Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy my test?
On our website! Your dog’s results will auto-upload to our website, but you’ll have the same service and experience as ordering through UC Davis. Click here to order your own canine diversity test today!!
How can I enroll my breed?
We here at BetterBred have vast experience in helping breeds from the research phase of a breed all the way to maintenance of a well established and tested population. We have worked with many different breeds, both forming and established, to help them conserve the breed’s genetic diversity. We currently do not charge to help a breed get established. Please contact us to get started or click here to read more about enrolling your breed!
What is required for my breed to get enrolled so we can start using your website?
The canine diversity test costs $50 during the research/development phase of any breed. The goal of the research phase (approximately 100 dogs) is to sample the depth and breadth of diversity that remains in your breed’s genepool. Once established, breeding recommendations will be made for your breed and you can begin using our online breed management software! We have experience with many different ways a breed may go about their initial sample: some breed clubs fund the testing, others offset the price, or breeders themselves fund the initial 100. The most important goal is to sample as diverse and different a population as possible for the first 100 tested.
Do I need a membership in order to upload my dog to your database?
We take privacy concerns very seriously here! We need you to have a membership so that we can verify ownership of the submitted dog. It’s a privacy concern to ensure that individual owner’s have control over the use of their data, therefore we need your permission and a way to verify ownership. In exchange for uploading your dog, you will get a free individual dog analysis/profile as well as cloud storage of your titles and health testing.
I’m ordering tests for a litter of puppies. Do I need their registered names now, or can I use their litter names?
You can order your litter using their litter names (like “orange collar”). Once ordered, they will go to “my pending dogs“, which can be found on your “my dogs” page. From there, you can update and change names as needed, or later once their profiles are uploaded to our database. It’s simple and easy!
I am having trouble logging in, can you help me?
If you’ve tried our password reset and did not receive an email, make sure you have “theteam@betterbred.com” on your approved contact list and that our email is not being sent to spam. Please email us for help if you cannot reach us at our Chat feature on our website! Email theteam@betterbred.com and we will help you as soon as we can!
How do I use buccal swabs to get DNA for UC Davis?
How are you associated with UC Davis VGL?
We have a great working relationship with VGL and work closely with them to analyze your results. However, we are a separate company. We love their research goals to aid breeders and support their ethics when it comes to producing meaningful and accurate test results for dog breeds.
Can I order my own buccal swabs?
We prefer you have UC Davis send their own swabs, but an acceptable type of swab to purchase yourself is GUM Go-Betweens Proxabrush Cleaners Wide 4 Pack x 8
Can I upload my dogs without a paying membership to BetterBred?
Yes! We offer a free public membership with which you can upload your dog for free, add titles, health testing (and more!) as well as get a free individual analysis. Please do so here: Submit My Dog! Additionally you can order through us and get a free basic comparison tool and your dog will auto-upload to our database! Click here to order your own canine diversity test today!!
I’m a small time breeder and cannot afford your membership.
We totally understand, it’s expensive to breed dogs between showing, testing, whelping and raising puppies. Small time breeders can join for just a month and run all their test breedings and take our free mini course, then cancel their membership until they need it again.
Can I send you a check or use PayPal?
Our online ordering system employs Stripe, a leading innovator in online credit card ordering. Safe and secure, your credit card information will be safe with us! We have an easy and secure checkout process.
I don’t understand how to use my results, where can I learn more?
We understand this is a lot of new information to take in and it takes a while to navigate. To help our users, we have created a free mini course for all our members. Please check it out under “My courses”. We also occasionally offer a longer 5 week course that goes more in depth, check in often to see when it will be offered next!
Can this testing be used to establish paternity?
Yes, this testing can determine paternity on dual sired litters. However, AKC will require their own test to establish paternity, should your breed be registered with them.
Can frozen semen be used to establish a profile?
Yes, UC Davis will use semen to create a profile. They will even attempt with a used vial, though cannot guarantee enough sample to get results.
I made an update to my dog and it’s not showing up! What gives?
We review all changes made to our database to ensure accuracy, consistency and reliability. Please be patient while someone approves your change.
I submitted health updates my dog and it says “unverified” next to my entry. How do I get that removed?
BetterBred makes a great effort to ensure that our members know which health test results we have and have not been able to verify on individual dogs. If there is *unverified next to an entry, a member of the staff was unable to find proof of the testing. Due to the necessary amount of time required for BetterBred staff to verify health results, we only verify testing for our premium members, so that we may better serve them. For all premium members, a part of our staff will attempt to verify that the testing reported has been completed.
I am trying to register and haven’t received an email, help!
Occasionally we need to manually approve accounts. You can send us a chat on our website or email us at theteam@betterbred.com and we will get you all set up!
I no longer own a dog, can I change ownership to the new owner?
Sure! Just send us an email to let us know the new owner and we will move them in to their new owner’s account!