By telling us more about your dog, you’re powering research on canine health. From cancer to aging and behavior, learn more about our ongoing research and how to get involved.
Join Embark's research into canine health
As a pack, we make an impact
Embark has world-leading canine geneticists and veterinarians dedicated to making discoveries to end preventable disease in dogs.
Through our research partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, genetic information is paired with your survey responses to find associations between genes and health, behaviors, and traits.
By testing with Embark and sharing more about your dog, you’re fueling future scientific discoveries. We’ve already made an impact. And we’re just getting started.
Your dog can lead the way
Your Embarked dog can lead the way for all dogs. If you log in to your account and navigate to the “Research” tab, you’ll find available surveys waiting for you, with new ones added periodically.
We’re the genetics experts, but you know your dog from head to tail. By taking our research surveys, you’re providing insights that help drive science. The more surveys you take, the more likely we’ll be able to make a discovery that will help dogs everywhere.
Some of our discoveries
Embark recently discovered that red pigment intensity is a phenotype controlled by at least five genetic loci across dog breeds. This discovery allows Embark to explain 70% of the variation in hair coat pheomelanin intensity across purebred and mixed breed dogs. By leveraging phenotype data from 3,000 dogs submitted by owners and breeders, Embark now has the ability to predict coat color intensity with high accuracy.
Embark scientists discovered a genetic variant associated with early-onset adult deafness (EOAD) in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. This variant is a 12-base pair deletion in the EPS8L2 gene, which plays an important role in the inner ear hair cells in humans and other mammals. This discovery was made possible with help from the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, projectDOG, and dedicated dog owners and breeders.
The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study by the Morris Animal Foundation follows a cohort of over 3,000 Golden Retrievers throughout their lives, aiming to understand genetic and environmental factors that affect health and lifespan. Embark genotyped a cohort of study participants and discovered that inbreeding is also a concern for the breed. Every 10% increase in COI leads to a litter decreasing by one puppy.
Learn about our research program
Embark was founded by scientists and veterinarians, with the goal of using science to improve dog care. Our research-grade genotyping platform enables our scientists to make new discoveries in dog health. We do this through genome-wide studies that connect genetic data to health data or traits.
Our customers and their dogs are the citizen scientists behind our discovery engine. Every dog’s DNA fuels research that can help all dogs live longer, healthier lives.
Want to learn more? Read about our ongoing studies, published research, and more by exploring our Resources + Insights.
