Lisa Peterson
MFA, BA
Award-winning writer, journalist, and podcast host, Lisa Peterson, is a canine subject matter expert and Senior Content Strategist, Breeder/Veterinarian at Embark Veterinary.
She served as the American Kennel Club director of communications and club communications for 10 years before becoming a Westminster Kennel Club public relations consultant from 2016 to 2021. Lisa began owning, breeding, and handling Norwegian Elkhounds more than 35 years ago, and today is an AKC judge and AKC Breeder of Merit. She also served as the AKC Delegate for the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America as well as on the club's Canine Health and Research Committee.
As AKC national spokesperson, Lisa made hundreds of regular guest appearances on television and radio including Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Today, CBS Evening News, ABC World News Tonight, CNN, Martha Stewart Living, Fox Business, GMA Radio, and NPR. Her canine expertise has been quoted in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Martha Stewart Living Magazine, Men’s Health, and Entertainment Weekly.
Lisa's work appeared in USA Today, Foxnews.com, Marthastewartliving.com, Savingplaces.org, Connecticut Magazine, The News-Times, The Newtown Bee, The New Haven Register, The Hour, AKC Gazette, Connecticut Horse Magazine, and AKC Family Dog.
Since 2000, Peterson has penned many syndicated advice columns including Lisa's Living with Dogs and Lisa Unleashed. She blogs about horses, hounds, and history at Lisaunleashed.com and is a member of the Author’s Guild and the Dog Writer’s Association of America.
Lisa bred generations of champion dogs, including multiple-specialty best in show winners and top award winners at national specialities in the U.S. and Canada. They have been featured in Sports Illustrated, New York Dog, akc.org, and in The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show broadcast ads. She is president of the Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club, a member of the Norwegian Elkhound Association of America, and the Newtown Kennel Club.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science/journalism from the University of Bridgeport, and a Master of Fine Arts in creative and professional writing from Western Connecticut State University.
All work
Why Should Breeders Consider Genetic COI in Breeding Decisions?
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?
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...
Most Popular Dog Breeds’ Common Genetic Health Risks
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. Common genetic health risks for German...
Can Genetic Health Screening Prevent Dogs from Enrolling in Pet Health Insurance?
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...
Responsible Breeding Practices
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...
Genetic Health Testing for French Bulldogs
Embark for Breeders offers four 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 offered with Embark test results. Genetic health testing is an integral part of a...
Genetic Health Testing for German Shepherd Dogs
Embark for Breeders offers 10 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 offered with Embark test results. Genetic health testing is an integral part of a...
Genetic Health Testing for Golden Retrievers
Embark for Breeders offers nine 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 offered with Embark test results. Genetic health testing is an integral part of a responsible dog breeding program....
How Accurate Are Dog DNA Tests?
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 under state-of-the-art laboratory conditions. The DNA sample is then run on Embark’s custom-made genetics chip, the...
My Embark for Breeders Pair Predictor Launches
Knowing which breeding pairs will produce the genetically healthiest puppies just got a whole lot easier with Pair Predictor. This new tool, located in the breeder tools section of your My Embark for Breeders account, takes the guesswork out of assessing potential matings, and the predicted litter outcomes. Pair Predictor for health conditions will work...
Genetic Health Testing for Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador Retriever is a large, double-coated breed with a weather-resistant coat that comes in three colors — black, yellow, and chocolate, according to the AKC breed standard. From English fishing and hunting stock, this active, hearty breed was developed in Canada. Easily trained and a great swimmer, this breed excels in a variety of...
Canine Cardiac Testing Explained
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...
