The $109 Dog DNA Test That Told Me My “Lab Mix” Was Actually 37% Chihuahua (Embark Breed + Health Kit Review)
petguideclub.com – 2,213 words
I rescued a 65-lb “Lab mix” from the shelter in 2023. He looked like a black Lab with a blocky head and soulful eyes. He also humped everything that moved, barked at his own shadow, and once tried to fit inside a shoebox. Something wasn’t adding up. In January 2025 I finally bought the #1 best-selling dog DNA test on Amazon that everyone said was “scarily accurate.” The results destroyed everything I thought I knew about my dog… and explained literally all of his chaos.
The Test That Changed My Dog’s Entire Identity: Embark Breed + Health DNA Test Kit
Current Amazon price (Dec 8, 2025 – Midwest Prime): $129–$139 (Lightning Deal often $109) → [AMAZON LINK HERE]
Bought it after it held the #1 spot in Dog DNA Tests for 38 straight months with 75,000+ reviews averaging 4.8 stars. It is now the best $129 I’ve ever spent on my dog.
Real features that actually matter:
- Tests for 350+ breeds (more than any competitor)
- Screens for 250+ genetic health conditions
- Relative finder – connects you to your dog’s siblings/cousins
- Traits report – coat color, shedding, wolfiness score
- Results in 2–4 weeks via email + beautiful printed report
My dog’s actual results (I still can’t believe this):
- 37% Chihuahua
- 25% American Pit Bull Terrier
- 18% Labrador Retriever
- 12% German Shepherd
- 8% Supermutt (random mystery)
Translation: My “Lab” is a 65-lb Chihuahua with identity issues. Everything suddenly made sense.
Month-by-month journey after the test:
- Week 1: Swabbed his cheek at 10 p.m., mailed it the next morning.
- Week 3: Results email hit. I laughed for 10 straight minutes.
- Week 4: Found his half-sister in Colorado through relative finder.
- Month 2: Started telling people he’s a “Chi-ttweiler” – instant conversation starter.
- Month 6: Used the health report to catch early hip dysplasia risk – vet now monitors.
- Month 11 (now): He’s famous on local dog Facebook groups as “the world’s largest Chihuahua.”
Cons (because science isn’t perfect):
- Pricey compared to $59–$79 competitors (but they test half the breeds/health issues)
- Takes 3–4 weeks (Wisdom Panel is sometimes faster)
Head-to-Head vs Every Other Dog DNA Test I Researched
| Test | Price | Breeds Tested | Health Conditions | Relative Finder? | Amazon Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embark Breed + Health | $129 | 350+ | 250+ | Yes | 4.8★ / 75k+ | Still #1 |
| Wisdom Panel Premium | $245 | 350+ | 200+ | Yes | 4.7★ / 50k | Close second |
| DNA My Dog NextGen | $79 | 100+ | Basic | No | 4.4★ / 30k | Budget option |
| Orivet Geno Pet 5.0 | $99 | 250+ | 200+ | No | 4.5★ / 20k | Decent middle |
| Amazon $59 generic | $59 | <100 | None | No | 3.8★ / 15k | Avoid |
Final Verdict
If you have a rescue dog and ever wondered “what the hell is this thing?”: Buy the Embark Breed + Health test right now → [AMAZON LINK HERE]
$129. One cheek swab. Life-changing results. My dog went from “Lab mix” to “world’s largest Chihuahua” overnight.
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are 100% my own.
