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...
Pannus is an immune-related eye disease in dogs that can cause vision impairment or even blindness if left untreated. Embark is partnering with Cornell University, a leading research institution, to gather samples for the study of the genetic factors involved in this disease. Keep reading to learn more about pannus in dogs and how you...
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...
In partnership with AnimalBiome, leaders in canine microbiome research, Embark Veterinary now offers tests and supplements designed to support dogs’ digestive and oral health. What is the microbiome? Both humans and animals have a community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that live inside the body. Collectively called the microbiome, these microorganisms play important...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
Every dog owner wants their dog to live a long and healthy life. Every dog breeder wants to provide a healthy and happy puppy to its new family. Canine health depends on sound practices from purpose-bred dog breeders as well as cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs in genetic health from the research community. Working together breeders...
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an Embark scientist? When your dog’s Embark swab goes to the lab to be studied, there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. Ausra Milano is a research scientist who makes sure Embark’s DNA swabs are processed properly. Ausra is also actively...
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...
When the news arrived that dog DNA testing would be made available, there was a mix of reactions. Some people were angry, as communities were using it to see if pooches had any banned breeds in their ancestry. Some people were happy with the possibility of determining the appropriate disease prevention for their fur baby. Still,...
If you have Embarked your dog and opted to participate in scientific research, you’re officially a citizen scientist! On behalf of Embark, I want to say thanks for your contribution. In 2017, Embark presented some of the first research to come out of the data that you and others have given us. We were at...
Where did dogs come from? While the answer isn’t yet clear, DNA has given scientists many clues about the origin of our canine companions. What do we know about where dogs came from? As The New York Times reports, “Scientists generally agree that humanity’s best friend descended from gray wolves, scampering into our lives at...
Embark was founded by scientists and veterinarians, with the goal of using science to improve dog care. Our research-grade genotyping platform enables our scientists to make new discoveries in dog health. We do this through genome-wide studies that connect genetic data to health data or traits.
Our customers and their dogs are the citizen scientists behind our discovery engine. Every dog’s DNA fuels research that can help all dogs live longer, healthier lives.
