Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test Kit

Ever since I got my puppy, I've wanted to know how much of what I was told about his parents were true (and also wanted proof that he's not a German Shepherd bc everyone on the street thinks he is solely based on some of his coloring, you'd think the curly tail would give it away but no). I had planned on waiting a bit to do a test when my friends surprised me with this test as a "belated baby shower" gift. My little guy ended up being even more Norwegian Elkhound than I thought (almost half!) and did actually have one of the terriers and (American) bulldog that I had been told, but instead of Chihuahua, he's nearly a quarter Pomeranian! He's also apparently small parts Silky and Yorkshire Terriers, which was a surprise. I had so much fun with his test that I opted for the health and trait upgrade and it was relief that he was cleared of nearly everything and the rest I can send to my vet to keep an eye on. Highly recommend!!

I paid for Embark testing twice for the same dog, six months apart, after questioning the accuracy and completeness of the first result. Embark’s website lists an estimated turnaround time of over two weeks. The second test returned within two days, strongly indicating that a prior genotype already in their system was reused rather than independently reanalyzed. This was not disclosed. When I requested either a refund or a true retest, both were denied. Customer service instead defaulted to the claim that “the DNA doesn’t lie,” a statement that reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of genetic interpretation. DNA does not interpret itself. Breed assignments are statistical models with known limitations. My dog expresses a true double coat, including undercoat and feathering. Neither pit bull type dogs nor Shar pei possess the genetic architecture to produce this phenotype. This genotype phenotype conflict warranted reassessment. It was dismissed. If your goal is vague population clustering presented as unquestionable fact, this product may suffice. If you expect scientific rigor, transparency, or accountability when results conflict with observable genetics, this service fails. Embark substitutes confidence for evidence. That is branding, not science.

We were interested in finding out Hannah’s DNA. The “test”was easy and the turnaround time was just what they say. Ours came back that our rescue puppy is 100% Golden Retriever.