Breeder Tools Last Updated:

Westminster and Embark: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

By

Go to "Westminster and Embark: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future" article

For the fifth consecutive year, Embark Veterinary was proud to sponsor the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan, as the official dog DNA test  of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This iconic event occurred on May 6, 8, and 9, 2023, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. Embark made its annual donation of $10,000 – in honor of Best in Show winner Buddy Holly the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen – to the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. This year’s Westminster donation sets Embark’s canine health research donations at $50,000. 

More than 3,000 dogs competed in four competitions, including the 10th Annual Masters Agility Championship, 8th Annual Masters Obedience Championship, Junior Showmanship, and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.  This year Embark hosted a fun, engaging, and interactive booth where spectators took fun photos of themselves with cutouts of 2022 Best in Show winner Trumpet the Bloodhound. Even Trumpet stopped by for a quick snap. 

Also, breeders, exhibitors, and owners met with Embark experts at the booth to discuss how best to incorporate DNA testing into their breeding program. Embark recognizes how Westminster honors the rich traditions of the sport while at the same time ushering in the future of dog breeding.

The Past

WKC logo

The century-old practices and legacies of dog breeding and careful selection have produced astounding variation, talent, and abilities. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show brings dog fanciers from all over the world together to celebrate these extraordinary dogs. 

The Future

Embark for Breeders logo

Embark and the Westminster Kennel Club are partners in preserving and protecting the genetic health of every breed. Through education and awareness, both organizations strive to support preservation dog breeders who recognize the importance of genetic health screening and improving population diversity. 

The Partnership

Westminster Kennel Club has more than a century of experience in the sport of purebred dogs and promoting responsible breeding practices. Embark has vast experience in the science of dog genetics and the latest technology. Together, with the collaboration of committed dog breeders, we can forge a clear path to improving the health and wellness of purebred dogs.

Embark for Breeders dog DNA test kits
Sale Price
$119-$159 per test

Canine Health Donations 

Each year Embark donates $10,000 to canine health research in honor of the Westminster Best in Show winner. To date, Embark has donated $50,000 toward improving canine health since 2019. Every dog that is tested with Embark also contributes to canine health research. We thank these dedicated fanciers for joining our mission to increase the life and longevity of all dogs through science and technology. 

Learn more about the Westminster Kennel Club and Embark for Breeders.

Lisa Peterson Contributor

Award-winning writer, journalist, and podcast host Lisa Peterson is a canine subject matter expert and Content Strategy Lead at Embark Veterinary. She served as the American Kennel Club director of communications and club communications for 10 years before becoming a Westminster Kennel Club public relations consultant from 2016 to 2021. Lisa began owning, breeding, and handling Norwegian Elkhounds more than 35 years ago, and today is an AKC judge and AKC Breeder of Merit.

Read more about Lisa Peterson

Related categories

Breeder Tools For Breeders

Shop dog DNA tests