Insights

When Julana and her husband adopted Willie Nelson, they suspected he was 100% German Shepherd Dog, due to his black and tan coat pattern. But as he got older, they noticed that his size was smaller than they expected for a German Shepherd. They decided to use an Embark dog DNA test to find out...

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,...

Humans and dogs have shared a lot of history. Our relationship with dogs started before the agricultural revolution, and it continues well into today. For many of us, dogs are not just pets; they are family members. The science behind why we love our dogs is extensive. Researchers are constantly uncovering new findings that help...

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. He chose the Australian dingo. Specifically, they sequenced the DNA of a desert dingo named Sandy. This work created the first full Australian dingo genome, published in a new study in 2022. The...

Here at Embark, we’re on a mission to improve the life and longevity of all dogs through science and technology. We’re jazzed up to celebrate the unique contributions that have made an impact on veterinary medicine. After all, it‘s in our DNA. So in honor of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting one of the most...

Presidential dogs have played an important role in history. The dogs in the White House offer a glimpse into the lives of the First Family of the United States. They have also been instrumental in shaping the presidential image and making presidents more relatable to the public. Many US presidents since George Washington were animal...

What would you do if you found out your beloved pup would eventually become blind? When Jane Flanders Salazar got an Embark Dog DNA Test for her dog Diego, she learned that he had two copies of a genetic variant that meant he would eventually lose his eyesight. As reported in Newsweek, Jane rescued a...

We believe the holidays are even more enjoyable when you share them with the furriest member of the family. That’s why we created a holiday guide that includes tips on making the most of this season with your pup! We’ve included gift ideas, safety tips, treat recommendations, and more. Activities Homemade Paw Ornaments Try these...

It’s not a typo—Mason Mason is an adventurous dog who has trekked across 100+ miles of nature trails. Camping, kayaking, backpacking in the snow… he’s done it all. Even more importantly, this all-weather rescue pup brought love and healing to the Mason family during a time of need. Why did you Embark Mason? Mason is...

Adoption and fostering are great ways to help dogs in need of forever homes. But there are many other ways to give back, even if you can’t adopt a pet right now. Here are 10 ways to spread the love and help dogs in need this holiday season—or any time of year. 1. Donate to...

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show is a beloved tradition for many families across America. About 25 million people tuned in this year. Children and their parents, Americans cooking Thanksgiving dinner, and families waiting for football to start all tune in to watch the National Dog Show together on Thanksgiving Day. This year,...