Like humans, dogs are susceptible to inherited diseases that impact their health and longevity. Whether purebred or mixed breed, genetics play a fundamental role in the development of certain health disorders. In particular, Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the breeds plagued by several devastating health conditions resulting in a shortened overall breed lifespan. 

In recent years, dog DNA testing has emerged as a fun and valuable tool for identifying the breed makeup of mixed-breed dogs and predispositions for genetic health conditions of both mixed-breeds and purebreds. These tests can also assess dozens of different traits and characteristics of individual dogs.

Determining if your dog may develop a specific health condition or if it is a carrier of one and could pass it on to offspring is vital information for dog owners and breeders. Dog DNA tests have allowed ethical breeders to screen for breed-specific genetic health risks and breeding diversity to improve the quality and health of purebred bloodlines.  

Despite both of Riggie’s parents having full health clearances for breed-specific conditions, we wanted to find out if anything else in his DNA could threaten his well-being. Knowledge is power, and knowing as much as possible about his genetic makeup empowers us to feel we are giving him the best chance at a long and healthy life. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of DNA testing purebred dogs, explore the common inherited diseases in Bernese Mountain Dogs, and examine Riggie’s Embark DNA test results.

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The Importance of DNA Testing in Purebred Dogs

Purebred dogs are bred for traits that are specific to the dog’s intended function. For example, Golden Retrievers were bred to have a dense, water-repellent double coat that allows them to comfortably retrieve waterfowl from cold water. This selective breeding has affected the vitality and lifespan of many breeds. 

According to a study published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, some subpopulations of purebred dogs have been found to have a higher prevalence of inherited disorders due to the following factors: 

• Selecting for common structural morphology (i.e., size, shape, coat, etc.) 
• Common ancestors/lack of sufficient genetic diversity 

These inherited conditions can impact a dog’s quality of life and potentially shorten their lifespan, even reducing the longevity of the entire breed. Over time, and with advancing technology, veterinarians and researchers have identified genes responsible for many of these disorders. With the development of consumer dog DNA test kits like Embark, dog owners now have the power to quickly and easily test their dog’s DNA at home with a mail-in test kit. 

DNA testing can provide valuable insights into a dog’s genetic profile through a simple cheek swab. With this information, dog owners can take proactive steps to monitor their dog’s health, and speak to their veterinarian about mitigating potential risks. Breeders can also make informed breeding decisions to reduce the incidence of hereditary diseases in future generations.

As a bonus, your dog’s DNA may also be studied and used in research to detect, treat, and prevent inherited health conditions. By testing your dog, you are helping improve the future health of dogs for generations to come!

Common Inherited Diseases in Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs almost went extinct in the late 1800s, but they were saved by Swiss dog fanciers who sought good breeding stock to revitalize the breed. The first breed club was founded in 1907, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1937. Berners grew in popularity across Europe and the United States in subsequent decades. 

However, a study published in 2023 in the Special Issue Advances in Canine Genetics found that for Bernese Mountain Dogs: 

Due to the lack of genetic diversity and subsequent health issues within the breed, there are ongoing efforts to improve the breeds’ genetics and lifespan through the Berner-Garde Foundation and the Bernese Mountain Dog Vitality Project. 

According to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, among the most common conditions affecting this breed are orthopedic disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia, and many different types of cancer including histiocytic sarcoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma. Specific inherited diseases affecting Bernese Mountain Dogs that the Embark DNA test looks for include:

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) – a progressive neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord, resulting in hind limb weakness and paralysis.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD) – a bleeding disorder which is caused by an autosomal recessive trait.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – a degenerative eye disease that leads to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness in affected dogs.

While not all Bernese Mountain Dogs will develop these conditions, genetic predispositions play a significant role in determining an individual dog’s risk. Early detection through DNA testing can facilitate proactive management and intervention, ultimately improving the dog’s quality of life.

Additionally, Bernese Mountain Dog breeders can and should test for these conditions to ensure they are not breeding dogs with these genes. An ethical breeder will always DNA test their dogs before breeding and will provide copies of all tests to potential puppy buyers. Proper due diligence can help lower potential lifetime healthcare costs in this disease-plagued breed.

The Embark Dog DNA Test & Results

About Embark

Embark is at the forefront of canine genetic testing and has studied over 2 million samples of dog DNA from across the world. Established by veterinarians and scientists, Embark’s primary focus is on canine health and making new discoveries in the world of canine DNA. 

The Embark Dog DNA Test can identify a dog’s breed makeup, 35+ physical traits, and over 250 genetic health risks. In addition to identifying genetic predispositions to inherited diseases, the test can also detect carriers of recessive traits, allowing breeders to make informed decisions about breeding pairs and reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders to future generations.

Administering the Test

The directions were clear, and the test was easy to administer. We used a small cotton swab attached to a collection tube lid to obtain saliva from Riggie’s mouth for about 60 seconds. Once the swab was saturated enough, we placed it into the collection tube and shook it for 10 seconds to distribute the liquid over the swab. 

Next, we activated our test kit on Embark’s website, placed the collection tube in the return mailer provided, took a picture of the tracking number, and dropped it off at the mailbox. It took just a few weeks to receive Riggie’s results back. We were so excited to see them!

Test Results

• Summary – here, you will be given a summary of each test section. You will likely see a breed result like ours if you have a purebred dog. No big surprise for us! LOL

• Care Resources – One of the key benefits of the Embark DNA test kit is its ability to provide actionable insights into a dog’s health and wellness. Based on your test results, Embark offers personalized recommendations for your dog.

• Research – This section features several surveys about your dog’s behavior, environment, and health, which helps Embark identify additional data points to use in cutting-edge research.

• Relatives – Embark can identify any of your dog’s relatives who have also taken an Embark DNA test and show how much DNA is shared between dogs. They found 30 of Riggie’s relatives, and we even received a message through their system from one of Riggie’s siblings!

• Breed & Ancestry – The test offers interesting information about a dog’s breed and ancestry, tracing their lineage back multiple generations and providing insights into their breed heritage.

• Health – Riggie was tested for 262 genetic health conditions identified in dogs. We were so relieved to find out he was clear on all tested health risks. 

• Traits – The traits section is possibly the most fun part of the test results. Scientists have identified over 35 traits that can be determined by specific genes. Everything from coat characteristics to body size, to food motivation, and much more is tested. We always knew Riggie was a powerful boy, and this explains why!

• Profile – You can create a profile for your dog, upload photos and documents, enter a description and titles, and more. This is a fun way to provide more information about your dog to potential relatives they have identified.

We were pleased with the Embark Dog DNA Test for Purebred Pets. The test was simple to administer, and the wait for the test results was reasonable. The results provided were clear, well-organized, and easy to understand. We were pleasantly surprised at the amount of data and information we received back about Riggie, and we feel relief that we know as much as possible about his genetic health risks.

DNA testing is critical in managing the health and well-being of both mixed-breed and purebred dogs, including the beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. By identifying genetic predispositions to inherited diseases and providing actionable insights into a dog’s health and ancestry, DNA testing empowers owners and breeders to make informed decisions about their dog’s care.

By harnessing the power of genetics, we can ensure that our canine companions lead happy, healthy lives for years to come. To view Embark’s full line of dog DNA tests, click the link below!