Wisdom Panel Essential Review

Disclaimer: Wisdom Panel provided a kit for this review. Wisdom Panel did not pay me to write this review. My opinions are my own.

Have you ever wondered what breeds your mixed-breed or rescue dog is? Wouldn’t it be great if they could tell us? Well, Wisdom Panel has a way for you to find out! There are two options for tests from Wisdom Panel. The Essential kit tests for breed (350+ breeds are in the database), body traits (eye color, coat color, tail length, etc.), and medical complications such as medication sensitivity, immune deficiency, and bleeding disorders. The Premium kit tests for all of the above plus tests for 180+ genetic predispositions to disease, and tests carrier status for genetic diseases.

Both kits can be ordered directly from Wisdom Panel’s website (WisdomPanel.com). The kits are shipped in a small box that you use to send the sample back for testing (this is great since it means you don’t waste packaging!). The return label is included in the box.

I was provided the Wisdom Panel Essential kit for this review.

Getting the sample is easy. After making sure that your dog does not eat or drink anything for at least 2 hours, you do the following: simply rub the two swabs inside your dog’s mouth in the cheek area for about 15 seconds. The swabs are similar to mascara wands.

Once you collect the sample, you then let those swabs dry for 5 minutes by inserting them into the holes in the box. Activate your kit online at ActivateMyKit.com and use the code on the end of the box. You’ll also be asked for the name, age, sex, and altered (spayed/neutered) status of your dog. Next, take those swabs and slide them back into the little sleeve provided and pack that sleeve back into the box, seal the box up, and drop it into the mail. It’s that easy! You’ll get results typically within 2-3 weeks.

The results are available on the Wisdom Panel website and can be printed off as well. They are easy to read and understand. I got Owen’s results back in 13 days!

Before you read the results, consider guessing what you think they’re going to be, as it is fun to see if you were right or wrong, and if you were wrong, how different the results were. My guess was that Owen was either a schnauzer-hound mix or a wire-haired terrier-hound mix.

But the results showed that Owen is a true mixed breed. He has 17 different breeds in him! The percentages are as follows: 32% Shih Tzu, 13% McNab, 8% American Foxhound, 8% Argentine Dogo, and 7% Dalmatian. I didn’t expect him to be a Shih Tzu mix, but it does make sense based on how he looks. I have been told by multiple people that he also looks somewhat like a herding dog (Border Collie, for example), which is what the McNab is. The full results are as follows:

The health results test for Owen showed that he’s clear of all the 29 conditions tested for with the Wisdom Panel Essential test. They showcase a few that, based on the breeds he has in him, were important to test for. He is clear of the MDR-1/ABCB-1 mutation (found in the McNab and Border Collie), the Factor VII Deficiency (found in the beagle), and the Prekallikrein Deficiency (found in the Shih Tzu).

The breed results were not what I was expecting, but I believe them and here’s why: Wisdom Panel tests for “traits” as well as giving you the breeds themselves. Here are what Owen’s traits were—ALL were correct, by the way: Based on his DNA, he should be black or brindle because he has the dominant black gene found on the CBD103 gene or K locus, and he should have white markings/Piebald variant (found on the MITF gene or S locus). He should have “furnishings” or fuzzy beard/moustache/eyebrows found on the RSPO2 gene. He should have an average or long snout. He carries the gene for hind dewclaws (found on the LMBR1 gene). His ears should not stand up. His legs should be slightly short. He should have dark eyes and a full-length tail.

What do YOU think?

Overall, I’d say that Wisdom Panel is a fun and informative way to find out more about your mixed-breed dog. It is easy to use and the results are easy to understand. The usual price is $99.99 for the Essential test and the Premium is usually $159.99, but Wisdom Panel often has promotions as well. I recommend Wisdom Panel to anyone looking to find out more about their dog!