Embark Veterinary, Inc., a global leader in dog genetics and health, announced on 15 October 2026 the launch of an international contest to find the world's weirdest dog. Until 15 November, participants can upload a photo or video of their pet's unusual habits and get a chance to win a billboard placement in Times Square, cash prizes and a free DNA test with behavior analysis.
The contest highlights that dogs' strange habits are not just amusing quirks but often the result of genetic predispositions. Embark recently launched a Behavior Insights feature that uses DNA to identify tendencies toward hyperactivity, separation anxiety, fear of unfamiliar objects or other dogs, and offers personalized training for a year.
Examples of strange habits already mentioned in the announcement: a dog refuses to walk past a certain house, carries a sock around the home but does not chew it, stares at a wall for long periods for no reason, or eats dinner only after a special "preparation" of its bowl. Such traits are often linked to genetics and do not require correction so much as understanding.
The winner will receive the title of "World's Weirdest Dog," a billboard placement in New York, a 200-dollar gift card and a free Breed + Health test with the Behavior Insights & Training upgrade. The four runners-up from second to fifth place will each receive 150 dollars and the same test. Voting is open to everyone on the contest website.
The contest takes place amid growing interest in genetic analysis of dog behavior: owners increasingly want to understand why their pet behaves the way it does and not otherwise. Embark positions the test not as a way to "fix" a dog but as a tool for better mutual understanding.
Applications can be submitted at embarkvet.com/worlds-weirdest-dog-contest by uploading a photo or video and a short story. Voting will continue until 15 November 2026.
