Embark to be official dog DNA test of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Embark Veterinary, Inc, a company focusing on dog health and genetics, has returned for the fifth consecutive year as the official dog DNA test of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Presented by Purina Pro Plan is taking place May 6, 8, and 9, 2023, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing, NY.

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According to a company release,¹ spectators can engage in a daily 11 AM DNA sample collection demonstration at the Embark booth in Sponsor Village. On Saturday, May 6, spectators can meet Brio, a 6-year-old mixed-breed dog and agility champion, who won the Top All-American Dog award at the 9th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster in 2022. Brio was adopted over 5 years ago by his owner and handler, Master Sergeant Ali Park. Brio's Embark results displayed he's a mix of American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, Treeing Walker Coonhound, and Chow Chow. Trumpet, the bloodhound who won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2022, was also tested with Embark.

"Embark DNA testing is important for any dog owner dedicated to providing personalized pet care, whether your dog is a purebred show dog like Trumpet or a mixed-breed rescue dog like Brio," said Embark veterinary geneticist Jenna Dockweiler, MS, DVM, DACT, CCRT, CVAT, who will be available at the Embark boot, in the release. "Learning about your dog's genetic health, breed, and ancestry gives you information to make key decisions with your vet about your dog's lifestyle and veterinary care."

"The Westminster Kennel Club is strongly committed to supporting research that helps drive better health outcomes for all dogs, and we're proud to continue our partnership with Embark for a fifth consecutive year," added Westminster president, Donald Sturz, PhD. "Embark's tests and scientific research are valuable tools for preservation breeders to utilize to produce the next generation of healthy, sound dogs."

The Embark booth will be open from 8 AM and 5 PM throughout the event. Embark swag will also be distributed, including dog bowls, cooler tote bags, leashes, and more.

Reference

Embark returns as official dog DNA test of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for fifth consecutive year. News release. Embark Veterinary Inc. May 1, 2023. Accessed May 1, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/embark-returns-as-official-dog-dna-test-of-the-westminster-kennel-club-dog-show-for-fifth-consecutive-year-301811730.html