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

I had such a great experience with the Embark Breed & Health Test Kit! The results were accurate and so much fun to read through. It gives you tons of detailed information. not just about your dog’s breed mix, but also health traits, genetic risks, and even fun personality insights. The breed breakdown was super thorough and easy to understand, and I loved learning more about where my dog’s traits come from. The health section was especially helpful and gave me peace of mind. Overall, it’s informative, easy to use, and really exciting to go through when the results come in. I’d definitely recommend it to any dog owner who’s curious about their pup’s background!

I’m so happy with this purchase. I’ve been wanting to do a DNA test for my dog for a while and after researching, Embark seemed to be the best choice. The test was quick and easy, with simple instructions and return by mail process. I got updates once my sample was received and every step throughout processing. I received the results quick! A little over 2 weeks. It was so cool to learn all about my pups breeds, but also loved that it included health factors as well as some characteristics. I always thought my rescue had her tail cropped. Come to find, she carries a gene that makes it most likely her tail is naturally bobbed. That was a pleasant discovery I wasn’t expecting, but definitely brought me some ease of mind. All in all, it was definitely worth the purchase!

This DNA test turned out to be pretty cool. It didn't take too long and the results were both surprising but also made a lot of sense. We adopted a puppy from a local rescue and they said he was a Chi mix, but everyone that met him said that he looked like a German Shepherd. He turned out to be a mix of Chihuahua, Siberian Husky, Australian Cattle Dog, German Shepherd, and small poodle. I'm glad that we did the DNA test because the rescue said the pup would be a good couch buddy, but after seeing his genetic mix is mostly working breeds, that helped us realize that he needs more exercise and stimulation than we originally expected. The combo test also provides lots of additional features like the pup's 'wolfiness' level, genetic diseases etc and if your pup carries the gene, it even shows other dogs near you that have similar DNA and could be potential relatives. The test gave so much more information than I expected, and you can download the entire packet like a little book. You also receive email updates and app notifications along the way as your test progresses through the process. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get a good enough sample because you need to swab the cheek for 30-60 seconds and my pup is still super young and not very cooperative with things like that. But he actually did really well! Then I thought I had ruined the sample because when I pulled it out it had grass on it LOL but it was still usable. So it's nice to know that a little contamination here and there doesn't throw a wrench in things :)

I got the 🧬kit in a couple days and was excited to get started. I read through the instructions to make sure I did everything required and in order as recommended. It was easy to do Getting my dog to do the swab was pretty easy. He's got a big mouth and big floppy lips so he wasn't bothered by the oversized cotton swab in his mouth! I then contained it as necessary and put it in the mailing envelope that's provided in the kit. I was so excited I opted to take it to the post office instead of waiting to catch the mail carrier 🚗 As soon as USPS scanned it in, I got an email from Embark that the sample was on it's way. They then proceeded to let me know when it arrived and emails for each step through the process! 🧪 They really kept me informed! Initially I was told up to 6 weeks for processing. It wasn't..it wasn't even three; I think it was about 10 days after they got it that I had the results.📱 Right away I found out about a prominent mix (didn't know he was 28% Boxer) and that answered some questions about him, both physical and behavioral Included with the results was a lot of good information; for instance about allergies. They broke it down to the types of allergies and ways to recognize them and how to deal with them. I'm really glad I did this, there's information contained in the results that I will be checking for a long time to come. For the amount of information that I've been provided, this is a good value for money!💲💲💲

The Embark Breed & Health Kit is one of the most comprehensive DNA tests you can get for your dog, and it lives up to the hype in real use. Setup is easy — swab the cheek, send it back, and within a few weeks you get a detailed online report that goes way beyond basic breed guesses. What you get Breed & ancestry breakdown: A deep dive into your dog’s genetic makeup with precise percentages and lineage insights. It’s far more accurate and detailed than basic breed tests. Health risk screening: Identifies dozens of genetic conditions and predispositions, so you can catch potential issues early or discuss risk management with your vet. Traits & characteristics: Adds fun, scientifically backed insights into things like coat type, size predictions, and even behavioral tendencies. Relative finder: Connects your dog with genetically related pups in the Embark database — a neat feature if you’re curious about lineage or want to connect with other owners. Real-world value Many owners find the health insights alone worth the investment, especially if you have a purebred or mixed dog with unknown background. The online dashboard is user-friendly, with clear explanations and links to research — no guesswork or data-dump overwhelm. Results feel actionable rather than vague, so you can talk specifics with your vet or plan training/health care with solid data. Bottom line: If you want a real genetic portrait of your dog — not just a throwaway breed percentage — this kit delivers. It’s comprehensive, scientifically grounded, and actually helpful for care, curiosity, and long-term wellbeing. Worth it for any devoted pet owner who wants to understand their dog at a deeper level.

We were very happy we chose Embark to do the DNA Test for our new puppy. Their communication is great! The App is very user friendly and contains a huge amount of all the details and information you need. We purchased the Breed and Health Kit which was easy with great turn around time for results! The health information is definitely good to have.

We got this kit for a Shiba Inu puppy we got from a backyard breeder. We love our little pup, and wanted to know more about him, since he looked a little off from other breed standards. So, we got this DNA test, mostly for breed identification. The sampling: The kit was easy to sample. Be careful with the swabs and solution. My wife spilled 60% of the solution immediately. But the dog was okay with the inside cheek swab. No way to hold the swab for 30 seconds, but 10 seconds was fine. The results: After sending results in the mail, we got an immediate email that the test was received. Then we had to wait 3-4 weeks for the final results. Embark kept sending emails with partial updates, so it wasn't exactly limbo but we had to wait a full 4 weeks for results. So don't expect fast turn around. But I guess that made it seem like we were part of the process, so it wasn't bad. The results finally came in. The breed identification was the only one we wanted, but there was some medical stuff there too. Nice to know our little guy wasn't going to get some random genetic disease on there. But it was over our heads as non veterinarians. They DID offer a suggested lifespan, which was reassuring. Who knows if that will be accurate. The breed came back as 85% Shiba, 12% Jindo (which is a dog I never heard of) and like 3% German Shepard. The Shiba is obvious. The Jindo, they showed some pictures, and it was fun to see the resemblance. The German Shepard I don't get. Also the percentages are mathematically confusing, because how do you get 3% when pairings should be power of two, right? Two parents, four grand parents, 8 great grand parents, etc. After researching these kinds of tests, most geneticists advise they shouldn't be used for identifying purebred dogs. More for finding out your lovable mutt's possible breeds mix. So, basically, take it with a grain of salt. This isn't FBI DNA evidence stuff, nor is it Montel William's "You are NOT the breed!" reality show tests. It's just not that type of thing, no matter how scientific the title implies. The verdict: This is a quality version of an imperfect product. They put together a good package and it provides about 4 weeks of fun around the house as you discuss the results and wait in anticipation. But don't hold your breath for super detailed ancestry data or like evidence you can take to the AKC for papers.

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.