The short answer
Breed results compare your dog's DNA with a reference database. Makers publish accuracy claims (DNA My Dog says over 99%; Embark claims 99% breed ID), but results depend on which breeds are in each database. Small percentages are the least certain, and two companies can disagree on a mixed breed.
Why results differ
- Database size and breeds included (350+ to 430+).
- How each company groups ancestry it can't match.
- Small percentages (under ~10%) are less certain.
Reading your report
- Focus on the large ancestry segments.
- Treat traits and behavior as tendencies, not destiny.
- Use health results only with your vet.
Picking a test
Larger databases help mixed breeds: Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery lists 430+ breeds and Embark Breed ID 400+, including village dogs.
Products mentioned
Questions readers ask
Why did two DNA tests give different results?
They use different reference databases and methods.
Are small breed percentages reliable?
They're the least certain part of a report.