Lisa Peterson

In this video from the 2022 Embark Canine Health Summit, Embark Veterinary’s Senior Scientist I Samantha Hauser, PhD explains how Embark can measure and quantify inbreeding as the genetic coefficient of inbreeding (COI), the consequences of inbreeding on dog’s health and lifespan, and how breeders can leverage COI to make the best breeding decisions for...

Can you register a dog with a DNA test? This is a question we’re asked often. Let’s look at the difference between a registered purebred dog and a single-breed ancestry DNA result and why the two terms are very different and should not be used interchangeably.  What’s the difference between purebred status and single-breed DNA...

The most popular breeds in America tend to be larger dogs with dependable temperaments to get their job done, whether in the home, in the field, or in a professional career. Four of the most common breeds are the Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, German Shepherd Dog, and Golden Retriever. Genetic health risks listed for each...

One of the first questions dog owners tend to ask veterinarians when discussing whether to do a genetic health screening on their dog is, “Will this affect my dog’s ability to get pet health insurance if the screening reveals an at-risk condition?” Dog owners also ask, “Can genetic test results be considered proof of pre-existing...

Dr. Jenna Dockweiler, MS, DVM, DACT, CCRT, CVAT Veterinary Geneticist at Embark Veterinary, presented her session Responsible Breeding Practices at the second annual 2022 Embark Canine Health Summit.  This informative discussion reviews the breeding candidacy of the dog and responsible breeding as well as Brucella canis, and its management in a breeding setting. You’ll also...

Embark for Breeders offers six breed-specific genetic health tests for the French Bulldog among the genetic health conditions for which Embark tests. Breeders can easily share breed-specific DNA test results on parents or puppies with the one-page DNA Health Summary report with Embark test results.   Genetic health testing is an integral part of a responsible...

Embark for Breeders offers 12 breed-specific genetic health tests for the German Shepherd Dog among the genetic health conditions Embark tests for. Breeders can easily share breed-specific DNA test results on parents or puppies with the one-page DNA Health Summary report with Embark test results.   Genetic health testing is an integral part of a sound...

Embark for Breeders offers 11 breed-specific genetic health tests for the Golden Retriever among Embark’s genetic health conditions. Breeders can easily share breed-specific DNA test results on parents or puppies with the one-page DNA Health Summary report with Embark test results.   Genetic health testing is an integral part of a responsible dog breeding program. When...

How reliable are dog DNA tests? Depending on the technology used, they can be very accurate.  The journey of testing your dog’s DNA begins with a swab. After you collect saliva from inside your dog’s cheeks and mail the swab, it arrives at Embark’s CLIA-certified, canine-approved laboratory for processing. The DNA is extracted for analysis...

Knowing which breeding pairs will produce the genetically healthiest puppies became much easier with Pair Predictor. This tool, located in the breeder tools section of your My Embark for Breeders account, takes the guesswork out of assessing potential matings for all breeds and the predicted litter outcomes. Pair Predictor for health conditions will work with...

Embark for Breeders offers 20 breed-specific genetic health tests for the Labrador Retriever among the genetic health conditions Embark tests for. Breeders can easily share breed-specific DNA test results on parents or puppies with the one-page DNA Health Summary report with Embark test results.   Genetic health testing is an integral part of a sound dog...

Heart disease can affect many dogs, but in some breeds early testing is critical. Genetics is part of the puzzle when it comes to canine health testing prior to breeding. A cardiac exam is an important physical (phenotype) health test for dogs. Responsible breeders aiming to produce healthy puppies will conduct cardiac testing on both...