In mid-July, July 14th to be exact, we ordered an Embark DNA test for Amarula. Because of some of the extra features, we ordered the test for breeders. Truth be told, all of their tests are the same, Embark just allows you access or to more features based on the price you pay. The “breeder “test provides you access to things such as a “pair predictor” or “matchmaker.” You will also get more details, aside from basic breed identity by using the breeder version. Our test cost $159 but we had a coupon code that brought the total price down to $99, which in reality, is a pretty good deal. (It is worth noting that if you decide to use Embark's basic test kit, you are able to contact them to upgrade your level of access to whatever features you’d like to add)
Recently, Embark began testing Cane Corso’s for Dental Skeletal Retinal Anomaly (DSRA). Prior to Embark, we submitted DSRA test samples to Vetgen at $50 per test. When Vetgen went out of business, Embark took up the slack and began including DSRA in their battery of tests, for that we are grateful. The addition of the DSRA test alone makes Embark a value that is difficult to beat. A few years ago, we made it a point to add Embark genetic testing to the batter of health tests we perform on dogs from our kennel. There are several breed-specific genetic diseases directly related to the Cane Corso that Embark tests for. As a responsible breeder, it is our obligation to test for these diseases.
We have found shipping/tracking and poor customer service to be one of the most frustrating issues when it comes to dealing with Embark. Here is an example of our issues with Embark. On July 19th, 5 days after placing our order, the test kit arrived in the mail. We collected a DNA sample from Amarula by way of a cheek swab and submitted it to Emark for analysis the day after we received the kit and dropped it off at the local post office. Tracking showed the packing was picked up and sent to North Carolina, which happens to be the completely opposite coast where the kit should have been sent. Embark’s laboratory is in California, so perhaps this error could be blamed on the USPS and truthfully it was. But we would be lying if we said this is the first time, we have had issues with Embark. Each and every test we have submitted to Embark has at some point during shipping, been “lost” for a few days. Apparently, Embark recycles the tracking numbers they use, so good luck keeping track of your package if you choose to use Embark.
According to the USPS the sample was delivered to Embark on July 31st, however, the Embark website still showed the sample was not delivered. We waited approximately 1 week before reaching out to Embark for clarification on the location of the sample. After contacting Embark and explaining the issue, we were sent a replacement test. Our initial test for Amarula was finally received on August 7th, over 3 weeks after we dropped it off at the local post office. That replacement test, we were told to keep it for next time, but if we wanted to use it on another dog, they would happily invoice us for it, no coupons codes apply. Embark ensured us they would discount the test, but “their hands were tied.”
So now that we are done bashing Embark for their poor shipping practices, let’s talk about their turn-around time. According to Embark we were set to receive our test results within several weeks of them receiving the test kit. Embark sent us several updates advising us of the status of the test and where it was in the process.
On August 13th, a week after Embark received the test, we got an email stating Amarula’s sample had “Begun Genotyping.”
Four days later and 10 days after Embark received the test, we got an email titled “Get ready to apply Amarula’s test results.
Finally, on August 18th, over a month after we placed our initial order, the results were ready.
It is unfortunate in our opinion that other companies such as Wisdom or Gensol do not test for and provide the same benefits that Embark does. If they did, we would immediately stop using Embark.
Before we get to the results, let's back up a little. For this test to be conducted a DNA sample must be collected by way of a cheek swab. The collection process is fairly simple, anyone who has used a “Q tip” and is able to locate their dog's mouth can collect the sample. You simply open the test packet, remove the plastic tube with the Q tip-style collection device, place it in your dog's mouth, and move it back and forth against the inside of your dog's cheek for approximately 30 seconds. You then place the device back in the plastic tube with the preservative fluid, seal it, and put it in the mail. Make sure you register your test kit Embark prior to mailing. It is worth mentioning that one of the features Embark is known for is breed identification. We wondered why Embark asked you to identify the breed your dog is supposed to be, after all, that is what we were paying them to do. And, if you're a sucker for punishment and frustration like us, make sure you copy your tracking number so you can watch your sample repeatedly disappear and reappear in places you never knew existed.
So here are a few noteworthy results Embark was able to extract from Amarulas’ DNA swab:
1. Embark was able to confirm Amarula is 100% Cane Corso, we had no doubt. Did it matter that we told them she was a Cane Corso? What if we told them she was a Corgi? Maybe we’ll give it a try on the next DNA test we do if we go with Embark again… Embark also provides a certificate that can be printed and framed if a dog owner wants to do so.
2. Amarula is Dental Skeletal Retinal Anomaly, (DSRA) Clear. We already knew this because we had submitted a prior test to Vetgen but, it is nice to get “double” confirmation.
3. Amarula is Canine Multifocal Retinopathy, (cmr1), clear.
4. Amarula is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), clear.
Some other noteworthy information Embark provides is the ability to print your test results for your veterinarian. You can even print your dogs’ DSRA test results and submit them to OFA. Be advised though, OFA charges to certify that your certified results from Embark are, certified… Last time we checked the OFA charge was $20. Embark will also tell you what they project your dog’s full-grown will be. This is an area we find to be inaccurate. According to Embark, Amarula should weigh 84 pounds when fully grown, she is already over 100 lean pounds.
In their “Breed & Ancestry” section, Embark will help you discover where your dogs’ ancestors originated, if you are interested.
With all this cool information, it is hard not to recommend Embark, especially if you are a breeder or are thinking about breeding, Truthfully, the worst part about using Embark is their terrible shipping/tracking and their customer service, it almost seems as if they use AI or a bot to deal with customers. Until one of Embark’s competitors catches up with them, we will more than likely continue to use their services…
We have listed links to a few DNA tests for dogs below, both Embark and Wisdom. The links are more for comparison as we have no first-hand experience with any of the companies, aside from Embark. It is always best to conduct your own research.
Embark: https://amzn.to/44ndZUR
Wisdom Panel: https://amzn.to/47HdwzF
DNA My Dog: https://amzn.to/3YJUcxD