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When I first started dating my husband, I also became a dog mom to his then‑5‑year‑old black lab mix, Indo. Anyone who’s a pet parent knows how much furry friends change our lives—and this was certainly true for me with Indo.
While she was obviously most attached to my husband at first, she began to accept me more and more, eventually becoming my daily work buddy. Now, the day doesn’t feel complete without Indo lying across my legs as I type away at my computer. Since then, my husband and I have welcomed a 3‑year‑old into our family, but Indo will always be our first baby. She’s the one who taught me about patience, unconditional love, and the special way a dog can make a house feel like a home.
Indo looks most like a black lab, but she’s actually a mixed breed my husband adopted from the shelter. My husband swears she has some Pitbull in her (we’ve had to downplay this on occasion, lol), but we’ve never really known for sure. That’s why I was so excited to try out Embark Breed & Health Test, because it’s a way to finally uncover the mystery of Indo’s heritage.
Embark’s Breed + Health Test is designed for the curious dog parent who wants to understand their pup’s unique mix. With over 400 breeds tested and 99% breed ID accuracy, it’s trusted by millions of dog owners. The 50,000+ five-star ratings speak for themselves. Developed by veterinarians in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the test gives dog parents insights that can deepen their connection with their furry family members.
For me, the appeal is obvious. I already love Indo, but understanding her roots feels like the ultimate way to celebrate her uniqueness. Plus, it’s fun to finally satisfy the curiosity that has lingered since the day she joined our family.
Beyond simply satisfying curiosity, Embark gives you a comprehensive look at your dog’s genetics. Some dogs carry genetic mutations that make them sensitive to certain medications, including anesthetics. Embark screens for more than 270 genetic health risks and four allergy scores, helping you take early action to manage and treat certain conditions.
The test goes beyond health, too. You can even connect with their relatives through Embark’s canine database. Indo’s quirks, from her obsession with guarding the house to her love of tug-of-war, could also be traced back to her breed mix with Embark’s new Personality Profile. The test also decodes traits like coat type, size, and grooming needs.
What really made me love Embark, though, is how simple it is to actually take the test at home. The process starts with gently swabbing the inside of your dog’s cheek pouch and under the tongue for about 30 seconds to collect saliva.
Once the sample is collected, you activate the kit online and drop the swab into the prepaid envelope to mail to their lab. I literally sealed Indo’s swab, slid it into the envelope, and mailed it, all while still in my pajamas. Super easy.
From there, Embark takes care of the rest. In about 2–4 weeks, they notify you by email when the results are ready. Then you log in to your account to explore all the fun learnings. For busy dog parents like me, it’s fast, stress-free, and totally worth it.
Even without knowing the results yet, just going through the process with Indo has been rewarding. It’s made me think more deeply about who she is. Once I hear back from Embark, I feel like the results will help me understand her better and strengthen the bond we already share.
If you’re curious about your own furry family member, the Embark Breed & Health test is a wonderful way to discover their story and celebrate what makes them unique. Give it a try!
The editors at SheFinds wrote this post on behalf of Embark Vet and received compensation as part of our agreement.
