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Loki

Mixed Ancestry

“Loki was a shelter dog that we immediately fell in love with. He’s obsessed with swimming, tennis balls and loves napping on the couch. One of our favorite things about him is how sweet and affectionate he is!”

Instagram tag
@a.collies.wild.compass

Place of Birth

Kentucky, USA

Current Location

Louisville, Kentucky, USA

From

Louisville, KY, USA

This dog has been viewed and been given 1 wag

Genetic Breed Result

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Embark Supermutt analysis

What’s in that Supermutt? There may be small amounts of DNA from these distant ancestors:

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever was bred for hunting and excelled in retrieving game after it was shot down. Known for its gentle disposition and loyalty, the Labrador Retriever has become a favorite of families and breeders alike.

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German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherds are confident, courageous dogs with a keen sense of smell and notable intelligence. These are active working dogs who excel at many canine sports and tasks -- they are true utility dogs! Their versatility combined with their loyal companionship has them consistently listed as one of the most popular breeds in the United States.

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American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier originated in the British Isles and descends from the Mastiff-type dogs introduced to England in antiquity. The breed was brought over to the United States by English immigrants in the 1800s, and quickly became one of the most popular and widespread breeds there.

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Chow Chow

This distinctive-looking dog breed has a proud, independent spirit that some describe as catlike. Often aloof and suspicious of strangers, the Chow Chow may not be a cuddle buddy, but for the right person, they are a fiercely loyal companion.

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Pointer

The Pointer is a hard-working bird dog that is happiest when on the hunt. This is a high-energy breed that will be more than a handful for first-time owners. When given a job and plenty of room to run around, the Pointer can make for a wonderful companion.

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Dogs Like Loki

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Discover dogs who share a similar breed mix to Loki. A higher score means the two dogs have more of their breed mix in common. A score of 100% means they share the exact same breed mix!

Click or tap on a pic to learn more about each dog and see an in-depth comparison of their DNA, breeds, and more.

DNA Breed Origins

Breed colors:
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
American Pit Bull Terrier
Chow Chow
Pointer
Supermutt

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Here’s what Loki’s family tree may have looked like.
Loki
Family Tree From Embark PARENTS GRANDPARENTS GREAT GRANDPARENTS German Shepherd Dog mix Labrador Retriever mix German Shepherd Dog Chow Chow / Pointer mix Labrador Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier mix German Shepherd Dog German Shepherd Dog Chow Chow mix Pointer mix Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier mix
While there may be other possible configurations of his family’s relationships, this is the most likely family tree to explain Loki’s breed mix.

Breed Reveal Video

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Health Summary

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Loki is at increased risk for one genetic health condition.

And inherited one variant that you should learn more about.

Degenerative Myelopathy, DM

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Loki inherited both copies of the variant we tested

How to interpret this result

Loki has two copies of a variant in SOD1 and is at risk for developing DM. As previously stated, this variant is incompletely penetrant, so while it predisposes Loki to developing DM, other genetic and environmental factors will determine whether Loki ultimately develops the disease. Please consult your veterinarian to discuss further diagnostic, monitoring, and supportive care options for Loki.'

What is Degenerative Myelopathy, DM?

The dog equivalent of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, DM is a progressive degenerative disorder of the spinal cord. Because the nerves that control the hind limbs are the first to degenerate, the most common clinical signs are back muscle wasting and gait abnormalities.

ALT Activity

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Loki inherited one copy of the variant we tested

Why is this important to your vet?

Loki has one copy of a variant associated with reduced ALT activity as measured on veterinary blood chemistry panels. Please inform your veterinarian that Loki has this genotype, as ALT is often used as an indicator of liver health and Loki is likely to have a lower than average resting ALT activity. As such, an increase in Loki’s ALT activity could be evidence of liver damage, even if it is within normal limits by standard ALT reference ranges.

What is ALT Activity?

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a clinical tool that can be used by veterinarians to better monitor liver health. This result is not associated with liver disease. ALT is one of several values veterinarians measure on routine blood work to evaluate the liver. It is a naturally occurring enzyme located in liver cells that helps break down protein. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, ALT is released into the bloodstream.

Breed-Relevant Genetic Conditions

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Multiple Drug Sensitivity

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Hemophilia A

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Hemophilia A

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type III, CLAD III

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Canine Elliptocytosis

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Platelet Factor X Receptor Deficiency, Scott Syndrome

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, prcd

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Golden Retriever Progressive Retinal Atrophy 2, GR-PRA2

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, crd1

Identified in American Pit Bull Terriers

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, crd4/cord1

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Day Blindness

Identified in Pointers

Day Blindness

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Day Blindness

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Macular Corneal Dystrophy, MCD

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Urate Kidney & Bladder Stones

Identified in American Pit Bull Terriers, German Shepherd Dogs, and more

Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Renal Cystadenocarcinoma and Nodular Dermatofibrosis

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII, Sly Syndrome, MPS VII

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, Cerebellar Ataxia, NCL4A

Identified in American Pit Bull Terriers

Alexander Disease

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

L-2-Hydroxyglutaricaciduria, L2HGA

Identified in American Pit Bull Terriers

Narcolepsy

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Acral Mutilation Syndrome

Identified in Pointers

Ullrich-like Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Centronuclear Myopathy, CNM

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Exercise-Induced Collapse, EIC

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

X-Linked Myotubular Myopathy

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome, CMS

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis, HNPK

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Skeletal Dysplasia 2, SD2

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

β-Mannosidosis

Identified in Mixed-breed dogs

Stargardt Disease

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Additional Genetic Conditions

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Traits

Explore the genetics behind your dog’s appearance and size.

Base Coat Color

Base Coat Color

Coat Color Modifiers

Coat Color Modifiers

Other Coat Traits

Other Coat Traits

Other Body Features

Other Body Features

Body Size

Body Size

Performance

Performance

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Through Loki’s mitochondrial DNA we can trace his mother’s ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends. This map helps you visualize the routes that his ancestors took to your home. Their story is described below the map.

Haplogroup

A1e

Haplotype

A301

Map

A1e

Loki’s Haplogroup

This female lineage likely stems from some of the original Central Asian wolves that were domesticated into modern dogs starting about 15,000 years ago. It seemed to be a fairly rare dog line for most of dog history until the past 300 years, when the lineage seemed to “explode” out and spread quickly. What really separates this group from the pack is its presence in Alaskan village dogs and Samoyeds. It is possible that this was an indigenous lineage brought to the Americas from Siberia when people were first starting to make that trip themselves! We see this lineage pop up in overwhelming numbers of Irish Wolfhounds, and it also occurs frequently in popular large breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards and Great Danes. Shetland Sheepdogs are also common members of this maternal line, and we see it a lot in Boxers, too. Though it may be all mixed up with European dogs thanks to recent breeding events, its origins in the Americas makes it a very exciting lineage for sure!

A301

Loki’s Haplotype

Part of the large A1e haplogroup, this haplotype occurs most commonly in Chow Chows. It’s a rare find!

Irish Wolfhounds are a consistent carrier of A1e.

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Through Loki’s Y-chromosome we can trace his father’s ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends. This map helps you visualize the routes that his ancestors took to your home. Their story is described below the map.

Haplogroup

D

Haplotype

H10.1/Hd.4

Map

D

Loki’s Haplogroup

The D paternal lineage is very common in well-known populations of dogs. Breeds belonging to the D lineage likely have direct male ancestors that can be traced all the way back to the origin of domestic dogs themselves! One popular breed that commonly sports a D lineage is the Boxer. Boxers were developed in the late 19th century from Mastiff dogs, so it is no surprise that D is well represented among Mastiffs, Bulldogs, as well as Terriers. Intriguingly, D is also found among Lhasa Apsos, an ancient Tibetan breed, and Afghan Hounds. While the presence of this lineage in Polynesia or the New World can be chalked up to interbreeding with European dogs brought during voyages of discovery or later settlement, D is also well represented among village dog populations in the Middle East and Africa. If the fact that we find dogs bearing a D lineage in the Middle East (not to mention the large amount of diversity among Middle Eastern D lineage males) is any indication of ancient residence in that region, then the presence among Oceanian village dogs is peculiar. Rather, it may be that D is part of a broader Eurasian group of ancient paternal lineages which disappeared from the eastern portion of its original range, persisting in the island of New Guinea as well as West Asia and Africa. With the rise of Mastiff breeds, the D lineage received a new life as it became common among many types of working dogs.

H10.1/Hd.4

Loki’s Haplotype

Part of the D haplogroup, this haplotype occurs most frequently in mixed breed dogs.

The D paternal lineage is common in Boxers.

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