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Nico

Mixed Ancestry

No bio has been provided yet

Place of Birth

Hatillo, Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Current Location

San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico

From

Hatillo, Hatillo, Puerto Rico

This dog has been viewed and been given 8 wags

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:

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are handsome and intelligent hunting dogs that are also well-suited to life as a loving family pet.

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English Cocker Spaniel

English Cockers are a medium-size dog with long ears and a happy disposition. The name Cocker comes from their use to hunt woodcock in England, although English Cockers have been used to hunt many other types of birds as well. They make great companion dogs for people who can give them the exercise they need.

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Dogs Like Nico

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Discover dogs who share a similar breed mix to Nico. 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:
Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniel
Supermutt

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Here’s what Nico’s family tree may have looked like.
Nico
Family Tree From Embark PARENTS GRANDPARENTS GREAT GRANDPARENTS Cocker Spaniel mix Cocker Spaniel mix Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniel mix Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniel / English Cocker Spaniel mix Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniel Mixed Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniel English Cocker Spaniel
While there may be other possible configurations of his family’s relationships, this is the most likely family tree to explain Nico’s breed mix.

Breed Reveal Video

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Health Summary

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Nico is at increased risk for two genetic health conditions.

And inherited one variant that you should learn more about.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, prcd

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Nico inherited both copies of the variant we tested

How to interpret this result

Nico has two copies of a mutated allele at PRCD and is at risk for developing PRA. Remember that PRA is a subtle disease with a variable age of onset, and that the gold standard for diagnosing PRA is a thorough ophthalmologic exam and specialized tests to evaluate retinal function. Please consult with your veterinarian to develop a diagnostic and monitoring plan for Nico.

What is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, prcd?

PRA-prcd is a retinal disease that causes progressive, non-painful vision loss. The retina contains cells, called photoreceptors, that collect information about light and send signals to the brain. There are two types of photoreceptors: rods, for night vision and movement, and cones, for day vision and color. This type of PRA leads to early loss of rod cells, leading to night blindness before day blindness.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (Type I)

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Nico inherited both copies of the variant we tested

How to interpret this result

Nico has two copies of an FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 12. In some breeds such as Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds (among others) this variant is found in nearly all dogs. While those breeds are known to have an elevated risk of IVDD, many dogs in those breeds never develop IVDD. For mixed breed dogs and purebreds of other breeds where this variant is not as common, risk for Type I IVDD is greater for individuals with this variant than for similar dogs.

What is Intervertebral Disc Disease (Type I)?

Type I Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a back/spine issue that refers to a health condition affecting the discs that act as cushions between vertebrae. With Type I IVDD, affected dogs can have a disc event where it ruptures or herniates towards the spinal cord. This pressure on the spinal cord causes neurologic signs which can range from a wobbly gait to impairment of movement. Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) refers to the relative proportion between a dog’s legs and body, wherein the legs are shorter and the body longer. There are multiple different variants that can cause a markedly chondrodystrophic appearance as observed in Dachshunds and Corgis. However, this particular variant is the only one known to also increase the risk for IVDD.

ALT Activity

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Nico inherited one copy of the variant we tested

Why is this important to your vet?

Nico has one copy of a variant associated with reduced ALT activity as measured on veterinary blood chemistry panels. Please inform your veterinarian that Nico has this genotype, as ALT is often used as an indicator of liver health and Nico is likely to have a lower than average resting ALT activity. As such, an increase in Nico’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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Familial Nephropathy

Identified in Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels

Glycogen storage disease Type VII, Phosphofructokinase Deficiency, PFK Deficiency

Identified in Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels

Acral Mutilation Syndrome

Identified in Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels

Exercise-Induced Collapse, EIC

Identified in Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels

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 Nico’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

A4

Haplotype

A455

Map

A4

Nico’s Haplogroup

The A4 maternal lineage is fairly rare. It is found in Cocker Spaniels, but A4 is also represented well among East Asian breeds including the Chinese Crested Dog, Shar-Pei and Shih Tzu. Moving away from Asia, it is also found among Chihuahuas (a very old breed!) and village dogs in Peru. This may be a lineage that moved into Western breeds because of their owners' tendencies to mix them up with Eastern breeds in the early modern period.

A455

Nico’s Haplotype

Part of the A4 haplogroup, this haplotype occurs most frequently in mixed breed dogs.

The popular Chihuahua breed descends from the A4 maternal line.

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Through Nico’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

A1b

Haplotype

Ha.44

Map

A1b

Nico’s Haplogroup

For most of dog history, this haplogroup was probably quite rare. However, a couple hundred years ago it seems to have found its way into a prized male guard dog in Europe who had many offspring, including the ancestors of many European guard breeds such as Doberman Pinchers, St. Bernards, and Great Danes. Despite being rare, many of the most imposing dogs on Earth have it; strangely, so do many Pomeranians! Perhaps this explains why some Poms are so tough, acting like they're ten times their actual size! This lineage is most commonly found in working dogs, in particular guard dogs. With origins in Europe, it spread widely across other regions as Europeans took their dogs across the world.

Ha.44

Nico’s Haplotype

Part of the A1b haplogroup, this haplotype occurs primarily in Poodles and Belgian Sheepdogs.

Great Danes and Pomeranians have this in common!

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