Embark vs. Wisdom Panel: Comparing Dog DNA Test Features

Choosing a dog DNA test can be overwhelming with numerous options available. Embark and Wisdom Panel are two leading brands, each offering distinct features and benefits. This comparison highlights key differences to help you decide which test best suits your needs.

Breed Identification

Both tests excel at identifying your dog’s breed composition, but their databases differ. Embark boasts a database of over 350+ breeds, including village dogs and wild canids, often providing a more granular and potentially more accurate breakdown, especially for mixed breeds with less common ancestry. Wisdom Panel covers over 350 breeds as well, and their database is constantly updated.

Health Testing

A significant differentiator is health testing. Embark screens for over 250+ genetic health conditions. This proactive screening can help you understand your dog’s predisposition to certain diseases, enabling you to work with your veterinarian on preventative measures and appropriate care. Wisdom Panel covers 210+ genetic health conditions, a substantial number but still fewer than Embark. If understanding potential health risks is a priority, Embark provides a more comprehensive screening.

Traits and Physical Appearance

Both tests analyze traits, predicting aspects of your dog’s physical appearance like coat color, shedding level, and body size. Embark reports on 35+ physical traits, providing insights into your dog’s likely appearance. Wisdom Panel also covers traits, focusing on traits such as ideal weight range, eye color and other physical characteristics.

Family Tree and Ancestry

Embark stands out with its unique relative finder feature. By connecting with other Embark users whose dogs share DNA with yours, you can uncover potential relatives and gain a deeper understanding of your dog’s lineage. This feature can be particularly appealing for rescue dogs with unknown backgrounds. Wisdom Panel does not currently offer a relative finder feature.

Price and Turnaround Time

Price is a major consideration. Embark is generally more expensive than Wisdom Panel, reflecting its more extensive health testing and additional features. Consider your budget and prioritize which features are most important to you. Typical turnaround time for both tests is 2-4 weeks from when the lab receives the sample.

Which Test is Right for You?

Choose Embark if: You want the most comprehensive breed identification, the most extensive health screening, and the ability to connect with potential relatives.
Choose Wisdom Panel if: You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still provides accurate breed identification and important health information.

Ultimately, the best dog DNA test depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider what you hope to learn about your dog and how much you’re willing to spend, then weigh the features of each test accordingly.