Finding an accurate DNA test for your Shiba Inu is challenging.

I have heard from way too many people who purchased an expensive testing kit only to be disappointed by the results. Or worse, they feel like they couldn’t trust the data!

So in today’s article, I tested the three most popular and highly-rated dog DNA tests on my dog, Chloe, to compare the results against each other.

You will see screenshots of the actual results, along with anything else that I thought you would find interesting or valuable. 🙂

Testing the DNA of your Shiba Inu is something every pet owner should do.

• First, the tests provide invaluable health information, such as underlying conditions or genetic problems that your dog is predisposed towards.
• Second, they provide information about your dog’s exact breed and ancestry.
• And lastly, some of the tests below help connect you with dogs that are related to yours, such as their parents, siblings, or even children. 🙂

3 BEST DNA Tests for Shiba Inus:

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#1. Embark Dog DNA Test

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AMAZON | EMBARK'S WEBSITE | CHEWY

Embark is one of the leaders when it comes to testing the DNA of your Shiba Inu.

The product featured above is their BEST DNA test option, as it analyzes both HEALTH and ANCESTRY.

Here is what I like:

• Their health panel tests for over 230 different risks. After receiving your results, Embark also provides lots of actionable tips and suggestions to help care for your dog based on the DNA test.
  • For example, approximately 75% of dogs are carriers or at risk of genetic health conditions. This DNA test will help identify these variants, so you can provide the BEST care possible.
  • Just imagine if you learned about a certain degenerative disease or drug sensitivity that your dog has, how much you could adjust their diet, lifestyle, or medication. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 🙂
  • If you have questions about the results, Embark has genetic specialists that are able and willing to answer your questions. Below you can see the genetic health conditions that Chloe has an increased risk for.

 

• The Embark DNA test is going to analyze your dog’s genome against over 350 different breeds. You will receive results that break down exactly the type of dog you have. We were completely shocked when we got Chloe’s results back and saw the below mix of breeds! And if you think you have a purebred, it’s a great way to confirm your dog’s genetics.

 

• One of the most fun features that Embark offers is the ability to find your dog’s relatives. Basically, they can show you how much DNA your Shiba Inu shares with other users. They even give you the option to connect with relatives, and many dogs have been reunited with their parents, siblings, and children! As you can see below, Wattson and Zane are VERY closely related to Chloe.

 

• Embark also provides a report regarding your dog’s ancestry! The genetic analysis can show you the family tree going back to their great-grandparents. 🙂
  • Embark provides a detailed report with this information. You can click here to see the 33-page PDF that I received for Chloe.

Testing your dog is super easy! All you need to do is swab their cheek and mail it back to Embark with the prepaid envelope. Results are typically provided within two to four weeks.

 

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#2. Wisdom Panel

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WisdomPanel.com | Amazon | PetCo

Another great kit for testing the DNA of your Shiba Inu is using Wisdom Panel. In fact, when comparing Wisdom Panel with Embark, you will find they are very similar.

Here are the BEST features of the Wisdom Panel Essential DNA Collection Kit, along with screenshots of my results:

Using this DNA test with your Shiba Inu is easy! All you need to do is to swab the inside of their mouth twice for 15 seconds and send it to the Wisdom Panel lab using the prepaid mailer. Then sit back and wait for the results to come back within 2-3 weeks. Wisdom Panel warns you may be in for a surprise as you never know what the genetic testing will discover. 🙂

 

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#3. DNA My Dog

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AMAZON | CHEWY | PETCO

The last DNA test to consider for your Shiba Inu is from a company called DNA My Dog. Just like the other options, getting a sample is as easy as swabbing the inside of your dog’s mouth for 15 seconds.

DNA My Dog ONLY tests for the breed composition of your pet. There is no option to test for genetic health concerns, like Embark and Wisdom Panel. Nor is there any way to see your dog’s relatives that have also tested with DNA My Dog.

And after receiving my results, I can say that this DNA test is not as thorough or as accurate as Embark and Wisdom Panel.

For example, look at the screenshot above of the breed results. It shows that Chloe is 100% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which is DEFINITELY not true.

• You can view the 3-page PDF report that I received HERE. As you will see, the reporting that I received from Embark and Wisdom Panel was much better.

The main difference with DNA My Dog is the price. If you are looking for the least expensive DNA test for your dog on this list, then you should consider this option. But as you can see, it’s hard to trust the results. 🙂

 

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Final Thoughts About DNA Tests for Shiba Inus:

Out of the three DNA kits that I tested, my recommendation is to use Embark or Wisdom Panel. I trust the results, as both of them were incredibly similar for Chloe. Both of these companies also provide health information based on genetic testing, in addition to a fun option that lets you see other dogs in their database that are closely related to yours!

I HIGHLY recommend that you spend a little bit more and purchase a test from Embark or Wisdom Panel and skip DNA My Dog. What is the point of a DNA test if you can’t trust the results?

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RELATED ARTICLES:

• The Ultimate List of the BEST Foods For Shiba Inus! (Dry, wet, grain-free, etc.)

• 7 BEST Invisible Fences For Shiba Inus (Wireless/Wired)

 

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Have you tried any DNA tests on your Shiba Inu?

 

If so, let us know which you liked best below! Also, did you find out anything interesting or unexpected? Thanks. 🙂