Embark Testing | Tiny Toy Poodles

Embark Health & DNA Testing

Embark DNA testing is a comprehensive genetic testing service for dogs that provides valuable insights into my toy poodle's genetic health, ancestry, and traits. Here’s an overview of what Embark testing offers for my Toy Poodles:

1. Breed Identification

Embark confirms your Toy Poodle’s breed heritage with over 99% accuracy. While purebred Toy Poodles usually have consistent lineage, testing can reveal fascinating details about their genetic background.

2. Health Screening

Embark screens for over 230 genetic health conditions, including those that are relevant for Toy Poodles. Some examples include:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of eye diseases that can lead to blindness.
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD): A bleeding disorder common in some breeds, including Poodles.
Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap slips out of place, which can affect small breeds.

Identifying potential genetic risks early allows you to work with your veterinarian to take preventive measures.

3. Coat and Color Traits

Embark reveals genetic markers related to coat texture, color, and pattern. For Toy Poodles, this can include traits like:

Coat curliness (common in Poodles).
Colors such as black, white, apricot, red, brown, blue, silver, phantom, or parti.
Genetic factors influencing shedding (Poodles are typically low-shedding).

4. Inbreeding Coefficient

Embark calculates the inbreeding coefficient, which measures genetic diversity. A lower inbreeding percentage is often associated with better overall health. This information is especially valuable for breeders aiming to maintain a healthy gene pool.

5. Relatives and Family Matching

Embark connects you with other dogs in their database that share genetic relatives with your Toy Poodle. This can be a fun way to learn about their extended “family.”

6. Longevity and Wellness Insights

Embark provides personalized wellness recommendations based on your Toy Poodle’s genetic profile. This can include tailored dietary or lifestyle advice to promote a long and healthy life.

OFA Screening

At this time, I do not use OFA testing as the main foundation of my program because some of the things OFA evaluates, such as knees/patellas, can change over time. A dog may test well at one point, but later have a less-than-ideal result due to injury, trauma, or wear on the body. Tiny dogs especially can be affected by things like jumping, rough play, slipping, hitting a knee, overdoing zoomies, stepping wrong in a hole, or running on uneven ground.

That means an OFA result is not always a permanent guarantee. Even if testing is done, it may need to be repeated over time, and a dog’s physical condition can change.

That being said, I take health very seriously. My dogs are examined by my veterinarian every year, including their eyes and knees, so I can stay on top of their overall health and soundness. I also focus heavily on my dogs’ structure, movement, temperament, history, size safety, and overall condition before making breeding decisions. In addition, I use genetic health testing to screen for inherited conditions that can be passed from parent to puppy.

For me, responsible breeding is not based on one single test. It is the full picture: genetics, structure, health history, temperament, daily observation, yearly veterinary exams, and making careful choices with every pairing.

My goal is always to produce healthy, happy, well-loved puppies and to be honest with families about what testing can and cannot guarantee.