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Wisdom Panel vs. Embark: Which DNA Test For Dogs Is Better?

By

Anna Mejorada

Published on 06/14/23

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Wisdom Panel and Embark are two popular manufacturers of at-home dog DNA tests, and each company has its own proprietary database used to analyze a dog’s sample, so the results can vary between the two brands for the same dog.

Within Wisdom Panel, there are three tests to choose from: Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Test, Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test, and Wisdom Panel Breed Discovery Dog DNA Test. And within Embark there are four: Embark Breed Dog DNA Test, Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test, Embark Breed Dog DNA Test for Purebreds, and Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test for Purebreds.

Both tests provide a window into a dog’s genetic makeup—offering breed and health insights—and both are intended for dog owners who are interested in learning more about their dog’s background. Most dog DNA tests also offer health data—such as genetic predispositions to certain diseases—but medical information provided by these tests are best contextualized with guidance from a veterinarian.

We put Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test and Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test side-by-side to compare these popular at-home dog DNA tests.

Our Winner: Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit

Everything you need to collect and mail your dog’s sample is provided in the kit and the instructions are easy to follow. In three weeks or less—a reliable timeline, inour real-world testing—you’ll receive a comprehensive exploration into your dog’s genetics as it relates to over 350+ breeds via the Wisdom Panel app on any mobile device. From there you’ll be able to explore related breed information, including shared traits from your dog’s ancestors and health issues commonly encountered in related breeds. There is also the option to connect with other dog carers from the Wisdom Panel data set who may have a dog related to yours.

Versus Highlights

Embark Breed & Health Dog DNA Test	Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit
The database includes information on 350+ breeds and 35+ physical traits	The database includes information on 350+ breeds and 35+ physical traits
Test screens for +230 genetic health conditions, including the genetic mutation (MDR1) associated with medication sensitivities	Test screens for 25+ genetic health conditions, including the genetic mutation (MDR1) associated with medication sensitivities
A dog’s sample is collected with a spongy swab from the mouth	A dog’s sample is collected with bristled wand from the mouth
Results delivered within two to five weeks	Results delivered within three weeks
A likely approximation of your dog’s parents and grandparents	A likely approximation of your dog’s parents and grandparents
Ability to connect through the app with other people who have a dog that might be related to your dog	Ability to connect through the app with other people who have a dog that might be related to your dog
Developed in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Our Top Picks

Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Test at Chewy

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Embark Vet Breed & Health Dog DNA Test at Chewy

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5

Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit

Amazon

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Who It’s For:Canine companions who adopted their dog and would like to know more about their dog’s genetic composition, including physical characteristics and health issues they may have inherited from their ancestors.

Price at time of publish:$100

_{Sample Collection Tool:Bristled wand |Results Delivered: Within three weeks}

The Spruce Pets / Cheyann Neades
The Spruce Pets / Cheyann Neades
The Spruce Pets / Cheyann Neades
People / Cheyann Neades
People / Cheyann Neades
People / Cheyann Neades
People / Cheyann Neades

4.5

Amazon

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Who It’s For:Dog parents who are curious about their dog’s genetic makeup and in search of starting-point information that will help them navigate potential health conditions and complications, such as drug sensitivities.

Price at time of publish:$199

_{Sample Collection Tool:Spongy swab |Results Delivered:Two to four weeks}

The Spruce Pets / Jenna Stregowski
The Spruce Pets / Jenna Stregowski
The Spruce Pets / Jenna Stregowski

Physical Traits

Winner:Tie

Each test will provide educated guesses into your dog’s ancestors along with physical traits they may have inherited. You can explore these results through the app and it’s fun to learn more about the characteristics that different breeds have in common. If your dog is a puppy, the tests can also provide an approximation of their adult size which is a fun thing concept to think about.

Health Evaluation

Winner:Tie

While Embark's Breed & Health Dog DNA Test screens for a far wider range of genetic health conditions, we preferred the more streamlined and useful data points provided by the Wisdom Panel kit. Because the connections between genetic markers and the expression of health problems is uncertain, the health data provided by a dog DNA test is best seen as discussion points for your next veterinary visit. As such, the more clarifying, core health points covered by the Wisdom Panel test are more than sufficiently comprehensive.

无论是测试用于诊断但test can help to inform conversations you can have with a veterinarian, and when it comes to your dog's well-being, you are their best advocate. Plus, both tests screen for the genetic mutation (MDR1) associated with medication sensitivities, which can be a helpful starting point.

Value

Winner:Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit

Both tests will compare your dog’s DNA results to their own database that includes 350+ breeds and 35+ physical traits, but Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Collection Kit is a more affordably priced choice. Our testers also found its presentation of data more compelling and legible.

This story was written byAnna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a happy Pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.

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