The technology is now available in West Michigan, and nationwide, for those mixed breed owners who are interested to learn the breed makeup of their companion pets. NORTHLAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL is making available to not only their clients but everyone the most comprehensive DNA-based mixed breed test for dogs. WISDOM PANEL^TM MX was developed by MARS VETERINARY and can detect more than 130 breeds that may be present in a mixed breed dog, covering 99 percent of American Kennel Club (AKC) registered dogs.

“Most of our canine patients are of a mix-breed background,” says Dr. Richard Banks, managing veterinarian at Northland Animal Hospital in Rockford, MI. “Knowing the breed background of those patients could influence my diagnostic recommendations if its breed is prone to certain diseases or disorders.” Dr. Banks also notes that knowing the what breeds influence the pets disposition can also help with some behavioral issues such as a pets with a herding, guarding, or hunting background.

Taking the Mystery Out of Mixed Breed Dogs

With roughly half of all dogs in the United States being mixed breed and the bulk of owners (86 percent)¹ unsure of their pet's breed composition, this revolutionary test eliminates the guessing game – and six out of 10 mixed breed dog owners feel that having this knowledge would help them understand their dogs in ways that may improve their relationships with their pets. Since the WISDOM Panel MX test is available exclusively through veterinarians, dog owners can work together with their vets who can help interpret the test data and tailor care and wellness plans for their companions based on their test results.

The Science Behind the Doggie DNA Test

The state-of-the-art WISDOM Panel^TM MX test is based on years of extensive research, drawing from the expertise of leading scientists, veterinarians, universities and breed organizations throughout the world. Its development included the analysis of more than 19 million DNA markers from more than 13,000 dogs. As a result, the test is the most complete and comprehensive product on the market, able to detect the breed composition of a dog with an average accuracy of 84 percent².

"The new WISDOM Panel^TM MX test marks a major milestone in canine genetic science by applying the results of proprietary genetic research to help identify the origins of physical and behavioral traits," says Peter Markwell, veterinarian and Chief Science Officer at Mars Veterinary. "This test is the first in an anticipated line of Wisdom tests that will provide insight into canine genetic science and ultimately, help strengthen the pet-owner bond."

How WISDOM Panel^TM MX Works

In order to be able to detect the more than 130 AKC-recognized breeds, an adequate quantity of high-quality DNA is required. DNA of this quality and quantity can only be obtained from a small blood sample, which can easily be collected during a quick visit at Northland Animal Hospital.

Within two to three weeks following the test, Mars Veterinary will provide owners and veterinarians with a customized, comprehensive report that includes the dog's breed analysis and detailed information on the appearance and potential behavioral characteristics of detected breeds. The veterinarian and owner can then create tailored care and wellness plans covering important factors such as nutrition, exercise and training needs.

¹ This research project was conducted online in order to assess mixed breed dog owners' knowledge of their dogs' makeup. A total of 711 mixed breed dog owners completed the survey. All participants were members of the Zoom Panel - which has been selected to match US consumer demographics. Research was conducted in June 2007.

² WISDOM Panel MX is used to help determine the breed makeup of a dog. Validation testing has resulted in an average accuracy* of 84 percent in first-generation crossbred dogs of known parentage. The breeds in this validation study represent 45 percent of AKC registrations. WISDOM Panel MX is not intended to predict disease or behavior in any particular dog.

*Accuracy was determined by average positive predictive value across breeds studied