Embark is the most impressive dog DNA test we’ve ever seen.
It’s packed with deep detail on your dog’s genetic history, offering the largest number of genetic markers available (for extreme accuracy) and even testing for wolf, coyote, and village dog ancestry.
Embark offers two options — the Embark Breed + Health Kit or the Embark Breed Identification Kit.
Today we’ll be delving deep into the Breed Identification Kit, which is Embark’s lower-tier, more affordable DNA test kit.
Embark Breed Identification Test
Embark's more budget-friendly DNA test kit, offering all the breed ancestry info you could want while leaving out the health screenings.
Embark Breed Identification Kit Features
Embark tests for hundreds of genetic issues and providing info on recommended nutrition, grooming, and training regiments tailored for your canine. There’s nothing else like it on the market!
- 350+ Breed Database. Embark screens for over 350 dog breeds, resulting in a huge breed database that makes Embark one of the most scientifically advanced dog DNA tests on the market.
- Coyote, Wolf, and Village Dogs. In addition to testing for coyote and wolf ancestry, Embark also tests for village dogs, which are free-roaming dogs associated with certain geographical locations around the world. The Embark team were the first to research and categorize these often-ignored mutts. Understanding your pup’s village dog ancestry can reveal the history of your canine ancestor’s migration and origin story.
- Most Breed Markers. In creating Embark, the team hired some of the best dog DNA scientists in the world to create the largest database of genetic markers ever – over 200,000. This promises the highest level of accuracy, and having a database like this is, in and of itself, a remarkable feat!
- Canine Relative Finder. Embark’s relative finder feature uses their vast user database to connect you with your dog’s cousins or even siblings!
Features You Won’t Get
Embark’s Breed Identification Dog DNA Kit is their lower-tier option, which means you’ll only be getting breed info about your dog, with none of the extensive genetic screenings that come with the pricier, higher-tier Embark Breed + Health Kit.
With that in mind, you’ll miss out on:
- 215 Genetic Health Tests. With the Breed + Health kit, Embark runs 215 genetic health screenings on your dog, alerting you to potential health issues such as such as multi-drug sensitivity (MDR1) , dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), glaucoma, coagulopathy, among others.
- Testing for 35+ Physical Traits. The higher-tier Embark kit also gets you access to genetic info on over thirty-five physical traits, including tail shape, coat color, coat length, level food motivation, etc.
- Vet Reports. Embark provides valuable vet reports that can be shared with your dog’s veterinarian. These reports provide a great jumping off point to discuss your dog’s future health plan with a professional.
If your start out with the Embark Breed Identification DNA Kit, you can always upgrade in the future to the Breed + Health Kit without requiring a new test — if Embark already has your DNA sample, they can add the health screenings to your kit at anytime you choose.
What Your Embark Breed Identification Report Looks Like
Let’s get a bird’s eye view on exactly what you’ll see in your dog’s Embark Breed Identification Kit.
1. Your Dog’s DNA Composition
Embark will show you a chart detailing a breakdown of which breeds make up your one-of-a-kind canine!
In addition to your dog’s DNA composition info, you’ll also see mini-profiles on each of the breeds in your dog’s genetic make up.
2. Your Dog’s Family Tree
With Embark, you’ll be able to see your dog’s family tree all the way back to your pup’s great grandparents!
3. Maternal Haplotype
Embark shows your dog’s maternal haplotype via mitochondrial DNA, allowing you to see the likely migration patterns your dog’s ancestors took to eventually birth your pup in the world!
4. Relative Finder
Embark’s relative finder allows you to see other Embark users who share a percent of DNA with your own dog. The relative finder section shows the percent of DNA shared with other dogs, as well as what the equivalent human relationship would be (such as first or second cousins).
If the Embark user gives permission, you may even be able to see the relative’s photo and contact info!
5. Look Alike Section
One feature I don’t see people talk about much in Embark’s look alike tool.
In this section, you can see what dogs look like who share a very similar breed mix to your own dog. It can be kind of interesting to see how your dog could have turned out looking alike in another life!
Should You Choose the Breed Identification Kit?
All in all, the Embark Dog Breed Identification Kit is a great choice for owners who only want info on their dog’s DNA and nothing else.
However, if you are interesting in health screenings, we’d suggest the Embark Breed + Health Kit.
Want some health info but don’t have the budget for the Embark Breed + Health Kit? You may want to consider the Wisdom Panel Essential Dog DNA Kit. This kit comes from the Mars Veterinary company, and gives an in-depth breed assessment along with twenty-five health screening tests.
It’s not much compared to the hundreds of genetic health screenings other kits provide, but you’ll get access to some of the most important health tests.
And, depending on sales running, the Wisdom Panel Essential Kit can often be cheaper than Embark’s Breed Identification test.
Embark is a fantastic brand for dog DNA test kits, so whichever option you choose, you’ll likely be happy with your purchase. And don’t forget, you can always upgrade to the health screening option at a later date if you choose the Breed Identification Kit but then later change your mind!