Many people are familiar with DNA testing a mixed breed dog to determine which breeds likely contributed to a previously unknown parentage of their dogs BUT did you know that we can use DNA testing to improve breeding choices and selection too???
Earlier this year we tested our first Corso (Sunny) against the 181 current genetic variants known to date (they are continually adding more) and made our results public on our website. When you visit our dogs individual webpages you may notice the link to FULL EMBARK TESTING RESULTS, this will take your to the public view of their results.
In addition to confirming heritage, Embark also checks for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy which is known to affect Corsos as well quite a few other diseases that at this time are not specifically linked to Corsos. They also test for various color and coat patterns, muscling, size, MHC complexes, coefficients of inbreeding (COIs) and some other very neat and interesting things. Lastly, by submitting their DNA we are contributing to future research for the breed and hopeful identification of currently unknown traits and/or diseases. They have us fill out a questionnaire and send us periodic emails asking for updates so they can attempt to monitor and learn new things.
While the idea of genetic testing for use in breeding is still in its infancy, we believe you can only grow and improve with more data and knowledge being shared. For a basic primer, please read the below link on Canine Genetics 101 and/or visit our individual dog’s pages to see links to their Embark results!