Published Research

Embark scientists are making new genetic discoveries that can benefit all dogs. Through community science, we’ve uncovered why dogs have blue eyes, a gene associated with deafness, and more.

An adult Doberman Pinscher dog looks to the left in this photo. Of the 11 breeds in this study, the Doberman Pinscher genome had the highest mean autosomal level of inbreeding.
Published Research

Patterns of Inbreeding and Overlap with Recessive Disease Genotypes in Dogs

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In 2019, Embark scientists Adam Boyko, PhD and Aaron Sams, PhD published a study in the scientific journal G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics investigating the genetic effects of inbreeding in domestic dogs. They found that runs of homozygosity (especially longer ones) are associated with higher levels of known recessive disease alleles. Genetic hallmarks of inbreeding “Inbreeding is the...

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A white dog wearing a red harness looks off camera as the sun is setting behind trees in the background.
Published Research

Complex Disease and Phenotype Mapping in Dogs

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Dogs aren’t only humankind’s best friend; they’re also a valuable model species for medical genetics research.  Led by Adam Boyko, PhD, Chief Science Officer at Embark, a team of researchers from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, China Agricultural University, and La Sierra University conducted a genetic study of over 4,200 dogs....

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A litter of five Golden Retriever puppies sitting on a bench.
Published Research

Inbreeding Depression and Reduced Fecundity in Golden Retrievers

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Known for their sunny coat and disposition, Golden Retrievers are widely recognized as one of the most popular dog breeds in America. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are also overrepresented for certain diseases, with more documented mortalities due to cancer than nearly any other breed (Kent et al. 2018; Dobson 2013).  The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study by...

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Black and brown short-coated dogs on brown sand next to water.
Published Research

Dogs May Have Originated in Central Asia

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Though it is well accepted that dogs were the first domesticated animals, the question of where dogs came from is still a heated debate among scientists.  Over the past decade, various studies pointed to Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia as the likely origin for dogs, depending on what samples the researchers had and...

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Brown Rhodesian Ridgeback dog against green nature background
Published Research

Embark Discovers Variant Associated with Hearing Loss in Rhodesian Ridgebacks

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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...

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Australian Cattle Dog Roan Coat
Published Research

Embark’s Roaning Discovery

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Your dog is one-of-a-kind. But have you ever wondered what makes them that way? Embark makes it our business to know your dog down to their DNA. Our scientists unlocked a secret to understanding dogs’ roan coat patterns — and they couldn’t have done it without the help of everyday dog owners who wanted to...

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Published Research

Dog Breeding Guided by Small Genetic Panels Can Reduce Genetic Diversity

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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...

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A Husky type dog with blue eyes in the snow.
Published Research

Embark Discovers Why Dogs Have Blue Eyes

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At Embark, we are working to end preventable disease in dogs. In October 2018, we proudly announced the first step along that path to discovery: our first published scientific research! Embark scientists discovered why dogs have blue eyes. The genetics behind blue eyes in dogs In short, we discovered a genetic variant, specifically a duplication...

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