Types and Necessity of Canine Genetic Testing

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compiled the essential information every pet owner should know about canine genetic testing, including the types of tests available, how they’re performed, and how to use the results.

Is Canine Genetic Testing Necessary?

A veterinarian collecting a sample from a puppy's oral mucosa.

A canine genetic test analyzes your dog’s DNA to assess risks for inherited diseases, determine breed composition, and identify potential drug sensitivities. Purebred dogs are often more susceptible to breed-specific genetic conditions, so genetic testing enables early prevention and personalized health management. Even for mixed-breed dogs, knowing which breeds contribute to their genetic makeup can greatly help guide their healthcare. Today, the test is simple and minimally invasive, requiring only a quick swab of the oral mucosa.

What You Can Learn from Genetic Testing

Genetic testing can provide you with more information than you might expect.

Carrier status for genetic diseases: You can determine whether your pet is a carrier for genetic conditions known to occur in their breed. According to veterinary dermatology textbooks, genetic testing is available for several breeds for hereditary skin disorders, including genodermatoses (such as disorders of keratinization). However, the list of testable conditions may vary depending on the testing laboratory and the time of publication, so it’s best to consult your veterinarian or the testing lab to find out which tests are available for your pet.

Drug sensitivity: Certain breeds have been reported to have genetic predispositions related to drug metabolism. In these cases, pets may exhibit unexpected reactions to specific medications, so checking this in advance can help ensure safer drug selection. That said, available test items and their feasibility may differ by laboratory, so please discuss this with your veterinarian.

Breed composition analysis: Some laboratories offer tests that can identify which breed genes are present in mixed-breed dogs.

Coat color and body type traits: Depending on the genetic makeup, you may be able to obtain information about certain physical traits, but availability of this feature varies by testing laboratory.

Overview of Genetic Test Types

Dog genetic testing can be broadly divided into three categories.

Genetic disease screening: This test checks whether a dog is a carrier of genetic diseases that are more common in certain breeds. It is especially important if you are planning to breed your dog.

Breed analysis: This test analyzes the breed composition of mixed-breed dogs. It helps you understand which breed-specific health traits to watch for.

Drug sensitivity testing: This test checks for genetic variations that affect how a dog responds to certain medications. Knowing this information beforehand can help ensure safer choices when selecting anesthesia for surgery or prescribing deworming medications.

Some testing companies offer these three tests as a bundled package.

How Is the Test Performed?

The testing process is simpler than you might expect. According to veterinary dermatology textbooks, genetic testing can be performed using either a blood sample or a swab of oral mucosal cells. Blood sampling is suitable for dogs of all ages, while oral mucosal swabs should only be taken after the puppy is at least six weeks old and has been weaned to ensure accurate results. When collecting oral mucosal samples, it’s important to avoid contamination from saliva. It’s best not to give your dog any food or treats before the swab, and if they’ve recently shared toys with other dogs, wait a while before collecting the sample to prevent saliva mixing. Once collected, the sample is sent to a testing laboratory, and results are typically available within 2–4 weeks. Blood-based testing requires a visit to the veterinary clinic.

Key Points to Check When Choosing a Testing Company

Not all genetic tests are created equal. The number of markers tested, the range of detectable conditions, and the size of the reference database can vary significantly between companies. For the most reliable results, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to identify the most appropriate test for your pet’s specific breed. We also advise having a professional help interpret the results.

Genetic Conditions to Check by Breed

If you’re raising a purebred dog, it’s a good idea to get screened for genetic conditions commonly seen in that breed.

Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers: These breeds are known to have a predisposition to genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and exercise-induced collapse.

Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs: Breed-specific predispositions have been reported, including drug sensitivity gene mutations and Collie eye anomaly.

Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers: These breeds are known to have a genetic predisposition to patellar luxation and tracheal collapse.

Bulldogs and Pugs: Genetic traits associated with brachycephalic airway syndrome have been reported in these breeds.

Veterinary dermatology textbooks also note that predispositions to genetic diseases can vary by region and population. The list above is provided for general reference; it’s important to determine the specific genetic disease risks for your dog through individual testing.

A scene of various dog breeds sitting together.

How to Use Your Test Results

If you’ve received test results, it’s important to review and interpret them together with your veterinarian. Being a carrier of a certain disease doesn’t necessarily mean your pet will develop it, but the results can greatly help determine the appropriate schedule for regular check-ups and guide overall health management. If a genetic mutation affecting drug sensitivity is identified, be sure to document it in your pet’s medical records. This ensures that even in an emergency, another veterinarian can choose safe medications. If you’re planning to breed your pet, genetic carrier testing is essential. According to veterinary internal medicine textbooks, simply avoiding breeding between carriers can effectively eliminate certain hereditary diseases.

The owner reviewing the genetic test results with the veterinarian.

Understanding the Limitations of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing reveals potential risks, not definitive diagnoses. Even if a pet is identified as a carrier, symptoms may never develop throughout its lifetime, and conditions not covered by the test can still occur. Since environment, nutrition, and lifestyle significantly impact health, it’s best not to rely solely on genetic test results. Regular health check-ups remain essential.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can puppies undergo genetic testing?

Oral mucosal swab testing can be performed on puppies from six weeks of age onward, once they have been weaned. Since there is no upper age limit, adult dogs can also be tested at any time.

Do mixed-breed dogs also need genetic testing?

Yes, it can actually be even more beneficial for mixed-breed dogs. Knowing which breeds are in their lineage allows you to proactively prepare for diseases that are common to those specific breeds.

Does a positive test result always mean the disease will develop?

Not necessarily. Being a carrier simply means the dog has the genetic mutation; it doesn’t mean the disease will definitely develop. However, if the other parent dog also carries the same mutation, the likelihood of the puppies developing the condition increases.

How accurate are the results of the genetic test?

Test accuracy can vary depending on the testing facility and the analytical methods used. Even when testing for the same genetic variant, results and analytical capabilities may differ from one laboratory to another, and some tests may lack sufficient scientific evidence. Therefore, it’s important to verify both the accuracy and reliability of the testing institution. Additionally, since these tests do not cover all genetic diseases, they should be used in conjunction with regular veterinary check-ups.

Do I only need to have my pet undergo genetic testing once?

Yes, since DNA doesn’t change, the results of a single test remain valid for life. However, as testing technology advances, new markers may be added, so it might be worth considering an updated test in a few years.