Wisdom Panel vs Embark: Which DNA Test is Right for Your Dog?
Dogs are an integral part of our lives. They bring us joy, companionship, and endless entertainment. However, as much as we love them, we are often left guessing at their breed ancestry. This can make it hard to understand their behavior, health issues, and even feeding patterns. That’s where canine DNA tests come in. These tests can give you a comprehensive genetic profile of your dog, including their breed mix, inherited health conditions, and predispositions to diseases. In this article, we’ll compare two of the most popular canine DNA tests: Wisdom Panel and Embark. We’ll break down their similarities, differences, and help you determine which test is right for your dog.
Understanding Wisdom Panel
Wisdom Panel is a popular canine DNA test that has been on the market for over a decade. One of the unique features of Wisdom Panel is that it provides a breed identification report that breaks down your dog’s ancestry up to the great-grandparent level. This report includes a breed percentage breakdown, a comprehensive breed history, and physical traits commonly found in each breed. Wisdom Panel also screens for over 200 genetic health conditions, including predispositions to diseases such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and glaucoma.
What Sets Embark Apart
Embark is a newer player in the canine DNA testing market but has quickly gained popularity due to its comprehensive genetic testing capabilities. Embark screens for over 350 genetic health conditions, including MDR1 drug sensitivity, dilated cardiomyopathy, and von Willebrand disease. Like Wisdom Panel, Embark provides a breed identification report, but it breaks down your dog’s ancestry up to the great-great-grandparent level. This report includes a breed percentage breakdown, family tree, and information on each breed’s personality traits, physical traits, and health issues.
Comparing the Two Tests
While both Wisdom Panel and Embark provide thorough genetic testing for dogs, they differ in several ways. Wisdom Panel only screens for around 200 genetic health conditions, compared to Embark’s 350 genetic health conditions. Additionally, Embark’s breed identification report goes back further in a dog’s lineage compared to Wisdom Panel.
The price is another factor to consider. Wisdom Panel is the more affordable option, with test kits starting at $99.99. Embark is pricier, with its standard test kit costing $149. However, Embark frequently offers discounts and promotions, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget.
Which Test is Right for Your Dog?
Choosing the right DNA test for your dog depends on several factors, including your budget, the extent of genetic testing you want, and how far back you want to understand your dog’s breed ancestry. If you are on a tight budget and only want basic breed identification and genetic health screening, Wisdom Panel is an excellent option. However, if you want a comprehensive genetic profile that goes back further in your dog’s lineage and screens for a more extensive range of diseases, Embark is an excellent choice.
In conclusion, canine DNA testing can provide valuable insights into your dog’s breed ancestry, health issues, and personality traits. Both Wisdom Panel and Embark offer excellent testing capabilities, but their differences make them more suitable for different types of dog owners. Consider your budget and the level of testing you require, and choose the DNA test that best fits your needs.
