Dog DNA Parentage Test: Understand, Order, and Successfully Collect Samples

Verifying a puppy’s parentage with its sire and dam is no longer a matter of intuition or “assumed” pedigree. The canine DNA parentage test compares the genetic profiles of the presumed parents and the puppies to confirm (inclusion) or exclude (exclusion) a biological relationship. It’s a simple tool to use at home, reliable, and has become standard for both breeders and private owners.

Why Do a Canine Parentage Test

• certify a litter and reassure future adopters

• resolve doubts in cases of multiple matings or closely spaced breedings

• document a pedigree with a club or registry

• secure breeding decisions and avoid costly disputes

In the industry, laboratories compare genetic markers inherited from the father and mother. Historically, STRs (microsatellites) established by ISAG panels have been used; some registries now use broader SNP panels. Both approaches serve the same purpose: verifying that each puppy carries one allele from each parent at every tested marker.

The Scientific Principle, Explained Simply

Each dog has two copies of every tested marker: one inherited from the mother, one from the father. In the lab, a DNA profile is established for each participant, then the profiles are overlaid:

• if, for all markers, the puppy’s alleles can be explained by the combination of mother + presumed father, it’s called an inclusion (the sire “qualifies”);

• if one or more markers show a clear genetic mismatch, it’s an exclusion (the tested male is not the biological father).

Labs follow validated panels (STR or SNP) and can increase the number of markers if the case is complex (closely related dogs, multiple potential sires, limited samples).

Is the Mother Absolutely Required?

Including the mother’s DNA is strongly recommended: it allows her genetic contribution to be subtracted from the puppies’ profiles and prevents false inclusions of the presumed father. Without the mother, the analysis is still possible but less powerful and sometimes more expensive, as the lab may need to test more markers to achieve certainty.

In practice, you can test only the father and puppies. Just expect a more in-depth analysis and, depending on the case, additional fees—this is especially true if several males could have mated with the female during the same period.

Samples: At-Home Saliva Collection, No Vet Needed

The test is done using buccal swabs (sterile cottons) rubbed inside each dog’s cheek. No blood draw, no clinic visit: you collect the samples calmly at home, then return them to the lab in the provided envelope.

Best practices for clean sampling, especially with a litter:

1. no food or water during the hour before sampling;

2. isolate each puppy from the mother, siblings, food bowls, and toys at least 1 hour before swabbing (to avoid cell exchange);

3. collect from one dog at a time, wash hands, and change gloves between dogs;

4. use separate, well-labeled swabs for each participant.

   
   

How It Works with infotestadn.com

1. you order your canine parentage test online;

2. you receive a sampling kit at home with instructions and forms;

3. you collect the swabs for the father, mother (if available), and puppies;

4. you send the samples by mail to the lab;

5. you receive your report by email, indicating for each puppy whether the tested father “qualifies” (inclusion) or is “excluded.”

You can include several puppies in the same order, and even multiple presumed fathers if needed; additional fees apply per extra participant. This flexibility is standard in reputable labs.

What If the Dogs Are Close Relatives or There Are Multiple Fathers?

In “sensitive” cases (related dogs, cousins, brothers, or multiple sires), several males may “qualify” with a basic panel. The lab may then add more markers to resolve the result. That’s why it’s best to send the DNA of all possible fathers and the mother from the start, to reduce back-and-forth.

What the Result Report Includes

The parentage report shows the status for each father-puppy pair (inclusion/exclusion) and, depending on the lab, the genetic profile used. This document is commonly accepted as scientific proof of parentage in breeder transactions and for building responsible sales records. Current panels (18 to 22 STR markers, or broader SNP panels) provide a very high exclusion power when the samples are of good quality.

Practical Tips Before Ordering

• plan to include the mother when possible;

• if multiple males had access to the female, list and include all of them;

• anticipate the logistics of sampling a litter (isolation, labeling, gloves);

• follow the kit’s instructions exactly to avoid contamination;

• in case of a missing sample or issue, contact us: solutions exist (additional markers, added participants, new samples).

The canine DNA parentage test is therefore a reasonable investment to secure a litter, reassure adopters, and enhance your breeding work. With simple saliva collection, a remote procedure, and standardized lab methods, you get a clear, documented, and usable answer.

If you’re ready, order your kit, receive it at home, and follow the guide. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from sample collection to interpreting the results.