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Wisdom Panel Canine DNA Review

10

If you’ve ever stared into your pet’s big, beautiful eyes and thought, “I wish I knew more,” you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into the Wisdom Panel dog DNA test and exploring how this simple screening opens up a whole world of understanding about your pet. In this article, we’ll dig into the cost, pros, and cons of this innovative method of pet investigation.

Pros


  • No unexplained ancestry
  • 1% breed accuracy
  • Over 265 health tests
  • Cat testing available

Cons


  • Bristly collecting swab
  • Extra step to opting out of DNA results becoming public
  • Must wait 2 hours after feeding to collect sample

About Wisdom Panel DNA Testing

Wisdom Panel DNA testing for dogs and cats has tested over 5 million pets thus far, creating the largest pet health database of all the pet DNA testing kits. The company's experience has led it to develop a custom genotyping chip and an industry-leading breed identification system, which is more precise than any other dog DNA kit, resulting in greater accuracy in their results.

Currently, Wisdom Panel DNA testing is 1,140x more efficient than the industry standard and can detect over 365 dog breeds and more than 70 cat breeds. Rather than offering generic DNA results such as “supermutt,” their standards aim for the highest precision of their breed mix breakdown.

Features and Benefits

  • Test kits start at $99.99

  • No unexplained ancestry

  • 1% breed accuracy

  • Over 265 health tests

  • Over 50 trait tests

  • 15 behavior tests

  • Cat testing available

  • Free genetic consultation for some results

Wisdom Panel DNA Test Reviews: Editorial Rating

Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for Wisdom Panel DNA Test: 10

Wisdom Panel DNA testing for dogs and cats stands out as the best pet DNA company we’ve reviewed for our overview of the best pet DNA testing providers. It's earned its outstanding rating and reputation through years of providing accurate results and incredible customer service. The company's average customer rating exceeds 4 out of 5 stars, and it's well known for having the world’s largest pet DNA database, with over 5 million samples collected.

Wisdom Panel DNA Test

Price

Dog or Cat Testing

Standout Feature

Starting at $99.99

Both

World's Largest Database

Why We Like It

Wisdom Panel DNA received 10 points in every category we ranked them in, from price point to testing types and more. We love that its starting price point is one of the lowest on the market, yet it provides the broadest range of testing options for both dogs and cats.

After providing a simple-to-collect saliva sample from your dog or cat, you’ll receive test results that outline your pet’s genetic makeup, including their breed, physical traits, health, and behavior markers. Furthermore, with the world’s largest pet DNA database behind it, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the most accurate DNA results available.

What We Don't Like

The only downfall we found to Wisdom Panel’s pet DNA testing kits is that the sample collection brush is somewhat bristly, rather than soft like some of their competitors. While it’s unlikely to cause discomfort in your pet, you should take great care to be gentle during the collection process.

Wisdom Panel DNA Test Details

Wisdom Panel provides DNA testing for pet parents of both cats and dogs. Each test includes instructions for sample collection and various testing options, depending on which you choose.

Testing Types

Wisdom Panel DNA offers several tiers of dog testing, as well as one tier for cats. Breeders looking to test multiple pets for genetic diseases, diversity, traits, and receive parentage verification and ISAG 2020 DNA profiles and certificates can purchase their Optimal Selection kits separately.

Wisdom Panel DNA Tests

Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery for Dogs

Wisdom Panel Essential Kit for Dogs

Wisdom Panel Premium for Dogs

Wisdom Panel Complete for Cats

$99.99

$119.99

$159.99

$129.99

Screen for 365+ Breeds

Screen for 365+ Breeds

Screen for 365+ Breeds

Screen for 70+ Breeds & Populations

Test for MDR1 (medication sensitivities)

Test for 25+ health conditions and sensitivities

Test for 265+ health conditions and sensitivities

Test for 45+ genetic health conditions

Pet relative identification

Pet relative identification

Pet relative identification

Multi-generational family tree

2 Behavior tests

2 Behavior tests

15 Behavior tests

25+ Physical traits

50+ Trait tests

50+ Trait Tests

Identify blood type

Genetic consultation for ‘at-risk’ health findings

Genetic consultation for ‘at-risk’ health findings

Accuracy

With the world’s largest DNA database and advanced technology, Wisdom Panel dog DNA test kits can identify breed mix information for as little as 1% of the dog’s genetic makeup. Rather than group smaller bits of your dog’s DNA into a “Supermutt,” you’ll receive a full breakdown of your pet’s genetic background.

Turnaround Time

After receiving your testing kit, follow the directions to collect your pet’s DNA sample carefully. Then, mail the sample back to Wisdom Panel in the prepaid mailer. You’ll receive notification that your report is ready via email in as little as 2-3 weeks. Use your sample ID to sign in to your account and view your full report as often as you’d like.

Ease of Use

The Wisdom Panel dog DNA test is simple to purchase and use. Simply visit the company's website to purchase the test kit of your choice. Then, use the included brush to swab your pet’s cheek for 15 seconds to gather their DNA.

Carefully follow the instructions for packaging the DNA before mailing it back via the prepaid mailer. That’s it. This simple process takes only a few minutes of your time and provides a comprehensive and detailed view of your dog’s history and health.

Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test Customer Reviews

Wisdom Panel DNA has a 4.5/5 star rating on TrustPilot. Users highly recommend the company for its detailed results and the ease of sample collection. Many expressed shock at the insights they gained from the test and found the results helpful.

Negative reviews for Wisdom Panel dog DNA tests were primarily related to poor customer service experiences and disappointment with the results, particularly when individuals expected a different breed reporting.

Who Is the Wisdom Panel DNA Test Best For?

The Wisdom Panel Cat and Dog DNA tests are an excellent option for pet parents who want to gain a deeper understanding of their animal. Whether you’re looking for a specific breed analysis or want to utilize their genetic health risks results to work proactively with your vet to provide the best care, you’ll love the thorough analysis.

Combined with feeding the best pet food brands and covering your pet’s healthcare with the best pet insurance, a Wisdom Panel DNA test is one of the best things you can do for your pet’s health.

Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test Alternatives

While Wisdom Panel is our top-rated choice, it isn’t the only option available. Other companies offer unique features, pricing, or specialties that may better fit your needs. You can explore these alternatives in our overview of the best pet DNA companies, especially if you’re looking for faster turnaround times, cat-focused testing, or expanded health insights.

  • Embark Veterinary: Offers detailed health testing, gut health analysis, and supplement recommendations.

  • Basepaws: Specializes in cat DNA testing with in-depth breed and health results for felines.

  • Paw Print Genetics & Orivet: Affordable tests for cats and dogs with a strong breeder-focused platform.

  • Alpha Dog DNA: A newcomer with lightning-fast turnaround times and modern, easy-to-read reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dog DNA tests tell age?

Yes, some dog DNA tests do utilize technology that can roughly determine a dog's age based on their DNA methylation. Simply put, researchers look for changes to the animal’s cells that typically occur during the aging process to estimate the animal's age. However, the process is not exact and can only provide a rough estimate.

How much DNA do we share with dogs?

Surprisingly, humans and dogs share a great deal of DNA, as much as 84% depending on breed. To put this in perspective, Chimpanzees share 98.8% of DNA with humans, only 14.8% more than dogs. This is primarily due to both humans and dogs being mammals, but it may explain why we share such close bonds with our canine friends.

About Author

Tammy McKinney, RN

Tammy McKinney, RN

Tammy McKinney, RN, is a seasoned registered nurse and accomplished healthcare and personal finance writer. With a background in acute care, long-term care, and hospice & palliative care, Tammy combines her medical expertise with her passion for writing to educate and inform the public on various health and finance-related topics.