Thinking about a dog DNA test but not sure how to choose between Wisdom Panel and Embark? Both offer breed identification, screening for genetic health risks, and trait insights, but there are important differences in the science behind the results and the information you’ll receive.
Why accuracy is so important
Every insight from a dog DNA test depends on a strong scientific foundation. After all, the final report is only valuable if you can trust the results within it. Let’s look at breed mix as an example. Knowing the breeds in your pup’s DNA isn’t just a fun fact (though it certainly is fun). Accurate results can help you:
- Better understand your dog’s behavior and personality.
- Anticipate their adult size and exercise needs.
- Learn about breed-related health risks.
- Tailor training to match natural instincts and tendencies.
- Better understand why your dog looks and acts the way they do.
That’s why Wisdom Panel has invested decades in developing the world’s most accurate dog DNA test.
How Wisdom Panel became the world’s leading pet DNA service
Wisdom Panel is the world’s leading pet DNA service for several reasons. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Our breed reference database is the largest in the world
Accurate breed detection requires a diverse library of genetic samples to compare your dog’s DNA against. Wisdom Panel has built the world’s largest breed reference database of more than 31,000 samples of known breed background.
Why it matters: The larger and more comprehensive the reference database, the more confidently your dog’s DNA can be matched to the correct ancestral populations.
We test for more dog breeds than any other dog DNA test
Wisdom Panel screens for more than 430 dog breeds, types, and varieties—more than Embark, and more than any other dog DNA test on the market.
Why it matters: Dogs around the world have diverse ancestry. The more breeds and populations a test can screen for, the greater the opportunity to identify your dog’s complete genetic background, including rare and regionally specific ancestry that may not appear in smaller databases.
We report breed ancestry down to 1%
Another of Wisdom Panel’s differentiators is the ability to identify breed ancestry down to 1%. Embark does not report breed ancestry down to this level, instead lumping small percentages or unidentified breeds under the category of "supermutt".
Why it matters: While small percentages may seem like they could have a big influence, those small pieces of ancestry can help explain subtle physical characteristics, inherited traits, or family history that might otherwise remain unknown. For pet parents who want the fullest possible understanding of their dog’s background, every piece of the puzzle matters.
Our science is independently validated
Scientific claims are more trustworthy when supported by external research. A 2024 independent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association evaluated the performance of leading consumer dog DNA tests and found that Wisdom Panel demonstrated outstanding breed detection accuracy. In fact, our test scored 100% in breed matching, compared to Embark’s 83%.
Why it matters: Independent research provides an extra layer of confidence that your results are backed by rigorous scientific evaluation, not just internal testing.
Beyond breed: additional insights that help you know your whole dog
Understanding your dog’s complete genetic picture can provide valuable information about how to approach their lifelong care—and Wisdom Panel offers more insights than any other pet DNA test.
Understanding risks can support more productive conversations with your veterinarian
Inherited conditions cannot be diagnosed by pet DNA tests, but the genetic variants associated with many of them can be. Identifying the presence of genetic risk factors gives you and your veterinarian an opportunity to guide preventive care, diagnostics and screenings, and long-term health planning. Wisdom Panel offers 265+ health tests to help you take a proactive approach to your pet’s healthcare.
Traits help explain your dog’s appearance and personality
Like Embark, Wisdom Panel analyzes genetic variants that can help explain characteristics such as coat type, shedding, body size, eye color, muzzle shape, and many other physical traits. Wisdom Panel is, however, the only dog DNA test to identify genetic links to behavioral predispositions including separation anxiety, sleeping positions, and sociability. The 15 behavior trait tests included in our Premium dog DNA test can help inform your approach to training and care.
Backed by world-class canine genetics research
Wisdom Panel scientists work alongside veterinarians, geneticists, and researchers across the Mars Petcare network to advance our understanding of canine genetics. Our team has contributed to hundreds of scientific publications—including the largest genetic screening of dog DNA ever— that improve the knowledge available to veterinarians, researchers, breeders, and pet parents around the world.
That scientific foundation and commitment to continual advancement is one of the reasons Wisdom Panel is the dog DNA test most used by veterinarians.
Your best chance of finding your dog’s relatives
Another exciting benefit of DNA testing is the opportunity to discover your pup’s relatives. Through the Wisdom Panel web app, you can:
- Discover genetic relative relationships, including parents, siblings, close relatives, and distant relatives.
- View photos of related dogs (when shared by owners).
- Send messages to other pet parents (based on privacy settings).
Wisdom Panel has tested 5+ million dogs, so your odds of discovering a relative are good. In fact, more than 99.9% of dogs in our database have at least one genetic relative match. That’s a higher likelihood than Embark offers, giving you an even better chance to connect with your dog’s extended family.
The story of Betty and Bean—a shelter-bonded pair of strays whose sibling relationship was identified through Wisdom Panel testing—is just one example of the meaningful moments these discoveries can create.
As more dogs join the Wisdom Panel community every day, the opportunity to discover new relatives continues to grow.
Which dog DNA test should you choose?
Both Wisdom Panel and Embark have helped millions of pet parents learn more about their dogs, but if your priority is accuracy, comprehensive breed detection, and ongoing scientific innovation, Wisdom Panel stands apart.
Whether you’re trying to better understand your dog’s ancestry, support their long-term health and training, or connect with your pup’s relatives, Wisdom Panel gives you insights you can use to learn more about the dog you love.
