Mimi Padmabandu

Though it is well accepted that dogs were the first domesticated animals, the question of where dogs came from is still a heated debate among scientists.  Over the past decade, various studies pointed to Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia as the likely origin for dogs, depending on what samples the researchers had and...

As of October 4, 2022, the Embark Dog Age Test is available to order. The Age Test uses a dog’s DNA to measure their calendar age. Specifically, it uses a type of DNA marker called methylation. Here, we explore the science behind the Age Test and explain how DNA methylation can be used to calculate...

When we think of Alaskan sled dogs, breeds like the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, or even the Samoyed usually come to mind. These are the types of dogs popularized by movies like Snow Dogs, White Fang, Balto, and Togo. But according to Dr. Heather Huson, many other types of dogs can be modern sled dogs,...

Greger Larson, PhD from the University of Oxford joined Embark at the second annual Canine Health Summit to talk about the shared history of dogs and humans. For many of us, dogs are not just pets; they are family members. The science behind why we love our dogs is extensive, and researchers are constantly uncovering...

There are several ways veterinarians estimate dog age and puppy age. Knowing a dog’s life stage can help inform what kind of lifestyle and preventive care plan are right for them.  As dogs age, their social, behavioral, and health needs change. Read on to learn more about the different dog life stages and find tips...

At Embark, our scientists are working hard to improve dog health, with the help of our customers through community science. Embark conducted a study of over 190,000 Embark customers, plus 1,977 additional pet owners in all 50 states, to find out where pet owners are going the extra mile to care for their dogs in...

In 2017, Dr. Bill Ballard at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia won a competition to sequence the “world’s most interesting” genome. His choice? The dingo, an ancient dog population found in Australia.  Specifically, they sequenced the DNA of a desert dingo named Sandy. This work created the first full Australian dingo genome, published in...

You loved when we decoded Clifford, the Big Red Dog. So today, we’re decoding Scooby-Doo, the famous super-sleuthing, mystery-solving cartoon dog. Scooby-Doo is the iconic titular dog from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? He rides around in the Mystery Machine van with his friends Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy as they look for...

When she brought Molly to the veterinarian for a regular physical exam, Sue Benner didn’t expect to find a genetic health risk. That surprise finding may have saved Molly’s life. Sue took Molly, her 4-month old purebred Keeshond puppy, to see Dr. Sharon Minninger at Telford Veterinary Hospital in Souderton, Pennsylvania for a physical examination...

While there are many companies out there claiming to have the best dog DNA test, only Embark offers the most scientifically advanced one. Our team is made up of scientists, veterinary geneticists, and other experts in the field who are all committed to helping dogs live their healthiest lives. Keep reading to find out why...

How much does a dog DNA test cost? The answer might be more complicated than you think. When comparing dog DNA test costs, it’s important to keep in mind a few different factors: the accuracy of the test, the value of the information you get, and the impact to your dog’s future health. Dog DNA...

What is the most accurate dog DNA test? The answer to that question depends on a few different factors, like what technology the test uses, how much genetic information is captured in the results, and more. Embark is proud to offer the most accurate dog DNA test on the market today. But how can you...