Wednesday, June 18th
2025 Dog DNA Test Kit Reviews
Wisdom Panel
- Offers three DNA testing kits: Breed Discovery at $89.99, Essential at $104.99, and Premium at $159.99
- Comprehensive breed screening, even for lower-priced kits
- Easy DNA collection process using a swab
- Prepaid mailer included for sending the DNA samples back
- Results are available in 2-3 weeks
- More than 20,000 unfiltered customer reviews on their website
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- Suitable for dogs of uncertain ancestry
- Contributes to ongoing canine health research
- Offers discounts for first-time customers who sign up for their mailing list
With over two decades of research and experience as pet owners, Wisdom Panel has developed DNA tests that help you truly understand your pet's complex nature. They claim their tests can identify your pet's breed mixture down to 1%. They also claim that nearly all dogs in their database "have a relative” (although we think that wording doesn't necessarily imply that you're guaranteed to find your pet's relative there). So far, Wisdom Panel has tested over 4 million pets and their health tests are most preferred by veterinarians. Wisdom Panel has been reviewed favorably by publications like People, Insider, Tech Trends, and Better Homes.
Basic breed testing for $89.99 or extensive screening for $159.99
Wisdom Panel offers three DNA testing kits:
- Breed Discovery at $89.99: This competitively-priced dog DNA kit screens for over 365 breeds, tests for sensitivities to medications, looks for relative matches in Wisdom Panel's database, and traces your dog's family tree back to his or her great-grandparents.
- Essential at $104.99: In addition to all features in the Breed Discovery kit, this upgrade tests for over 25 genetic health risks and over 50 physical traits.
- Premium at $159.99: This is the ultimate package. In addition to the relative matching and breed screening of the other kits, this one screens for more than 265 health conditions, and includes a free consultation with a Wisdom Panel expert for discussion of "at risk” health findings. If your dog's DNA test results show health concerns, their licensed vets will provide free advice on the best care for your pet.
Also, if you sign up for Wisdom Panel's mailing list, you can get 10% off your first order.
Easy swab process
To collect your pet's DNA, you need to swab the inside of their cheek. Make sure to swab for a full 15 seconds and check their mouth for any food or debris beforehand. It's important that you don't touch the swab's tip with your hands. To get a good sample, firmly roll the swab around inside their cheek while applying light pressure from the outside. Once you're done, let the swabs dry for about five minutes.
Prepaid mailer included
After you send your pet's DNA sample to Wisdom Panel's lab using the prepaid mailer, their team of expert geneticists gets to work. They use top-notch lab equipment to examine your pet's DNA and identify the full set of genes. This process is called genotyping. Then, they compare your pet's genetic information to their database. Your pet's DNA will also contribute to Wisdom Panel's ongoing research on canine health.
Results in 2-3 weeks
After you send in your pet's DNA sample, it will take about 2-3 weeks to get your results. You'll get an email from Wisdom Panel when your results are ready, but you can keep an eye on how things are going by logging into your account and checking the status of your sample. Remember, your results will only be available online; you won't get a physical copy in the mail.
Best for dogs of uncertain ancestry
As a proud owner of a purebred dog, you might be considering using a dog DNA service like Wisdom Panel to confirm your furry friend's lineage. However, before you drop $100, Wisdom Panel wants you to understand that dog DNA tests aren't designed to validate whether your dog is purebred. Instead, these tests compare your dog's genetic makeup to a reference genetic signature developed from a database of documented purebred dogs and additional samples collected by veterinarians. This process includes a complex statistical analysis, evaluating 11 different family tree models to identify the best match to your dog's genetic signature. If you're specifically looking to verify the parentage and breed authenticity of your purebred dog, parentage testing through an organization like the American Kennel Club would be the recommended approach. Their method can confirm whether the claimed parents of your dog are actually the genetic contributors, making sure the pedigree is correctly preserved.
60-day satisfaction guarantee
If you're not happy with your purchase, Wisdom Panel offers a 60-day guarantee and you can request a refund or replacement by contacting their customer service. Remember, you'll have to pay for shipping and show proof that you bought the product (so you're out of luck if you're hoping to return an unwanted gift for some extra cash). In the case that your test doesn't work because there wasn't enough DNA on the swab, some customers have said that Wisdom Panel sent them a new kit for free - although we couldn't find official confirmation from the company about this.
20,000+ unfiltered customer reviews
You can find thousands of reviews on the Wisdom Panel website, but you might have to do a little digging. They're tucked away under each individual product offering, not in their own separate tab. The "Essential" test has the most reviews - about 20,000 of them. You can sort these reviews by rating, but don't expect to find customer images - that's a feature Wisdom Panel's top competitor has that we find helpful for seeing how test results compare to what a dog actually looks like. Overall, Wisdom Panel has an impressive 4.7-star average rating. You may stumble upon the BBB page where it's rated an "F” because they didn't respond to a couple of disgruntled purebred owners, but don't let that worry you too much. (Remember what we said earlier about dog DNA testing and purebreds?)
An affordable alternative to top brand
If your dog is a mix of a couple of common breeds, you'll get pretty accurate results from Wisdom Panel. However, if your canine companion has a more exotic genetic cocktail going on, the accuracy might dip a bit with breeds that are under 10% of your dog's makeup. It's also worth noting that you might need to do some interpreting of the results yourself, as the feature for finding relatives is a tad simplified compared to our top choice. And, compared to that site, you might find fewer dog parents who are responsive to messages or uploading photos of their pets. So, if connecting with your dog's relatives is important to you, Wisdom Panel could leave you feeling a bit left out. But, if you're just looking for a dog DNA test that won't break the bank, Wisdom Panel is your best bet.
More Dog DNA Test Kit Reviews
The 10 Best Dog DNA Test Kits
Which Dog DNA Test is the Best?
Have you ever looked at your dog, with her mismatched ears and quirky habits, and thought, "What in the world are you?" Well, you're not alone. Many dog owners are turning to DNA tests out of curiosity about their furry friend's breed, health predispositions, and even unique behavioral traits.
Whether you adopted your pup from a shelter with a mysterious past, or simply want to understand why your dog insists on greeting any visitors with a toy in his mouth, a DNA test might just hold the answers. However, there are quite a few services offering dog DNA tests these days, so you may be wondering if one is much different from the other.
Dog DNA Test Kit FAQ
Continued from above...
Some tests focus solely on identifying breed composition, which can be fascinating for owners of mutts - who knew your funny-looking Boston Terrier has a Chow Chow great-grandparent? If you want to be proactive in managing your pet's health, you might prefer a test that screens for genetic health conditions. Some tests analyze traits and behaviors, shedding light on why your dog might exhibit certain habits, like digging up your dahlias or barking exclusively at his reflection in the oven door.
Some popular dog DNA tests also offer a relative database feature, connecting you with other dogs that share your pet's DNA. This can be a fun way to "meet" your dog's relatives and possibly even find some siblings. If this is important to you, double-check that the service you're considering offers this.
Some companies out there offer tests that can identify food or drug allergies your dog is likely to have. Other tests can estimate their age. These options can be really useful if something is making your dog sick, or if you're just curious about how old they really are. You may want to pay a little more for a breed identification test that includes health screenings for genetic disorders. This way, you can prepare for potential health issues and discuss preventive measures with your veterinarian.
As you shop online for a dog DNA test, here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Breed identification accuracy. Look for a test that offers a high level of accuracy in breed identification, verified by customer reviews. Some dog DNA test providers have been known to give breed breakdowns that seem more like a best guess than the result of carefully considering data.
- Value for money. Consider the range of information the test provides and weigh it against its price. Some tests are more comprehensive and therefore more expensive, while others might offer less information but are more affordable.
- Database size. The size of the company's breed database can affect the accuracy of the test. A larger database generally means better results in identifying a wider variety of breeds.
- Ease of use. Check user reviews to gauge how easy it is to collect a sample. The best dog DNA tests should come with clear instructions and all the tools needed for a non-invasive, hassle-free sample collection.
- Turnaround time. Check how long it takes to receive results. Some companies may offer quicker results than others, which can be important if you're making medical or behavioral decisions based on the outcomes.
- Customer support. Good customer support can be invaluable, especially if you have questions about interpreting the results of your test.
Choosing the right dog DNA test isn't just a walk in the park. It requires careful consideration of these factors. Whether you're driven by curiosity about your dog's breed or concerned about potential health issues, the right test can provide insights that deepen your understanding and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Top Consumer Reviews has sniffed out and ranked the best Dog DNA Tests available. We hope this review helps you fetch the perfect test for your four-legged buddy, making your shared journey even more pawsome.
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