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Otis

Mixed Ancestry

“Due to a heart based cancerous tumor we lost Otis on 3/6/22. He was an amazing dog. His capacity for love knew no bounds; if you were in his circle of trusted people, he showered you with affection and attention. He was a happy, silly boy and loved to do anything active. He was also smart as heck. His mama dog was a stray on the Pine Ridge Reservation in SoDak and he was born into foster care before being adopted through Pet Haven Inc. of MN. He was so loved. He is so missed. He was the best boy”

Instagram tag
@otismthemutt

Place of Birth

South Dakota, USA

Current Location

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

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:

Australian Cattle Dog

A classic cattle dog, Australian Cattle Dogs were developed from a mixture of breeds in Australia in the 19th century, and still maintain their energetic herding instincts today.

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Beagle

The Beagle is a scent hound and a great family pet. They are known for being affectionate and having loud voices.

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Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are an energetic mid-sized breed that make the perfect companion.

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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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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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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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Dogs Like Otis

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Discover dogs who share a similar breed mix to Otis. 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:
Australian Cattle Dog
Beagle
Australian Shepherd
American Pit Bull Terrier
German Shepherd Dog
Labrador Retriever
Supermutt

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

Breed Reveal Video

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Health Summary

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Otis is at increased risk for one genetic health condition.

And inherited one variant that you should learn more about.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (Type I)

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Otis inherited one copy of the variant we tested

How to interpret this result

Otis has one copy 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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Otis inherited one copy of the variant we tested

Why is this important to your vet?

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

Factor VII Deficiency

Identified in Beagles

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

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

Identified in Beagles

Platelet Factor X Receptor Deficiency, Scott Syndrome

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, prcd

Identified in Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, and more

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 Beagles and Labrador Retrievers

Collie Eye Anomaly

Identified in Australian Cattle Dogs and Australian Shepherds

Day Blindness

Identified in Australian Shepherds

Day Blindness

Identified in German Shepherd Dogs

Day Blindness

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Canine Multifocal Retinopathy, cmr1

Identified in Australian Shepherds

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

Identified in Beagles

Hereditary Cataracts

Identified in Australian Shepherds

Primary Lens Luxation

Identified in Australian Cattle Dogs

Congenital Stationary Night Blindness

Identified in Beagles

Macular Corneal Dystrophy, MCD

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Cystinuria Type II-A

Identified in Australian Cattle Dogs

Urate Kidney & Bladder Stones

Identified in American Pit Bull Terriers, Australian Shepherds, 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

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5, NCL 5

Identified in Australian Cattle Dogs

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 6, NCL 6

Identified in Australian Shepherds

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 8, NCL 8

Identified in Australian Cattle Dogs and Australian Shepherds

Late-Onset Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, NCL 12

Identified in Australian Cattle Dogs

Alexander Disease

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration

Identified in Beagles

Degenerative Myelopathy, DM

Identified in Australian Shepherds, German Shepherd Dogs, and more

L-2-Hydroxyglutaricaciduria, L2HGA

Identified in American Pit Bull Terriers

Narcolepsy

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Ullrich-like Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Centronuclear Myopathy, CNM

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Exercise-Induced Collapse, EIC

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Myotonia Congenita

Identified in Australian Cattle Dogs

X-Linked Myotubular Myopathy

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Hypocatalasia, Acatalasemia

Identified in Beagles

Cobalamin Malabsorption

Identified in Beagles

Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome, CMS

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis, HNPK

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Musladin-Lueke Syndrome, MLS

Identified in Beagles

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Identified in Beagles

Skeletal Dysplasia 2, SD2

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Craniomandibular Osteopathy, CMO

Identified in Australian Shepherds

β-Mannosidosis

Identified in Mixed-breed dogs

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

Identified in Australian Shepherds

Stargardt Disease

Identified in Labrador Retrievers

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

Identified in Australian Cattle Dogs

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

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Through Otis’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

A452

Map

A4

Otis’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.

A452

Otis’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 Otis’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

A1a

Haplotype

H1a.15

Map

A1a

Otis’s Haplogroup

Some of the wolves that became the original dogs in Central Asia around 15,000 years ago came from this long and distinguished line of male dogs. After domestication, they followed their humans from Asia to Europe and then didn't stop there. They took root in Europe, eventually becoming the dogs that founded the Vizsla breed 1,000 years ago. The Vizsla is a Central European hunting dog, and all male Vizslas descend from this line. During the Age of Exploration, like their owners, these pooches went by the philosophy, "Have sail, will travel!" From the windy plains of Patagonia to the snug and homey towns of the American Midwest, the beaches of a Pacific paradise, and the broad expanse of the Australian outback, these dogs followed their masters to the outposts of empires. Whether through good fortune or superior genetics, dogs from the A1a lineage traveled the globe and took root across the world. Now you find village dogs from this line frolicking on Polynesian beaches, hanging out in villages across the Americas, and scavenging throughout Old World settlements. You can also find this "prince of patrilineages" in breeds as different as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Pugs, Border Collies, Scottish Terriers, and Irish Wolfhounds. No male wolf line has been as successful as the A1a line!

H1a.15

Otis’s Haplotype

Part of the large A1a haplogroup, this haplotype is found in village dogs from across the globe (outside of Asia). As for breeds, it is primarily seen in German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. It is by far the most common haplotype in German Shepherds.

Dogs with A1a lineage travelled during European Colonial times.

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