Unlocking Brioreo’s DNA
A Journey into Our Dog’s Heritage with Wisdom Panel
When we adopted our dog, Brioreo, we were told she was an American Staffordshire-Dachshund mix. At first glance, it made sense — she had the broad smile and stocky build of a Staffie, paired with some quirky proportions, like her ears, that hinted at a Dachshund’s signature charm. But something about her — her strength and athleticism, her herding instincts, even her insanely acute alertness— had us wondering if there was more to the story. So, as curious (and admittedly doting) dog parents, we turned to the Wisdom Panel™ Premium DNA kit to find out.
The process was surprisingly simple. A quick cheek swab, a few clicks online, and we were off — waiting anxiously like two kids on Christmas Eve trying to suss out what our presents are. And when the results came in? Let’s just say we were stunned, educated, and even more in love with our dog than before, if that’s even possible.
It turns out Brioreo, affectionately known as Bri, is not a Dachshund mix at all. In fact, her DNA told a completely different story. She is 41% American Pit Bull Terrier, 31% American Staffordshire Terrier, 25% Border Collie, with tiny traces of Boxer (2%) and even Chow Chow (1%) thrown into the mix. No Dachshund to be found.
We laughed out loud when we read the results. “That explains her insane energy,” Kylie said. And it does. Bri has the tenacity of a pit bull, the intelligence and drive of a border collie, and a surprising love for routine.
Then there is the multi-coloring inside her mouth probably thanks to that tiny sliver of Chow Chow DNA. Knowing she had Border Collie heritage also shed light on some of her behaviors: the circling, the herding, the drive to always be busy, working or playing, and the way she watches everything we do like she’s in charge of the household logistics. Turns out…she is. Okay, we will confess now – It’s Bri’s apartment, we just live in it.
What was even more comforting was learning that Bri was cleared of 267 genetic health conditions. Not a single risk or carrier flag came back. For any pet parent, that’s a huge sigh of relief — and for us, it reaffirmed our decision to proactively invest in her health and wellness. It’s one thing to assume your dog is healthy: it’s another to know, with scientific certainty, that you’re not looking at hidden hereditary issues down the road.
The Wisdom Panel report went far beyond just breed percentages. It gave us insights into her predicted weight range (40–66 lbs — spot on), her genetic diversity (normal range), and a multigenerational family tree that mapped her lineage with remarkable clarity. We were able to trace her genetic makeup down to her great-grandparents, offering a fascinating glimpse into how she came to be the unique dog we adore.
From an entrepreneurial and consumer perspective, this kind of technology is mind-blowing. We live in an age where human DNA testing has become common, but the fact that we can now understand our pets with this level of precision? That’s a game changer. And for a brand like Wisdom Panel, they’re not just selling a kit — they’re offering peace of mind, connection, and a deeper bond with the animals we call family.
Bri may still think she’s the Queen of the castle, part security detail, and part squirrel-chasing Olympic hopeful. But now, thanks to Wisdom Panel, we know exactly who she is — and we love her even more for it.
So, if you’ve ever looked at your pet and thought, “What are you, really?” — we couldn’t recommend Wisdom Panel more. It’s not just about breeds. It’s about understanding. And for us, that’s what family is all about. To learn more, please visit wisdompanel.com