At a Glance
Summary
I was pleased with Wisdom Panel’s analysis of my dog’s breed mix, and felt confident in their findings. If you’re wondering which breeds make up your dog’s ancestry, then I thoroughly recommend this test. If you’re unsure whether or not your dog is purebred, the additional tests they offer (included at no extra charge) provide a thorough means of confirmation.
I was happy to find that my dog was clear of all the mutations they had looked for. If your dog is mixed breed, then they are unlikely to have inherited any detrimental mutations. However, if your dog is purebred or mostly purebred, then they are more at risk of inherited health conditions. In this case, Wisdom Panel’s screening of 152 mutations is pretty good value.
Full Review
The Wisdom Panel Canine Breed Detection test was created by Wisdom Health, a company belonging to Mars Veterinary, itself part of the Mars Incorporated group. Wisdom Health aims to aid and encourage responsible pet care by providing valuable insights into pets as individuals, to enhance the well-being and relationship between pets and their owners, as well as breeders, shelters and vets. Through the genetic testing of animals, they hope to make advances in science that will benefit and elongate the lives of all pets.
Product Expectations
On the Wisdom Panel website, I learned that their canine DNA test drew on the “world’s largest breed database”, and could identify more than 220 breeds, types and varieties of dog. In addition to the breed information, they would provide health and traits information, including disease mutations that my dog could potentially carry.
Taking the test (or rather, administering it to my dog!) looked pretty simple. All I had to do was collect her DNA using a cheek swab, activate the DNA kit online, and then send the sample to the lab using prepaid shipping.
Once her DNA had been analyzed, I’d receive a customized online report containing genetic analysis of my dog’s ancestry, weight, and screening results. I could view a sample report, which looked pretty extensive!
I saw that Wisdom Panel had tested more than one million dogs, allowing them to build up a comprehensive breed database and develop a sophisticated algorithm using a strategic set of DNA markers. The DNA analysis would be done using a bespoke Illumina Infinium chip (Illumina chips are used by human DNA testing companies, such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA), and would take place at GeneSeek Laboratories, the world’s largest animal genomics testing facility, which is ISO 17025 certified, compliant with AAHA guidelines, and has multiple accreditations.
Looking through the information, I found that Wisdom Panel would look for 152 genetic mutations that can cause disease. If my dog had any of these mutations, I could share the information with my vet so that they’d be aware of her predispositions.
Ordering Experience
I could order the Wisdom Panel test through their website using a credit/debit card. The DNA testing kit arrived in a slim envelope, and contained clear instructions, a packet of two cheek swabs, and a return envelope. I wondered how I would get my dog to cooperate with me sticking a swab in her mouth – I’d definitely recommend having someone to help you with this!
Before returning the kit, I had to activate it online using a code, and label my dog’s DNA samples. When registering online, I could give my dog’s country of origin, name, age, sex, weight, whether she was spayed, and whether I adopted her from a shelter.
After letting the cheek swabs air dry for a few minutes, I sealed them in the pre-addressed, prepaid envelope, and sent my dog’s DNA to the lab.
I could check the progress of my dog’s sample using my online account. I read that once my dog’s sample reached the lab, her results would be ready in 2-3 weeks.
The Results
About three weeks after returning my sample, I received an email saying my dog’s DNA results were ready. This contained a link to my online Wisdom Panel account, where I could view her results, share her report, or alter my account details.
Results Section: Breed Information
The first thing I discovered in the breed section was my dog Ella’s breed mix (shown below).
My dog’s breed percentage results.
As you can see, my dog was a mix of several breeds! Her largest percentages were 25% American Staffordshire Terrier and 25% Dutch Shepherd Dog. The other breeds were all 12.5% each: Chow Chow, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Shetland Sheepdog.
Clicking on “See the Science”, I learned that Wisdom Panel had looked at more than 1800 genetic markers to calculate my dog’s breed percentages. There was also an informational video showing how her DNA had been extracted and analyzed.
I had been given some information about each of the breeds that contributed to Ella’s ancestry. This included common personality traits, as well as height and weight ranges for the breed, and a “Did You Know?” section that included some of each breed’s origins and history.
Results Section: Family Tree
Wisdom Panel had calculated a family tree for Ella using an algorithm. Given how many breeds were in her ancestry, it was pretty complicated!
My dog’s family tree.
I read that Wisdom Panel had compared millions of possible family trees to settle on the one that was most likely for my dog given her genetic markers and breed percentages.
There was also a printable “Statement of Authentication” certificate, showing all the breeds that made up Ella.
Results Section: Health Information
There wasn’t much to Ella’s health results section, which was actually a good thing. I was immediately told that my dog was clear of all 152 disease mutations that they had scanned for, though I could still explore these in more detail if I wished.
My dog’s health results.
I had a look at some of the genetic conditions they had screened for. These included multidrug resistance, which commonly affects herding breeds, as well as mutations affecting dental health, eyesight, heart health, the immune system, and more.
Results Section: Traits
The traits section was pretty brief, and looked at some of the physical attributes that Ella’s genetic markers suggested she was likely to have.
An interactive image showing my dog’s traits results.
They predicted that my dog was likely to have longer hair, long legs, and that she would probably have darker coloring and possible a brindle pattern with a “mask” pattern on her face. They also predicted she would have ears that stuck up before flopping over – a trait she’d probably inherited from the Staffordshire side of her family.
Results Section: Ideal Weight
Wisdom Panel had also calculated an ideal weight range for my dog, between 24 and 42 pounds.
My dog’s ideal weight range.
In the additional information, I read that factors such as the nutrition of my dog’s mother during pregnancy and nursing, and her early nutrition could also affect adult weight.
There was also a guide for telling whether your dog is a healthy weight by the visibility of their ribs, spine and hip bones, and how defined their waist is.
Summary
I was pleased with Wisdom Panel’s analysis of my dog’s breed mix, and felt confident in their findings. If you’re wondering which breeds make up your dog’s ancestry, then I thoroughly recommend this test. If you’re unsure whether or not your dog is purebred, the additional tests they offer (included at no extra charge) provide a thorough means of confirmation.
I was happy to find that my dog was clear of all the mutations they had looked for. If your dog is mixed breed, then they are unlikely to have inherited any detrimental mutations. However, if your dog is purebred or mostly purebred, then they are more at risk of inherited health conditions. In this case, Wisdom Panel’s screening of 152 mutations is pretty good value.
At a Glance
Summary
I was surprised to see how many breeds Wisdom Panel were able to identify in Ella, and had great fun comparing the archetypal behavioral traits of those breeds with my dog – some of them were spot on. It was reassuring to learn that she does not have any particular resistance to typical drug treatments, but given that the only other health element of the report was her target weight ranges I would have liked a little more advice about specific healthcare.
But I will definitely take Wisdom Panel’s advice about showing their report to my vet the next time we go, in case this helps me learn more about the best day-to-day care I can give my precious pet! All in all, I would recommend the Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine Genetic Test.
Please note that this test may have changed since our review was written. To ensure you know what to expect from this test, please check the company's website.
Full Review
Wisdom Panel offers a DNA test to decode the genetic origins of mixed-breed dogs, helping owners to understand their dogs’ ancestry and healthcare requirements. Given that Wisdom Panel have analyzed the DNA of over 300,000 dogs, I was eager to give their test a try for my Staffordshire Terrier, Ella!
Product Expectations
The Wisdom Panel website promised to trace my dog’s genetic background back to the great-grandparent level, to provide a predicted weight profile, and to test for the MDR1 genetic mutation. This last element is apparently an important predictor of resistance to common drugs prescribed by vets.
My dog is a 2 year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix called Ella, and I wanted to know what other breeds made up her genetic heritage, as well as understanding what this might mean for her behavioral traits and general health.
Ordering Experience
Ordering was a piece of cake, I had no trouble making the payment and when the swabs arrived a few days later, it was easy peasy to swab the inside of Ella’s mouth. Obviously she was a bit perturbed by my showing her mouth so much attention but the swabbing action seemed completely painless and it was over in a minute.
The Results
Several weeks after returning the swab I was emailed my results as a 14-page PDF document. The report was split into six sections: ‘Key Breeds Detected’, ‘Key Breed History, Appearance, and Behavior’, ‘MDR1 Screening’, ‘Mixed Breed Ancestry’, ‘How Key Physical Traits are Inherited’, and ‘Additional Information’.
Results Section: Key Breeds Detected
The ‘Key Breeds Detected’ section was just one page which explained how Wisdom Panel used an algorithm to perform over 11 million calculations before arriving at the “most likely combination of pure and mixed breed dogs” in Ella’s recent ancestral history. This chart shows the best statistical result of that analysis, going back to Ella’s great grandparents:
Ella’s Family Tree.
It turns out that Ella is likely to be a mix of at least six breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier, Chow Chow, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador, and Pekingese, along with an as-yet undetermined “mixed breed” element.
Results Section: Key Breed History, Appearance, and Behavior
This was by far the longest section of the report, with a page devoted to every detected breed. In each case, Wisdom Panel provided general information about the given breed including typical size, physical appearance (specifically ear, muzzle and tail), and historical origins – sometimes going back as far as 2,000 years. They also included five photographs showing different examples of each breed.
Perhaps the most interesting section came at the end of each page, where Wisdom Panel listed four typical behavioral traits relating to each breed, two of which rang particularly true in Ella’s case. I was fascinated to read about the characteristics a purebred Staffordshire Terrier should have (see the American Staffordshire Terrier chart below), and I definitely recognised the four traits they listed.
American Staffordshire Terrier chart.
It was strange to read about the characteristics of a Chow Chow (see the Chow Chow chart below), especially as Ella looks nothing like one! I know this breed only makes up a small part of Ella’s ancestry, but she is indeed reserved and wary with strangers, so this must be the Chow Chow in her.
Chow Chow chart.
Results Section: Mixed Breed Ancestry
This was a one-page section in which Wisdom Panel made their best guesses about the parts of Ella’s ancestry that were a little mysterious. A portion of her heritage was predicted to be mixed beyond the three generations they specifically tested for.
However their results did suggest certain ‘breed groups’ to which Ella might partially belong. Rather than specifying an individual breed, a range of breeds are grouped into general classifications – Ella was ascribed three, which were ‘Terrier’, ‘Hound’, and ‘Herding’.
Each of these groups is ranked against a ‘Detection Threshold’ which is a measure of confidence in breed identification, with a blue bar indicating how close each ‘breed group’ is to the threshold. Presumably if the threshold is met then they have enough confidence to name a specific breed rather than a broader breed group, but this was not fully explained within the report. Ella’s Detection Threshold:
Ellas’ Detection Threshold for Terrier, Hound and Herding.
Results Section: MDR1 Screening
There was a one-page section about the ‘Multi-Drug Resistance-1’ genetic mutation which is apparently present in many herding breeds, some sight-sound breeds, and many mixed breed dogs. This ‘MDR1’ gene influences production of P-glycoprotein, which plays a key role in drug absorption and distribution (in particular to the brain), and can lead to rapid excretion of many drugs that vets are likely to use.
In other words, the presence of this genetic mutation can reduce the effectiveness of treatments that may be given to Ella in the event of serious health conditions. I was understandably relieved to read that her results were “Normal”, meaning that she does not have the MDR1 mutation and will not pass it on to her offspring – she is not at increased risk of experiencing side effects from drugs that are “pumped by P-glycoprotein”.
Results Section: How Key Physical Traits are Inherited
This was a one-page section which provided some generic information explaining how a variety of breeds can express themselves in an individual dog. In some cases, one breed among many can disproportionately influence the appearance and personality of a dog, but more typically a general mix tends to result in a unique blend of characteristics. Wisdom Panel have created this video which goes into more detail about canine physical traits.
There was no information in this section which was unique to Ella so, for me, it was not the most interesting part of the report.
Results Section: Additional Information
This final section was broken down into a series of sub-sections, starting with the ‘Predicted Adult Weight Profile’. This takes Ella’s gender, genetic mix and neuter status into account before providing ranges for target weight.
• If intact (i.e. non-neutered), Ella’s adult weight is predicted to be between 38 – 60 lbs.
• If spayed, Ella’s adult weight is predicted to be between 42 – 66 lbs.
Wisdom Panel also strongly suggested that I take Ella’s results to my veterinarian, in order to ask the following specific questions:
• Are there any specific issues that may be relevant to my dog’s well-being?
• Are there any special techniques that may help in training a dog with this particular mix?
• Are there any particular dietary considerations to bear in mind for a dog like mine?
After giving me a promotional code to receive $15 discount for purchasing another report, or to pass along to friends and family, Wisdom Panel provided some details about their online dog community where I could search for dog owners with similar breeds to Ella’s.
Finally, the report was rubber-stamped with this certificate which gave a formal gloss to Ella’s new-found status!
Ella’s Statement of Authentication.
Summary
I was surprised to see how many breeds Wisdom Panel were able to identify in Ella, and had great fun comparing the archetypal behavioral traits of those breeds with my dog – some of them were spot on. It was reassuring to learn that she does not have any particular resistance to typical drug treatments, but given that the only other health element of the report was her target weight ranges I would have liked a little more advice about specific healthcare.
But I will definitely take Wisdom Panel’s advice about showing their report to my vet the next time we go, in case this helps me learn more about the best day-to-day care I can give my precious pet! All in all, I would recommend the Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine Genetic Test.
Please note that this test may have changed since our review was written. To ensure you know what to expect from this test, please check the company's website.