Genetic Health Education
Expert articles about DNA testing from genetics 101 to best practices. Embark answers questions about the genetic coefficient of inbreeding, interpreting results, when to breed carriers and more.
Breeding for the future: Why genome-wide diversity matters
Many dog breeders have reached out to us to ask “What makes Embark’s test better for maintaining diversity and lowering disease risk in my breed?” Specifically, they are often interested in how Embark compares to other diversity management products that use a very small number of genetic markers to make breeding recommendations. In short, you...
All Genetic Health Education articles
Not breeding your purebred? Why a dog DNA test still matters
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...
Responsible Breeding Practices
Dr. Jenna Dockweiler, MS, DVM, DACT, CCRT, CVAT Veterinary Geneticist at Embark Veterinary, presented her session Responsible Breeding Practices at the second annual 2022 Embark Canine Health Summit. This informative discussion reviews the breeding candidacy of the dog and responsible breeding as well as Brucella canis, and its management in a breeding setting. You’ll also...
Genetic Health Testing for French Bulldogs
Embark for Breeders offers four breed-specific genetic health tests for the French Bulldog among the 210+ genetic health conditions for which Embark tests. 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 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...
Dog breeding guided by small genetic panels can reduce genetic diversity
It is well-established that genetic diversity has been declining in many dog breeds over the past two centuries, as a result of strong selection on a number of specific traits, combined in some cases with reductions in breed population sizes at certain points in history as well as popular sire effects. This is not only...
Canine cardiac testing explained
Heart disease can affect many dogs, but in some breeds early testing is critical. Genetics is part of the puzzle when it comes to canine health testing prior to breeding. A cardiac exam is an important physical (phenotype) health test for dogs. Responsible breeders aiming to produce healthy puppies will conduct cardiac testing on both...
Planning Ahead for DNA Health Testing
Sometimes planning for litters just before or during the holiday season happens depending on when your dam decides to go into season. Savvy breeders, especially those who like to plan ahead, take advantage of setting up a health testing timeline to keep breeding goals on track by buying Embark for Breeders Dog DNA Kits...
Beyond Dog DNA Tests: What Breeders Should Know About Complex Genetics
Dog breeders often ask, why are the risks for some health conditions difficult to detect with genetic testing? The short answer is: genetics can be simple or complex—scientific terms that mainly refer to patterns of inheritance or transmission of a disease-causing mutation. Some health issues currently have a DNA test available to see if your...
Canine Hip Dysplasia Testing Explained
Genetics is part of the puzzle when it comes to canine health testing prior to breeding. Testing both parents is a must in order to produce the healthiest puppies possible. There are genotype (DNA tests) for certain diseases and also phenotype (physical examinations) for others that make up the whole health testing protocol. One of...
