Resources & Insights
How a Dog DNA Test Helped Save Molly’s Life
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...
Embark Discovers Variant Associated with Hearing Loss in Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities in humans and dogs. Just like humans, Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs can experience progressive hearing loss early in life. This condition is known as early-onset adult deafness (EOAD). With this form of deafness, dogs lose their hearing by the time they are 1–2 years old. Some purebred...
How Old is Your Dog? How Veterinarians Estimate Dog Age
Most veterinarians get a tad worried when we are asked: “How old do you think my dog is?” Cue cold sweat, rapid shallow pulse: What pressure! I think it’s doubly stressful for us because we know first-hand why it’s important for you to have an accurate dog age. Like many dogs of unknown age,...
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Origins of the Australian Dingo
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...
Scooby-Doo Decoded
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...
Labrador TVD
Embark Veterinary’s mission is to end preventable disease in dogs. When our company was founded, we set out to build a database of canine genetic data that could be used for meaningful scientific research by inviting passionate scientists with expertise in population genetics and canine genomics to join our team. Since then we’ve added veterinarians,...
Assessing a potential mate? Start with a COI request.
Responsible breeders know the value of genetic COI (coefficient of inbreeding) in making breeding decisions: Not only is it correlated to overall canine health and lifespan, it can be extremely useful in assessing potential breeding mates for your dog. In fact, it’s one of the reasons so many breeders choose Embark for their DNA testing:...
Genetic Health Testing for German Shepherd Dogs
Embark for Breeders offers 10 breed-specific genetic health tests for the German Shepherd Dog among the 210+ 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...
Genetic Health Testing for Golden Retrievers
Embark for Breeders offers nine breed-specific genetic health tests for the Golden Retriever among Embark’s 210+ 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...
Why Embark is the Best Dog DNA Test
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. Compare Embark to other dog DNA...
Dog DNA Test Comparison
When you compare dog DNA tests, the options can be overwhelming. What’s the difference between the different types of kits? How do you know if the results are accurate? Are you getting the best value for your money? Let’s compare dog DNA test kit options and break down how to choose the one that’s right...
How Much Does a Dog DNA Test Cost?
How much is a dog DNA test? 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 test...
The Most Accurate Dog DNA Test
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...
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...
How Do Dog DNA Tests Work?
You probably know that DNA testing, for animals or for humans, involves sending in a saliva or blood sample and waiting for the results. But what happens to your dog’s sample after it gets to the Embark lab? Let’s break down the science behind how dog DNA tests work. The basics of how dog DNA...
