Embark Breed & Health Kit - Dog DNA Test - Discover Breed, Ancestry, Relative Finder, Genetic Health, Traits, Allergy Risk Scores

I think it is worth it. Everyone has their own budgets so I dont factor in price in my rating. I was able to get this when on mega sale for $139.00 for the DNA & Health option. Fun process, loaded with info. Worth it.We recently adopted what I was expecting to be a Lab & Mountain Curr mix. Her photos appeared that way, and she looked to be a bigger puppy with expected adult weight of 60 lbs. I am used to big dogs(80-110lbs), so when my soul mate beloved girl English lab passed away recently at just 7 years old, I set out to look to adopt a dog for her surviving brother (another English lab). Saw a listing for an 11 weeks old "Lab Mountain Curr mix", her expression and details caught my interest and so I started the adoption process. She was in the south (rescue grabbed her from a kill shelter), I am in the north, they provide transport. Took a chance on sight unseen.5 weeks later, she arrived. Basically we were catfished. She is actually 9-10 months old, and her pics were recent. So what I thought was a 30 lb 11 week old was actually a 28 lb 9 month old. That makes her a small/ish dog, and that makes her nearly full grown! SO, my 110 lb dog has a new 30 lb small dog. Our life and yard is set up for big dogs, not small. Ah well. We are adjusting. My boy is thrilled to have a friend.Which brings us to, well what is she then? Labs tend to be larger to BIG, and Currs are medium to large with similar large weight ranges. What is this weird little dog?I sniffed around various DNA test brands. I ultimately went with Embark (love the name) because of the tie to Cornell University (in my neck of the woods). My vet scoffs at these tests, but for me I figure it is simply information. I learn something or I dont.I was basically curious, and I also wanted an idea what to look for in terms of play style, training, motivation, etc. I KNOW labs (and to lesser but sizable degree, Currs-- hence the perfect match up for me), but I dont know other breeds. I am not set up to have a dog that needs to herd sheep, nor do I have an agility course. I want to know what the propensity is for the breeds she may be, so I can tailor my style to what she may need. I want her to blossom. Her personality description seemed like a good fit, but since we were basically catfished on some info, who knows what else was left to discover? Hence, DNA test.Process was simple. Kit arrived very quickly. Just swab mouth with included tools, stick in tube, put in mailer (postage included), and mail it. They will contact you when kit has been picked up in mail, will contact when arrived. Will likely keep you informed of where they are at in the process and how long it will take. It feels more personal and professional. I got an early email saying they found a health red flag (potential back/neck disc issue). Then shortly after I got the full DNA & health results.There is a TON of information, down to nitty gritty details for the science nerds. Also super easy graphics for those less inclined for data. This info can also be shared easily, including info can be sent to your vet if you want.Nothing labrador related came up in results. She is basically a Super Mutt, not surprising. I was hoping for a little more standout on one breed, but the breeds that were sussed out are still small fractions. So 51% mega mutt (at least Mountain Curr is part of that), but for the 49%, that broke down into Beagle (12%), Great Pyrenese (10%---hilarious at her small size, but remember genotype differs from phenotype, AND her expect 40 lb weight means that she has big dog lineage). Then smaller % of boxer, golden retriever, german shepard, eskimo & collie. Oddly, I can kind of see it. Disappointed not to have lab in her. I know rescues always put "lab mix", but I really did expect it given her "angle wing" at her "shoulders".There are link to each breed so you can quicky and easily learn about each listed as part of genetic profile.Her expected adult weight is 40 lbs, which I concur with. I hope she gets bigger anyway.Main thing is that she is sweet. Doesn't have that deep intelligence that my English Labs have nor the deep soulful eyes, but I knew I was getting a mixed bag. It is an adjustment. Still learning about her, but now I have a little more framework to operate within.What I like is that this Embark info doesnt stop here. They have a robust website loaded with info, and you can share pics and videos, take quizzes, dive into resources specific to your doggo and dogs in general. If there are any dogs that are close in relationship to yours then you can make contact as they are likely related. Neat stuff. I hope to find some relatives.So please be sure to fill out as much info as you can, add some pics, and maybe you too will be able to connect with family members. Even if later down the line someone decided to do DNA kit with their dog, it they are a genetic match you will be able to find out.If you are skeptical and have the extra money, you could wait to shop a sale to get another one, or from another brand to compare. Though if I did that, Id probably get this brand again for true fidelity of results.

There is nothing about this product that I didn't like. So from beginning to end here it goes:1) the box you receive your kit in is the same box you send it back in. This box is very durable and I had no concerns of the package accidentally opening en route.2) making an account on line was extremely easy, really as easy as 1,2,3.3) swab collection was so easy, all one tube. My dog didn't mind the collection one bit.4) tracking information is provided to you for the return of the package and email updates are sent as well.5) processing of the sample was great! I was told 4-6 weeks and given updates almost every week about the progress. This was really helpful because I didn't have to log on all the time and check the status.6) surveys are optional but I loved taking them because they were so in depth and told you how your dog measures up to other dogs which was really cool to see.7) results! I was initially told 4-6 weeks but it didn't even take 4! I swabbed her on Feb 14 and received my results on Mar 11. The results were amazing! It told me the percentages of the breeds in her and her family lineage up to her great grandparents! The report also provided in depth information about the breeds in her! Then it gets into the chromosomes! You actually get to see why your dog is predominantly colored one way compared to another (p.s. that's just the tip of the iceberg with the chromosomes!) It also tells you which health related issues your pup may run into. I found out that mine is a carrier for a gene with eye problems but Embark also told me that because she is only a carrier her chances of having this problem are 2-20%. They even told me how it's treated and what signs/symptoms to look for.Bottom line: this was so much fun and I enjoyed every bit of doing this with my girl! Not a single bit of me has anything negative about this experience. After all the information I was given I see why the price is a little high. You really do get what you pay for and it's totally worth every penny.

Not only does this test give you breed results, it gives you so much more information. I was blown away be the genealogy they give you, along with information about each breed, along with relatives and back story. They also give you testing for genetic diseases, I couldn't have been happier with this test/company. I have recommended it to everyone I have talked to about it, and will continue to do so.

I adopted my pup from a local shelter and wanted to find out her true breed makeup. That, and strangers were always asking if she was a Jack Russell or Dachshund or Beagle mix.Turns out that my girl is part Jack Russell terrier, Chihuahua (!!!?), and Rat terrier. It all makes sense when I look at images of all those breeds and see bits of her in each one.With that being said, I would HIGHLY recommend this test if you adopted a pet and you’re super curious about the breed. I got the results back in exactly two weeks and the analysis was incredibly detailed and helpful.

Embark DNA and Health kit was easy to use! From activation to delivery of my dog’s results, Embark kept me notified about the processing procedure. It was exciting that celebrate the results and share health concerns with our vet. Worth every penny!