Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Embark | Dog DNA Test | Breed & Health Kit | Breed Identification & Canine Genetic Health Screening

Top positive review

Comprehensive, Informative, Interesting -- Quality results

April 18, 2017

I decided to DNA test my dog, but also to try three different testing services to compare the results. I used what looked like the most popular services: Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel, Embark, and DNA My Dog. Long-story-short, Mars returned the results surprisingly quickly, while DNA My Dog took ridiculously long to get the results (ironic, since the speed of results is one of its marketing points), but hands down Embark took by far the longest to return results. The services were not wholly consistent in their results. They all provided the same primary breed ancestry, but did not agree on the secondary breeds. Both Mars and Embark provided the same breed results. DNA My Dog appeared to provide results more closely aligned with the picture of the dog I uploaded, but different from the other two. Subsequently, I tested another dog with both Mars and DNA My Dog. I did not upload a picture. Mars returned correct results based on what was known about the dog. DNA My Dog provided ridiculously wrong results (large breed results for a 19 pound dog). Embark is superior to Mars in the amount and depth of analysis provided, especially the health analysis. All in all, I’m inclined to favor Mars for faster, lower cost results delivery. However, if time and price are not an issue, then Embark provides the most comprehensive, informative, and interesting results. I do not recommend DNA My Dog.

1,771 people found this helpful

Top critical review

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don't waste your money

October 3, 2018

it seems they gave me every dog EXCEPT ridgeback for my ridgeback mix. they could detect golden retriever but not even a hint of rhodesian ridgeback? does that seriously make sense? don't waste your money

165 people found this helpful

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Brain

Comprehensive, Informative, Interesting -- Quality results

April 18, 2017

Verified Purchase

1,771 people found this helpful

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88 comments

skippy nikki

Please stop questioning and just buy this

April 6, 2017

Verified Purchase

We rescued a puppy in December who was described as a pug mix. (as you can see in the photos everyone but me doubted this was correct) so we decided to DNA test her. I was looking at several tests (both more and less expensive than this one) and decided on Embark because of the genetic disorder portion of the text. My parents lost a dog, that could have been saved had they known about his genetic condition. They kept me updated regularly as to where they were in the process, and though it feels like it took forever, I never wondered if my girl's DNA was shelved somewhere being ignored, because I knew just what step it was going through.

When the genetic portion came back with her testing positive for a scary sounding condition, the Embark geneticists sent a personalized email before releasing the results, letting me know things weren't as bad as it sounded, and explaining further about the condition (including the breed of dog that it typically cause the most issues with) Had I just opened my results and seen this condition I would have PANICKED!! However knowing more about it allowed me to not panic, and just let me Vet know so we could keep an eye on her as she gets older.

I was very impressed when the breed tests came back!! They were very complete and detailed. My husband could not believe we got that much information for our money. (one test we had looked at was a $200 blood test that would only give us her breed) Not only did we have the breakdown of her breed, we also got a family tree, as well as the level of inbreeding on her genes.
I have seen some reviews on here complaining about the Supermut results, however when you get the supermut results they also provide information about what trace breeds go into the supermut.

Another amazing thing is that if new genetic disorders are discovered, they run these through the existing DNA profiles, and if your dog tests positive they will update your results and let you know.
The only con I have about this test is how long it takes to get the results, but given everything they check, this is completely understandable!!
If you are on the fence about what doggy DNA test to get, please do yourself a favor and pick this one.

674 people found this helpful

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44 comments

dede123

Very cool. My dog is a rescue and I was ...

January 17, 2018

Verified Purchase

Very cool. My dog is a rescue and I was told he was a border collie mix. His personality lead me to do a test because he just didn’t have the personality a border collie. Come to find out he’s a Shih Tzu pitbull mix which makes way more sense. I included picture because everyone has a hard time picturing a Shih Tzu pit mix.

183 people found this helpful

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1212 comments

Sherrie K.

Fascinating and illuminating

January 11, 2017

Verified Purchase

We sent our puppy's DNA in for testing just days after we rescued her. She was called a "Beagle mix" and we had just lost our beloved Beagle to cancer. We knew she wasn't very Beaglish (except for the one floppy ear) but she doesn't act like the Jack Russell everyone thought she was mixed with. It took 10 weeks to get the result but Embark communicated several times that they were working on it, it just takes longer for mixed dogs. And she is REALLY mixed.
Now, when people at the dog park ask what kind of dog she is I just whip out my phone and show them her family tree. I should probably get a commission from Embark because I've sent them so many customers, lol.
It's also good to know that she has NO genetic predisposition to any diseases.
I recommend this test highly to anyone who is concerned or just curious about their fur baby.

504 people found this helpful

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66 comments

JKC

Worth every penny. Amazing company

July 27, 2017

Verified Purchase

Embark DNA test was worth every penny. Our previous dog (pitbull-boxer) suffered from degenerative myelopathy (basically doggy ALS). It was devastating for us. It would have been so helpful to have known of this disorder ahead of time. Although it would have been disappointing to find out when he was younger, we could have begun therapy for him before he showed any symptoms. We also would have saved thousands of dollars on diagnostic tests (MRI, etc.) and stem-cell therapy, but we do not regret the money we spent.

We decided with our new pup that we would do a genetic test for him. Luckily the Embark DNA test showed that he is negative for all the tested disorders. We knew he was mostly pitbull when we adopted him from the shelter. We were certain he had something else in there, but we found out that our not so little pound puppy is 100% staffie/pitbull. He's a wonderful pitbull ambassador. He's such a kind and gentle guy - a bit like Eeyore, but in dog form. When people ask what type of dog he is, now we can proudly say he's 100% pitbull. Many have said that he single-handedly has changed how they view pitbulls.

We had a wonderful experience with the company. When we first received the kit. We immediately went online to check out the site. We knew our pup had a lot of pittie in him so we went to the breed description page for staffie/pitbull. We were disheartened to see that the description was mostly negative. We wrote the company and explained that a high percentage of adopted shelter pups have some pitbull in their genetic makeup and how it is upsetting to read something some so negative when the DNA test is supposed to be a fun and positive experience. Also, it's the last thing any pitbull mom or dad needs to read as we are already bombarded with negative stereotypes about our beloved pups. It could be particularly devastating for kids to read when it pertains to their best buddy. I suggested that they review all of their breed descriptions to make sure that they lean more to the positive. After voicing my concerns through an email, I received a reply within a couple of hours. They said that they said that they will updated the description within a week. A few days later, I checked and the description was written with a much more positive lean. Wow!! What a company!! Needless to say I recommend Embark to everyone I know.

184 people found this helpful

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11 comment

Jeannette

Embark genetic testing is a priceless service

February 7, 2017

Verified Purchase

I believe Embark provides a priceless service. I had Embark look at the DNA of three of my dogs and I just submitted a sample from a fourth dog I recently adopted. One of my dogs, Jinkies, had a history of not being able to recover from anesthesia. He had cancer and I would have had two small tumors removed but did not because we were afraid he would not live through the anesthesia. He was also having a neurological problem that required an MRI but we could not do it because of the anesthesia risk. After I had genetic testing done with Embark we found that he had the MDR1 gene and this was most likely the cause of his problems with anesthesia. Had we known earlier we would have been able to choose different anesthesia and protocols to remove his tumors and have the MRI. We received the test results in January and he passed away on February 3, 2017 due to the neurological issue. His condition was too delicate by the time we had received the results making anesthesia not an option. Going forward, I will test every dog I have as soon as possible so I know some of their health risks and to keep them safe as possible.

I also found their heritages interesting. Jinkies was also the result of uninformed people not understanding that intact siblings will breed if left alone - over and over again. I knew that Jinkies' parents and grandparents had inbred, but Embark showed that the great-grandparents had inbred, too. I believe those results.

I believe that Embark is priceless and I strongly recommend them. Below are all the dogs I've had tested by Embark.

391 people found this helpful

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22 comments

SweetPea

Fantastic Test! HIGHLY Recommend!

September 15, 2016

This is a fantastic test with unequaled customer support by Embark! I submitted the sample and was directly emailed by a Vet from Embark to relay a concern in the results - with an offer to call the Vet to discuss. I called the Vet, who was wonderful with explaining that my dog Lacy was at risk of getting Degenerative Myelopathy as she aged. The Vet explained the condition to me and we discussed ways that I could best support Lacy now, and also in the future, in case she develops this disorder. I could not believe that they took the time to do that - offering me wonderful support as I was dealing with the shock and dismay of what could possibly occur. However, with Embark's and my regular Vet's help, Lacy and I are on a good path to deal with whatever happens in the future! I am so glad that I have been given the opportunity Now to best prepare Lacy with a good diet and helpful supplements.
Since Lacy was a rescue from another state, the guess was that she was Belgian Sheepdog / Border Collie mix. Well, now I know that she is mostly German Shepherd Dog, some Chow Chow, and a bit of Belgian Malinois. Fascinating!

265 people found this helpful

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44 comments

Singmaster

I've tried 3 dog dna tests. This one is very good.

October 2, 2018

Verified Purchase

I’ve tried 3.
Embark and Wisdom Panel results were very similar.
Embark - a little more specific. Excellent overall.
Wisdom Panel - very similar, I'd rate it very good.
Identibreed had zero overlap. It’s as if they looked at photos and guessed the breed because by her photo, that's what she looked like.
When I asked Identibreed about the difference, they asked me to send the other results and there was no follow up.
At all.
Buy Embark for the most complete.
Buy Wisdom Panel if you are budget constrained.
Avoid Identibreed.

48 people found this helpful

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Danielle DeVincent

Fascinating and Amazingly Accurate!

January 13, 2018

Verified Purchase

This is a great kit! I received it pretty quick (oh how I love you Amazon! My life would be incomplete without you!) I have a dog who is supposed to be a purebred chihuahua but looks nothing like a chihuahua.
So we swab his mouth (very easy!) and sent his DNA sample in. I expected to get his results in about 2 months (standard time given) but I was surprised when I received it in just 4 weeks!

The report said he was indeed 100% chihuahua! Also it tested him for genetic health problems he may be prone to. The test was dead on because it said the only health issue he carried genetically was a certain eye issue ..which he does have! (We already knew and treated it 2 years ago)

It also gave us a bunch of additional info on his health and breed ancestry. Fascinating stuff! I highly recommend this test for anyone who wants to learn more about their dog. I'm planning on ordering a second one for my other dog now too!

49 people found this helpful

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Cindy P

While Wisdom Panel was fine if you don't suspect health issues

January 23, 2017

Verified Purchase

I have three dogs and used the Embark test on my German Shepherd and Wisdom Panel on the other two (to save money). While Wisdom Panel was fine if you don't suspect health issues, but Embark was outstanding. The test swab was easier to use and came with preservative. Embark's communication was superb. Embark will email you as the process progresses, as well as email you if you have concerning results that might alarm you. Their geneticist also reached out to me and gave me his phone number in case I wanted to speak to him directly. I had several follow up questions and the geneticist was excellent at promptly responding and providing me specific information and resources. When I had a question for the Wisdom panel folks they just copied a piece of their website information to answer a question, which I had already read (not helpful). I definitely felt like I was dealing with professional staff at Embark, plus you get so much more for such a small amount of extra money. If you want to help your pet stay as healthy as possible, get the Embark test. It can save you big bucks in the long run should you learn of a potential genetic mutation.

206 people found this helpful

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