Choosing the Best Dog Mix DNA Test: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to determining your dog's mix and understanding their genetic background, several companies offer DNA testing services. Embark, Wisdom Panel, and DNA My Dog are among the top providers. Each offers detailed information on breed composition, health risks, and ancestry. Comparing features, customer reviews, and costs can help you determine the best option for your needs.

Wisdom Panel

I recently had a Wisdom Panel at-home swab test done on my dog Sunny. I had always assumed she was a pit bull mix, but I had no idea what she was mixed with. We guessed pointers, greyhounds, and whippets, but the results came in, and they were quite unexpected. Sunny turned out to be 50% American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), 25% white Norwegian Spitz (Schipperke), and 25% unknown. One quarter of this dog:

As an estimate, Sunny's adult weight according to the results should be around 27-45 lbs. What the hell, you might be thinking. But we laugh about it anyway.

Wisdom Panel Blood Test

If you prefer a blood test, I recommend the Wisdom Panel Blood Test. Results are typically back within 3 weeks, and you receive a comprehensive packet of information, including the family tree breakdown. However, as Justine mentioned, mixed reviews exist regarding the saliva test. I have known several dogs tested through the Wisdom Panel, and although a couple of the results were surprising and one of my dogs was too mixed to determine the breakdown, Wisdom Panel seemed to be quite accurate in the majority of cases. For example, my best friend's rescue dog, which looked like an overgrowing Labradoodle, turned out to be 50% Standard Poodle, 25% Coonhound, and 25% St. Bernard. She definitely has characteristics of all three!

According to my research, the cost for the Wisdom Panel blood test at a vet hospital is typically around $100-150.

Embark, Wisdom Panel, and DNA My Dog: A Side by Side Comparison

When comparing options, it's essential to look at the services provided by Embark, Wisdom Panel, and DNA My Dog. Embark offers a range of tests, including comprehensive mixed breed testing, while Wisdom Panel specializes in mixed breed DNA testing. DNA My Dog is another player in the market, but it only caters to purebred dogs.

Features

Embark offers comprehensive mixed breed testing, alongside health and early warning alerts. Wisdom Panel focuses on mixed breed testing and provides detailed family tree information. DNA My Dog is ideal for purebred dogs and offers the ability to match your pet with a breeder.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are crucial in making an informed decision. Embark, Wisdom Panel, and DNA My Dog all have varying levels of satisfaction from their customers. Embark consistently receives high ratings for its thorough analysis and easy-to-understand reports. Wisdom Panel has received mixed reviews, with some users finding the results accurate but others reporting disappointment. DNA My Dog users generally appreciate its breed-specific databases and ability to find the perfect match for a purebred dog.

Cost

The cost for these tests can vary, but here's a general breakdown:

Embark: $129 for their basic mixed breed test, with additional test options starting at $129. Wisdom Panel: $99 for their mixed breed test, with additional options starting at $135. DNA My Dog: $99 for their test, with additional options for specific breeds.

Is Dog DNA Testing Reliable?

A quick scan of web search results reveals dozens, if not hundreds, of dog DNA testing services. The commentary ranges from occasional endorsement to suspicion and criticism to accusations of outright fraud. It is unfortunate, but the lack of comprehensive and unbiased comparison websites, accepted standards, and extensive peer-reviewed literature on canine testing makes it challenging to find reliable data.

Given my knowledge of the difficulties involved in human DNA testing, the absence of accepted standards and extensive peer-reviewed literature on canine testing, and the appeal of making an easy buck off of Fido, I would guess that most dog DNA testing services out there are poor at best and potentially fraudulent, especially when it comes to mixed breed testing. Buyer beware - statistically, your money is unlikely to be well spent.

Conclusion

When choosing a dog mix DNA test, it's important to weigh the features, customer reviews, and costs. Embark, Wisdom Panel, and DNA My Dog offer a range of services, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. It's crucial to do thorough research and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.