We have found them to be accurate and reasonably priced…and they just need a cheek swab sample.
And no, I’m not getting paid to endorse their product.

I was soing to ask:

1. How accurate are the tests?
2. What is used (saliva or blood or what?) to do the tests?
3. Does the company offer a “group” rate for multiple doggies in one family?

Thanks for doing this, Horst!

Schnooks & the Mystery Dogs

I’m guessing the problem is that nearly all “purebred” dogs are, at some point back in the days of their breeds’ creation, a mix. For example: Leonbergers were created by mixing Newf, St. and Pyr. So if you test a “purebred” Leo and you’re likely to be told it’s a mix of its foundation breeds (which in turn were also created by mixing other, older “breeds” which might further muddy the “results”).

Basically DNA testing for mutts is an entertaining gimmick, but it’s not really going to tell you want the dog’s actual parentage is, just what “breeds” have, at some point, contributed to the make up of ALL the dogs in its family tree.

Yes, we did have a giveaway a few months ago, we were not paid. When we have a giveaway we are never paid, we simply choose products that we think Dogsters would enjoy. No one reading the blog has to enter a contest, it’s up to each individual. We don’t receive anything if products are sold after the contest, we in no way represent the maker of the item.

As for Marty Becker being paid, I’m not sure why it is so surprising. He has an impressive background and a loyal following so I can see why Mars wanted him. There are many well-known celebrities and personalities that get paid to be a spokesperson. That being said, I do hope Dr. Becker chose to endorse the WPT because he believes in the product and the science behind it.

“I would also ask why the Wisdom Panel says it cannot ID your breed if you actually know what it is, but that they are accurate if you have no idea of what your breed is. This is absurd on its face.” I have not found where that was pulled from so it’s hard to answer accurately, not sure I could even if I did find it. I do know the test is not for purebreds, perhaps that’s what is being referred to. I really don’t know, it doesn’t make sense, it would be a good question for Dr. Becker.

There are a lot of satellite interviews that go on, who listens to them, I don’t know. I’m sure just like anything else, some people like them, others don’t. It’s just another form of communication. As for Good Morning America being mentioned it is simply in reference to Dr. Becker being a correspondent for them, nothing more.

I hope this answered some of your questions, thanks for reading the blog.

I would ask the question of paid endorsements directly to Dr. Becker.

And I would ask it to you as well, since your web site was giving away the Widom Panel a few months ago. Can it be said that you are in the “pay to say” business as well?

I would also ask why the Wisdom Panel says it cannot ID your breed if you actually know what it is, but that they are accurate if you have no idea of what your breed is. This is absurd on its face.

By the say, who are these “satellite interviews” for?

If they are not for ABC and Good Morning America, then why is that network and television show being mentioned?

And what does a “satellite interview” really mean? Every time I am on my phone, or interviewed by TV or radio, a satellite feed is generally involved. So what? Are we still supposed to be amazed by satellite technology when the handheld devices in our pocket use it?

Sorry for the harsh tone of the questioning, but the ethics of “pay to say” blogging and journalism are such that someone needs to ask a few questions.

PBurns

If it’s still unclear click on “Original post” and you’ll be able to read the article from when we had the contest.