Can the results be used for AKC Registration?

While Embark is pleased to offer the most accurate and comprehensive dog DNA test available, it is important to note that DNA ancestry test cannot determine breed purity. 

This is because purebred status is not itself a scientific designation, but includes human defined registration status and pedigree records indicating all of a dog’s ancestors were of the same breed. DNA can generally only inform on 4-5 generations of ancestry to detect mixed breeds. A DNA test can show a dog’s genetics are consistent with those of a purebred, but it cannot exclude the possibility of a small amount of mixture from another breed, especially a closely related breed. DNA ancestry tests also do not examine whether or not a dog has the physical characteristics of a particular breed (for example, many purebred dogs have physical faults that prevent them from being registered). You can read more about this in our blog post on this very topic: Registered Purebred as Mixed Breed

Because of this distinction, our DNA test cannot be used for AKC registration. Instead, owners looking to certify their dogs as purebred need to submit pedigrees to the appropriate registry body for that certification.

Should you need further assistance, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you!