeo):

This level of shared DNA is slightly more common but still notable, as it points to a shared ancestor several generations back.

11% Shared DNA (Lucky & Romeo):

This match is highly significant, almost always indicating a close familial tie such as siblings, a parent-offspring relationship, or first cousins.

The Science of Canine Genetics 🧬

The shared DNA between our dogs reflects the complexity of canine ancestry:

Breed Overlaps:

Pomeranians, common in both Pepe and Penny’s ancestry, contribute to their genetic connection.

Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers, present in Lucky and Romeo, share overlapping breed histories, explaining their closer genetic match.

Shared Ancestors Across Breeds:

Historically, many modern dog breeds trace back to a small number of founding populations. This shared ancestry can create genetic overlaps even in seemingly unrelated breeds.

Genetic Markers:

Specific markers in Jolene’s DNA (as a Great Dane) likely intersect with traits found in Pitbulls and Pomeranians, pointing to shared ancestors from working or companion breeds.

The Beauty of Unexpected Connections

In the world of rescues, dogs often come from diverse backgrounds with no apparent connection. The fact that our pack has such significant genetic ties is a testament to the randomness and beauty of life. Science has uncovered these bonds, but fate brought these dogs together, creating a family that’s as unique as it is extraordinary.

Discover Your Dog’s Story 🐾

Want to learn about your own dog’s ancestry and potential relatives? Embark DNA testing offers a wealth of information about your pet’s genetics, health insights, and breed history. Start your journey at Southern Love Farm and uncover the incredible stories hidden in your furry friend’s DNA.

Celebrating Science and Family

At Infinite Hearts Sanctuary, we’ve always believed that family is about more than just blood—it’s about the connections we share and the lives we build together. Learning about the DNA links in our pack has deepened our understanding of their stories and added new meaning to our work.