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What Is DNA My Dog Breed ID Test? How Does It Work?

The DNA My Dog Breed ID Test is exactly what it sounds like. It offers dog owners, especially those with dogs of mixed or unknown breed, a way to see what breeds their beloved pet is made up of. Why is this important? In addition to allowing dog owners to learn more about their dog in general, it can also help you learn more about breed characteristics and potential health concerns to be aware of. You can learn why your dog is the way that they are.

The DNA My Dog Breed ID Test is easy to use. You simply register the test online, swab your dog’s mouth with the included swab, then mail it back in the provided, postage-paid envelope. Once the company receives your test, they will analyze your dog’s DNA and email you the results. This can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks after they receive your test. You will learn what percentage of different breeds your dog is (out of 350 breeds in their database) and even potential genetic health concerns just through your dog’s DNA.

In short, DNA My Dog offers an affordable way to test your dog’s DNA from the comfort of your home. This is a great option if you don’t have time to take your dog to the veterinarian just for DNA testing, or if you want a more budget-friendly option than what some vets may charge for this service.

DNA My Dog Breed ID Test – A Quick Look

DNA My Dog Breed ID Test Pricing

DNA My Dog offers two separate breed tests: the Essential Breed ID Test and the Premium Breed ID Test. The Premium Breed ID Test costs around $50 more than the Essential Breed ID Test, but the only major difference between the two is that the Premium test will also test for wolf and coyote DNA in your dog. So unless you just care about this information and have a little more money to play with, the Essential test will more than likely suit your needs.

As of the time of this writing, the Essential Breed ID Test is $79.99, while the Premium Breed ID Test is $129.99. Even if this seems pricey, note that some veterinarians may charge up to $200 for a breed ID test on your dog. So, you could potentially be saving money by ordering the DNA My Dog Test, depending on how much your vet charges. Plus, you don’t even have to leave the house to perform this test on your dog.

Both breed ID tests can be purchased directly from the DNA My Dog website, and the company also offers a Canine Allergy Test as well.

What to Expect From DNA My Dog Breed ID Test

The DNA My Dog Breed ID Test is very easy to use. Once you’ve received the product in the mail, as with anything, read the instructions first. You will be asked to return to the DNA My Dog website and register your test with the code provided on the packaging, in addition to answering a few questions about what you know about your dog.

After registering your test, you’ll use the included swab to swab the inside of your dog’s cheek to collect the DNA sample. The instructions offer information about how to best do this and when the best time to do this is. After swabbing your dog, you’ll let the swab air dry, then place the swab in the sample sleeve.

Then, you’ll place the sample sleeve in the included postage-paid return envelope and drop it in the mail. Once the company receives your sample, they’ll analyze it in their laboratory. All you have to do then is wait for the results to be emailed to you, which can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks after they receive your sample.

DNA My Dog Breed ID Test Contents

Ease of Use

One of the best things about the DNA My Dog Breed ID Test is the ease of use of both the product itself and the website. Many websites have a ton of information on the homepage and sometimes important information that you need is buried or hard to find. With DNA My Dog, the “Register Test” button is very easy to find, which makes activating your test easy.

The test itself is also easy to use, thanks to the step-by-step instructions that tell you exactly what to do. They also offer helpful tips on how to get the best test results possible, such as when to swab your dog and how long to swab your dog. If you’re more of a visual learner, there is even a helpful video you can watch on how to swab your dog here.

Affordability and Convenience

The affordability of this test is subjective, depending on your budget and how much your veterinarian would charge for the same service. However, overall, this product is very affordable considering the average price that most vets would charge for this service. If you opt for just the Essential Breed ID Test, you can learn a lot about your dog’s breed for less than $100.

Even if this test isn’t more affordable than what your vet would charge, it’s hard to argue with the convenience that this test offers. Many people’s working schedules don’t allow them to take their dogs to the vet just to have something like this performed, or it’s just not practical for whatever reason. But with the DNA My Dog test, you don’t even have to leave your home. It’s delivered straight to your door so that you can perform the test yourself and then simply place the return envelope in your own mailbox or drop it by the post office the next time you’re out.

Quality and Accuracy

To be as simple as this product is, it’s pretty good quality. The included swab is not just made out of paper and cotton like what most people think of when they think of a swab; it’s a medical grade swab, and you can tell that the company takes pride in what they do just by the quality of the product.

As for the accuracy, there’s no reason to believe that the test isn’t accurate, as they test for over 350 different breeds that they have in their database. The DNA My Dog Breed ID Test provides what percentage of different breeds your dog is, as well as compares their chronological age with their genetic age; in other words, how old your dog actually is compared to how fast your dog is aging. It’s true that a test performed by a vet may provide a more in-depth analysis, so you could always have another test done at your vet’s office if you’re doubtful and want to compare the results.

But once you see the results and the information provided about each breed, you may be able to gauge the accuracy of it just by using what you know about your dog and how it compares to the information provided about the different breeds. Overall, for the price and ease of use, the quality and accuracy of this test is pretty amazing.

Turnaround Time

The one inconsistency with the DNA My Dog Breed ID Test is the turnaround time. On the packaging, it says that the wait time for results is approximately 2 weeks after the laboratory receives your sample. However, wait times can vary between 2 weeks and 3 weeks or potentially more. It’s important to note that the company is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. So if you live in the United States or somewhere a bit farther away from Ontario, it may take longer for the company to receive your sample in the first place.

If your results are taking longer than anticipated, you can always reach out to DNA My Dog’s customer service to inquire about your results if the 2 week window has passed. Otherwise, just be aware that you may have to wait longer than 2 weeks to get your results back. If it’s a matter of urgency, you might reach out to the company and have your results expedited for a fee or take your dog to the vet instead for a faster option.

Is DNA My Dog DNA Breed ID Test a Good Value?

Overall, DNA My Dog Breed ID Test is a very good value especially due to the convenience that comes along with it. However, the Essential Breed ID Test may be a better option for those with a tighter budget, since the only major difference is that the Premium Breed ID Test tests for wolf/coyote DNA as well as may provide a little more genetic information about your dog. If you don’t feel like that’s something you need and you just want to find out what breed(s) your dog is, the Essential Breed ID Test provides the best value for your money. However, it still may be worth it to you to reach out to your veterinarian to see what they are charging for this same service and what the test covers.

FAQ

Below are a few of the frequently asked questions regarding the DNA My Dog Breed ID Test. If you have other questions not listed here, we recommend reaching out to the company directly or checking out their Help Centre.

Can the test confirm that my dog is purebred?

The DNA My Dog Breed ID Test is designed to be used primarily for mixed breed dogs. That being said, you can use this test to test a dog that you believe is purebred, but the test may not confirm that your dog is purebred even if only one breed comes back in your results. You will more than likely need a pedigree to determine if your dog is purebred.

Can the test be used for puppies?

The DNA My Dog Breed ID Test can be used on dogs of any age, puppies included. However, it’s best to wait until your puppy is weaned from its mother so that your sample doesn’t accidentally include any of the mother’s DNA as well, which can interfere with the accuracy of the results.

What if the kit or swab is damaged or lost?

If your kit never makes it to your home or the kit is damaged when it arrives, please reach out to the company and they will be glad to help. If your swab is lost, also reach out to the company and they will help you replace it, potentially for a small fee, depending on how and when the swab was lost.

Our Experience With DNA My Dog Breed ID Test

I had the privilege of testing out the DNA My Dog Premium Breed ID Test on my almost 3-year-old Chihuahua mix, Penny. The idea of trying out this test appealed to me because we know that she is primarily a Chihuahua, and her veterinarian confirmed this, however, she is a little bit bigger than what a Chihuahua should be. But, her other potential breeds were hard to identify just by looking at her, as her characteristics are similar to many other small dog breeds.

I received the test and read the instructions, and they were very straightforward. Obviously I knew that I had to swab her mouth, but I was concerned about how she would handle it because she has trouble sitting still sometimes, so I had my husband hold her while I swabbed her mouth. This may not be necessary for every dog, but can be beneficial if you know your dog will be unhappy about the idea of being swabbed. It’s important for your dog to be as still as possible in order to get an accurate swab, so having someone help me was necessary in my case.

Once I collected the swab, I mailed it back and waited for the results, which came in about 3 weeks. The results said that Penny was 62% Chihuahua, 20% Miniature Poodle, and 18% Pekingese. I was a little surprised with the results, especially with the Miniature Poodle, because I see no Poodle characteristics in her. But the other two breeds were not surprising, and overall, I was pleased with the results. The results also gave a nice breakdown of the breed characteristics of each of these three breeds.

As far as Penny’s genetic age results, we discovered that her estimated age is 2.9, while her genetic age is 3.0. The results explained that this means Penny is aging a little bit faster than her actual age, and although it’s not a significant difference, it could be indicative of a troubled start to life or an undiagnosed health condition. While her vet has not found any obvious health conditions at her regular checkups, we do know that she was found abandoned when she was a puppy, which could explain these results, and it’s not much of a concern. However, the results pointed out that if the difference had been more significant, it might be worth looking into with our vet.

Conclusion

Overall, the DNA My Dog Breed ID Test is an affordable and convenient way to discover or confirm the breeds that make up your mixed breed dog. This test can be done completely at home without having to visit your vet, and you can have the results back in as little as a month. I had a very pleasant experience using this product, and would recommend it to anyone that is curious about their dog’s breed and wants to learn more in an easy and affordable way.

The post DNA My Dog Breed ID Test Review 2023: Is It a Good Value? appeared first on Pet Keen.

What Is the Leashboss Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash? How Does It Work?

Wrapping the leash around your hand to pull your dog closer to you is not always practical or safe. If your dog is a strong puller, the leash may slip right through your hand, resulting in injury, such as a painful leash burn. Leashboss has solved this problem with its double-handled leash. With it, you can quickly bring your dog closer to you, and it provides extra control through a second handle and acts as a training tool for dogs that don’t get the heeling concept just yet. The company prides itself in offering high-quality products that will keep your pet safe, happy, and healthy. It sells a variety of leashes, collars, harnesses, toys, feeding bowls, mats, and travel gear.

Where to Get The Leashboss Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash

The double-handled leash from the Leashboss pattern collection can be purchased directly from the company’s website, or it can be found on Amazon.com.

Leashboss Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash — A Quick Look

Leashboss Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash Pricing

Pricing for the double-handle patterned dog leash is $17.98 + shipping if purchased directly from the website or $19.99 with the option of free shipping and returns on Amazon.com. As of this writing, you can get 10% off of your order if you sign up with your email address on the website, and orders over $45.00 ship free!

What to Expect From Leashboss Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash

Leashboss has several different double-handled leashes available on its website. I was particularly drawn to the bright and bold colors of the patterned Double Handle 6 Foot Reflective Leash With Padded Handle. There are four patterns to choose from: blue wave, beige/red mountain, orange blanket, and purple/pink space. There are five additional solid colors in aqua, black, blue, pink, and red if you are not a fan of the patterns (they do cost more: $20.95). The orange blanket pattern stood out to me the most and I was not disappointed when it arrived—the colors are just as brilliant as in the picture! The product was packaged well by the company and arrived in a soft, brown recyclable envelope. The leash itself was protected in a thin, clear plastic bag with an information card containing the company email for any questions or concerns and highlighting additional products from Leashboss.

Leashboss Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash Contents

Dual and Comfortable Handles

The dual handles have a nice width and are comfortably padded with neoprene to prevent injury to your hands. Compare this to a regular, thin leash without the extra padding. You will recognize the difference immediately, especially with a large dog that loves to pull! The second handle, known as a traffic handle, rests 18 inches above the collar clip and is designed to bring your dog closer to you or for when you need extra control. The handle is soft and will not dig into your hands.

Reflective Stitching

Both sides of the leash have three lines of reflective threads, which is a great feature if you like to walk your dog early in the morning or in the evening when visibility is low. This makes you and your dog stand out in a good (and safe) way!

Bright and Bold Colors

The 6-foot polyester leash is brightly patterned with colors ranging from orange, red, and yellow to blue, purple, and green, with different shades in between! One side of the leash has a blanket rainbow pattern, while the reverse side has a red-and-orange linear pattern with a yellow diamond-shaped design overlaying it. Leashboss also has matching collars and harnesses available so your dog can rock a fully stylish new look.

O-Ring for Attaching Accessories

The top handle has a solid black metal O-ring (described as a D-ring on the website) loosely attached around it as a convenient way to clip your poop bag dispenser, keys, or other needed accessories for easy access.

Rotating Swivel Clip

The clip is strong, solid, and sturdy. It swivels around its base to prevent tangling in the leash, which is great if you have an active dog! The clip is easy to attach to a collar or harness.

Is Leashboss Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash a Good Value?

Yes! Leashboss is a great value for the quality and durability of its leash. It is comparably priced to other similar leashes on Amazon.com.

FAQs

Will this leash be strong enough for a Great Dane?

Yes! The leashes were designed for big, strong dogs.

Can small dogs use this leash?

The leash may work for some small to medium-sized dogs. It was made for large, strong pullers, though, so it may be slightly heavy for small dogs and toy breeds.

Our Experience With Leashboss Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash

My dog, Cheeto, is a spayed female Chihuahua mix weighing approximately 15 lbs. She tends to pull in front of me instead of heeling by my side. With a traditional leash, she enjoys wandering ahead, and I feel that I do not have much control over her if something were to suddenly occur. I’m also unable to completely prevent her from eating things, as she quickly gobbles them up before I know what it is. I always worry that it’s something toxic or harmful.

The leash is flexible and flows easily between me and Cheeto, which makes using it more comfortable than stiffer leashes. The handles feel soft, padded, and comfy in my hands without digging into them. The 1-inch width of the handles helps with this too. The stitching on the leash is secure, and the handles and clasp are stitched with a figure-8 pattern for an added level of strength. The clasp is easy to attach and remove from Cheeto’s collar and swivels effortlessly when she decides to change directions, preventing her from getting caught in the leash. At 6 feet in length, the dual-handled leash enables me to provide Cheeto with more space for exercise or to keep her safely at my side.

I like the addition of the traffic handle because I can keep Cheeto close when needed. It is also a great training tool when she decides to pull against the leash, as I can have more control without wrapping the leash around my hands. After a few short sessions, I already see an improvement in her behavior while walking on the leash. She is more obedient and does not pull ahead of me as often as before. Cheeto also enjoys grabbing onto this handle with her mouth as though she is taking herself for a walk!

The traffic handle is slightly difficult to reach if you have short arms and/or a small dog. Unluckily for me, I have both! Tying a knot or two in the middle of the leash can shorten it so the traffic handle is easier to reach. Regardless, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the positive benefits that it provides. For some dogs, though, the handle may be distracting, and they may be tempted to chew it since it is at their level. Dogs may also get their feet and legs caught in the handle if there is enough slack in the leash, so this is something to watch out for.

The reflective stitching and bright colors help you and your dog stand out, though I wish both sides had the rainbow pattern because it is quite striking. The weight of the traffic handle flips the patterned side upside down, so the reverse side is mainly visible and it’s not as appealing. Since the patterns do not match, I feel that it slightly distracts from an otherwise beautiful leash.

The O-ring is handy, but the downside is that the ring is freely movable around the handle and can interfere with your grip. A better, permanent placement would be right below the handle, where it would still be convenient and easy to use but not uncomfortable for your hand or hinder your grip on the leash.

The leash is a bit big for Cheeto because she is a small dog, and it would work better for medium to large-sized dogs. This doesn’t seem to bother her, though; she wears it with pride!

Conclusion

As a shorter person, I’ve had my fair share of being pulled and dragged by dogs. I guess you can say that the dog would end up taking me for a walk instead of the other way around! With the Leashboss Double Handle Leash, though, I have greater control without sacrificing my hands, arms, and back when a dog decides to tow me along. The width, thickness, and padding of the handles help prevent leash burn while adding an extra level of comfort that traditional leashes seem to lack. Now I need the matching collar and harness for Cheeto too!

The post Leashboss Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash Review 2023: Our Vet’s Expert Opinion appeared first on Pet Keen.