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The “Science” of Community Science

Darwin’s Ark lets ordinary pet owners become scientific partners. Our projects, such as Darwin’s Dogs, combine genetics and behavior to advance the understanding of complex diseases.

We’re a non-profit that subscribes to the open science model. This means we do not own and will never sell your pet’s data. You contribute to an open source database and we share all the new discoveries we find freely with you and researchers around the world. Together we can advance health care for pets and their humans. For details on our process, see our Frequently Asked Questions.

DOG CANCER PROJECT

By studying cancer in dogs, we’re working to help both people and dogs survive cancer.

Dogs get many different types of cancer, and a lot of these cancers look and behave like human cancers. Canine cancers are also treated with many of the same drugs and treatments that humans receive. Additionally, some cancers that are very rare in people are more common and easier to study in dogs.

WORKING DOG PROJECT

Working together to develop new genomic tools for working dog programs

Working dogs fill countless, critical roles, from ensuring our national security to helping people with disabilities live more independently. While demand for working dogs and service dogs is steadily increasing, the supply of these talented dogs hasn’t kept pace, with 50-80% of dogs failing to complete training programs.

MEASURING THE EFFECT

44,083
DOGS REGISTERED
3,056,323
ANSWERS COLLECTED

DOGS

Dog owners know their dogs. We’re asking dog owners to contribute their knowledge of their pets to help us learn more about how genetics influence health and behavior. Join us on this exciting journey!

PASSIVE SAMPLING

If you live in OH, PA or WV we need your help!
We share many things with our dogs, including our environment. Because of this, information on their exposure to chemicals in the environment and health status can help us to identify exposures that could be harmful to people and pets.

CATS

Cats have been our companions for centuries, yet we’ve just begun to unravel (like a ball of yarn!) the complex and diverse genetics that contribute to their health and behavior. We need cat owners’ understanding and expertise to launch this project! Join the mailing list below.

OUR PARTNERS

We’re studying everything from behavior to food allergies. Our research depends on the support of our partner organizations.

OUR COMMUNITY

“Thank you Darwin’s Dogs for delving into the wondrous and ineffable Mystery of Mutts.”

“Darwin’s Dogs is giving us insight to the most precious science of all – the science of discovery, health, and relationship.”

“What I like most about the Darwin’s Dogs project is that it celebrates mutts and the people who love them.”

-Ally Phel. & Reilly, Participant

FROM OUR STORIES

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What do we mean when we say behavior is genetic?

When I first brought Dashiell home, people who met him regularly exclaimed “What a confident...

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Unpacking Positive Reinforcement

When you get a new dog you’re instantly inundated with advice from pretty much everywhere…...

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Is That Behavior Trained or Genetic?

Training a dog is about way more than teaching them to sit on cue or...

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