For Breeders

At Embark, we strive to provide the most comprehensive testing service available, continually conducting research and collaborating with leaders in the field to add new health conditions and traits tests to our Embark for Breeders suite of products. This process includes adding new probes to the research-grade microarray we use to test each dog’s DNA...

Learn about genetic COI (coefficient of inbreeding) and how it can be used to inform breeding decisions with Aaron Sams, PhD. Many factors are considered when choosing which dogs to use in breeding programs including conformation, temperament, genetic disease mutations, and much more. Assessing the impact of inbreeding is another factor to consider. In this...

Understanding genetic health risks, physical traits, and genetic coefficient of inbreeding for Pembroke Welsh Corgis Genetic health tests offered by Embark for Pembroke Welsh Corgis: Degenerative Myelopathy, DM (SOD1A) Exercise-Induced Collapse (DNM1) Progressive Retinal Atrophy, rcd3 (PDE6A) Von Willebrand Disease Type I (VWF) X-linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (IL2RG Variant 2) Chondrodystrophy and Intervertebral Disc Disease,...

Learn how Embark is helping Bearded Collie breeders better understand genetic health, coat color traits, and inbreeding. What does Embark test for in Bearded Collie? Genetic health tests offered by Embark for Bearded Collies: Collie Eye Anomaly, Choroidal Hypoplasia, CEA (NHEJ1) Degenerative Myelopathy, DM (SOD1A) Learn more about these health conditions on our health page....

More and more registries and breed organizations require it with your dog’s DNA results submission: Veterinary verification of identity. Of course, Embark’s DNA Test already includes multiple verification checks: We confirm that the genetic sex matches the owner-reported sex for a dog. We conduct a review of genetic breed ancestry. If needed, we even compare...

Purebred dog owners often ask, why should I Embark-test a dog I’m not planning to breed? The answers may surprise you. Not only can an Embark test provide you with important genetic health information that could help prevent emergencies, manage disease, and save you money on long-term veterinary bills; but your dog could hold the...

Learn how to predict potential litter genetic health risks and coat color genotypes with Dr. Adam Boyko. How can I use Punnett squares to predict litter outcomes? Knowing the genotypes of two dogs that might be bred can provide you with a wealth of information.  In this video, Embark’s Chief Science Officer explains how to...

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, but it can also be extremely useful in assessing potential breeding mates for your dog. In fact, it’s one of the reasons many breeders choose Embark for their DNA...

Wobbler Syndrome in dogs—also known as cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM)—is a common disease of the cervical spine in large and giant breed dogs. Currently, the genetic basis for Wobbler Syndrome is unknown.  Although the condition mostly affects Doberman Pinschers (~5%) and Great Danes (~4%), it can also occur in Mastiffs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Borzoi, and Poodles,...

Learn how to factor genetic health results into breeding decisions in this introductory video with Embark Co-founder Dr. Adam Boyko. How should I factor my dog’s genetic health results into my breeding decisions? Many breeders receive their dog’s Embark results and discover that their dog is a carrier or at-risk for a genetic health condition....

For the fifth consecutive year, Embark Veterinary was proud to sponsor the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan, as the official dog DNA test  of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This iconic event occurred on May 6, 8, and 9, 2023, at the USTA Billie Jean King National...

Genetic health testing is growing among breeders who see the benefits of informed breeding decisions and healthier litters. Here are some frequently asked questions about dog DNA tests. Q: What is genetic health screening? A: Genetic health screening can provide extremely detailed information to improve your dog’s health, optimize breeding pairs, improve litter outcomes, and...