A group of three Bernese Mountain Dogs at the National Dog Show
News

Embark at the National Dog Show

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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,...

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Dog Decoded showing Clifford, the Big Red Dog
Dog Decoded

Decoding Clifford, the Big Red Dog

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Almost everyone knows Clifford, the Big Red Dog. He’s the huge, lovable pup from children’s literature and the star of a new movie. If we ran an Embark DNA test on Clifford, what would we find? A gene that gives him his red coat? Maybe a new mutation that causes supersized dogs? Of course, Clifford...

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Holidays

6 Best Last-Minute Gifts for Dog Lovers

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It happens to everyone — you thought you were done gift shopping, and then you realize you need something for the dog lover on your list. And you need it now.  There’s no shortage of wonderful gifts out there for dog people, but most require you to go shopping or wait for shipping. Fortunately, thanks...

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Holidays

The Dogs on the Mayflower

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The Pilgrims weren’t the only ones who arrived at Plymouth in 1620. They brought dogs on the Mayflower with them. These Pilgrim pups might have been present at the first Thanksgiving. How do we know there were dogs on the Mayflower? Thanks to journals the Pilgrims kept, we know that there were at least two...

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Beagle dog wearing red Santa hat next to a red Christmas stocking on a brown wood background
Holidays

The Best Dog Stocking Stuffers

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Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that Embark may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. All linked products have been reviewed by a veterinarian. According to a Rover.com survey in 2020, nearly 70% of dog owners say their dog has a Christmas stocking. If you’re one of them, you know you’ll...

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dog holding halloween bucket
Holidays

Wagoween: Conquering Common Dog Fears

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The pandemic has been scary enough already, so this year we’re replacing the fear with cheer and celebrating Wagoween! We partnered with professional dog trainer, Erika Gonzalez, over at From Dusk Till Dog to give pet parents tips on conquering common dog fears. Does your dog run from the vacuum? Does your pup hide during...

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A brown Xolo dog lays on a green couch, resting their head on a black pillow embroidered with brightly colored flowers.
Holidays

The History of Dogs and Day of the Dead

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Did you know that we can trace dogs and Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, all the way back to ancient civilizations? Day of the Dead has roots in Aztec and Maya traditions. Today, it’s an important part of Mexican culture. Modern Día de los Muertos takes place on November 1–2. It...

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dog in ghost costume next to pumpkins
Holidays

Is Your Dog’s Behavior More “Trick” or “Treat”?

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DNA is just one of the things that makes every dog unique. Dog behaviors can be as diverse as their breed mix. We know that our dogs can be a combination of a little mischievous and very sweet—and we love them for it! We surveyed over 176,000 Embark dogs to learn about their behavior at...

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sleeping pup
Dog Decoded

Do Dogs Really Dream?

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We only need to watch our dogs while they sleep, to see their little, running paws or hear their muffled barks to recognize when they are dreaming. Scientists studying dogs and dog dreams have recently confirmed floating theories on a dog’s sleeping reveries. Dr. Stanley Coren, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the...

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Holidays

Heidi, the Queen of Halloween

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Happy Howl-oween! While many dog owners (and their pups) may find canine costumes to be pre-paw-sterous, this furbaby can’t get enough of it! Heidi and her pawrent, Amanda, are seriously dedicated to the dress-up game. Check out a few of our favorite looks to get inspired for your dog’s Halloween costume this year! SpidermanPrincess LeiaMoira...

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Couple with dog looking at phone screen
Holidays

A Swab Surprise is the Perfect Holiday Gift for the Dog Lover in Your Life

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What’s better than unwrapping a holiday gift to find out it’s a dog DNA test for your beloved pup? Finding out you already have your dog’s DNA answers and can start exploring their breed mix, health results, and relatives! This year, take the waiting period out of the process with a Swab Surprise. Give the...

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A woman smiles while holding her mixed-breed dog in front of a window.
Holidays

9 Best Gifts for Dog Moms

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Every dog mom knows the joy and happiness that comes from sharing their life with a four-legged friend. Their wagging tails, wet noses, and unconditional love make every day a little bit brighter. But when a special occasion rolls around, finding the right gift for your favorite dog mom can be a challenge.  In this...

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Insights

At Embark, the insights into our canine companions start with genetics, but they don’t end there. We stay on top of the latest news in science, dog health, and more.

Embark with us as we decode dogs, both famous and close to home. Hear stories from our customers, watch the family reunions made possible by our canine Relative Finder, and access Embark contests and quizzes. We also explore how dogs have influenced human history, science, and holiday celebrations.