Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Fitness Test ("Pug" Test)(BOAS-Test)
This is a standardized physical exercise test, such as the VDH-Fitnesstest or Respiratory Function Grading Scheme, used to evaluate the respiratory system of flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs. It measures how well a dog breathes during and after exertion to detect Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which is a chronic narrowing of the upper airways. The test is primarily used to ensure only dogs with healthy, functional airways are selected for breeding.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Fucosidosis(FUCO)
Fucosidosis is an inherited lysosomal storage disease, which means the dog's body lacks a specific enzyme needed to break down certain complex sugars. Without this enzyme, these sugars build up to toxic levels inside cells, causing severe and progressive damage to tissues, particularly the brain and nervous system.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Gangliosidosis, GM2, type I (B variant)(GM2)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder where a deficiency in the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase A causes harmful fatty substances to build up in the central nervous system. This buildup leads to progressive and irreversible damage to the brain and spinal cord cells. Because the cells cannot properly break down these waste products, the nervous system gradually stops functioning.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
German Shepherd footpad disorder
This is an inherited skin condition that specifically affects the footpads of German Shepherds. It is caused by an autosomal-recessive genetic mutation that disrupts the normal development of keratin, which is the protective protein layer that keeps the paw pads tough and resilient. Without this proper outer layer, the skin on the pads remains fragile and prone to damage.
Affects 1 breedView details - HighSkin & coatComplex
German Shepherd pyoderma(GSP)
German Shepherd pyoderma is a severe, deep-seated bacterial infection of the skin, which is the body's primary protective barrier. It is believed to stem from an inherited immune system dysfunction or an underlying allergy that prevents the dog's natural defenses from controlling normal skin bacteria. Because this is a complex, multi-gene condition, there are currently no genetic tests available to screen for it.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereHeartAutosomal recessive
Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia (Otterhound)(GT)
Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the circulatory system, specifically how blood clots. In affected dogs, a genetic defect prevents platelets (the blood cells responsible for stopping bleeding) from sticking together to form a plug. This means that even minor injuries can lead to severe, difficult-to-control bleeding because the body's natural clotting mechanism is impaired.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereEyesComplex
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a severe eye disease where fluid buildup inside the eye increases pressure, damaging the optic nerve and retina. This pressure occurs when the natural drainage system of the eye becomes blocked, preventing fluid from flowing out normally. Without proper drainage, the elevated pressure causes permanent damage to the dog's vision.
Affects 1 breedView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy(GSE)
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy is an inherited condition where the dog's immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in certain grains. This reaction causes chronic inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine, which is the organ responsible for absorbing nutrients. Over time, this damage prevents the gut from properly absorbing essential vitamins and minerals from food.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Glycogen storage disease type II(GSD II)
Glycogen storage disease type II is an inherited metabolic disorder where the body lacks a vital enzyme needed to break down glycogen, which is a stored form of sugar used for energy. Without this enzyme, glycogen builds up to toxic levels inside the cells of the muscles and major organs. This accumulation gradually damages and destroys these tissues, particularly affecting the skeletal muscles and the heart.
Affects 1 breedView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Glycogen Storage Disease type IIIa (Curly Coated Retriever)(GSD IIIa)
Glycogen Storage Disease Type IIIa is an inherited metabolic disorder where the body lacks a key enzyme needed to break down glycogen, which is a stored form of sugar used for energy. Without this enzyme, glycogen builds up to harmful levels in the liver and muscle tissues. This accumulation progressively damages these organs and prevents them from functioning properly.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
GM2 Gangliosidosis Type 1b (Japanese Chin)(GM2-1b)
GM2 Gangliosidosis Type 1b is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects the central nervous system. It is caused by a deficiency in a vital enzyme, which prevents the body from breaking down certain fatty-sugar compounds called gangliosides. As a result, these substances build up to toxic levels inside the brain and nerve cells, causing progressive neurological damage.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicX-linked
Hemophilia B(HEMB)
Haemophilia B is a severe, X-linked genetic bleeding disorder affecting the blood circulatory system. It is caused by a deficiency in clotting factor IX, which is a specific protein necessary for blood to clot properly. Without enough of this protein, the normal clotting process fails, leading to prolonged or uncontrolled bleeding.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereSpineAutosomal recessive
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy(ENM)
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM) is a severe genetic disease affecting the spinal cord, specifically linked to a mutation in the IBA57 gene in the Kooikerhondje breed. This mutation causes the progressive destruction (necrosis) of nerve tissue in the spinal cord, which blocks vital signals between the brain and the limbs. Because it is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - MildHipsUnknown
Hüft- und Ellenbogengelenke (Kontrollröntgen für Rüden)
This is not a disease or pathological condition, but rather a mandatory health screening requirement for the hip and elbow joints of active male stud dogs. Established by the German Shepherd Association (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde e.V.), this screening evaluates the skeletal system to ensure the joints are healthy. It is specifically required for male dogs before they reach their 31st mating.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Hyperekplexia, GLRA1-related(SD)
Hyperekplexia, also known as startle disease, is a severe hereditary neurological disorder affecting the nervous system. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the GLRA1 gene, which disrupts glycine receptors that normally help calm nerve activity. Without these functioning receptors, the dog's nervous system becomes unsafely overexcited by sensory inputs. This specific genetic variant is found in Miniature Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds.
Affects 1 breedView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Hyperparathyroidism(PHPT)
This condition involves the overactivity of the parathyroid glands, which are small endocrine glands located in the neck. These glands produce an excess of parathyroid hormone, causing calcium levels in the blood to rise abnormally high and potentially damage vital organs like the kidneys.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Immunoproliferative (Basenji) enteropathy/lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis(IPE)
This is a severe, chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract, particularly affecting Basenjis. It occurs when the dog's immune system abnormally attacks the lining of the small intestine, preventing the body from properly absorbing nutrients and leading to a dangerous loss of proteins. A definitive diagnosis is typically confirmed through an intestinal biopsy (Darmbiopsie), which remains the gold standard clinical exam for this condition.
Affects 1 breedView details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Improper Coat/Furnishing(IC)
Improper Coat is a harmless genetic variation affecting the hair follicles and coat development. In breeds that typically have wire or curly coats, this autosomal-recessive trait prevents the growth of longer, characteristic facial and leg hair, known as furnishings. It is a purely cosmetic condition that does not impact the dog's physical health or internal organ systems.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa(JEB)
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa is a severe genetic skin disorder where the structural connection between the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis, and the deeper layer, the dermis, is unstable. Because these layers do not bind together properly, even minor friction or contact causes them to separate. This separation results in widespread, painful blistering and skin shedding across the body.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereHeartAutosomal recessive
Juvenile Cardiomyopathy and Mortality (Belgian Malinois)(CJM)
Juvenile Cardiomyopathy and Mortality (CJM) is an inherited heart muscle disease caused by a genetic mutation in the YARS2 gene that affects Belgian Shepherd puppies. This condition disrupts the normal structure and function of the heart muscle, preventing it from pumping blood effectively to the rest of the body. Because it is an autosomal recessive disorder, a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)(JLPP)
Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy (JLPP) is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the nerves and muscles of the throat and limbs. A genetic mutation impairs the signals sent from the brain to the larynx (voice box) and peripheral nerves, leading to progressive paralysis. This makes it difficult for the dog to breathe, swallow, and control its movement.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (Rhodesian Ridgeback)(JME)
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain and nervous system. It is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to abnormal, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. This disruption in normal brain signaling results in sudden, involuntary muscle twitches, which are referred to as myoclonus.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Kooikerhondje Kidney Disease(KND)
Kooikerhondje Kidney Disease is a severe condition affecting the renal system, where the functional tissue of the kidneys is progressively destroyed. As this tissue is lost, the kidneys can no longer filter waste products from the blood, eventually leading to chronic kidney failure. Although the disease is specific to the Kooikerhondje breed, its exact inheritance pattern is currently unknown.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (Staffordshire Bull Terrier)(L-2-HGA)
L-2-Hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L-2-HGA) is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects the central nervous system. Due to a missing or defective enzyme, a metabolic byproduct called L-2-hydroxyglutaric acid builds up to toxic levels in the brain and spinal cord. This accumulation causes progressive damage to these vital nerve tissues over time.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Lancashire Heeler Myopathy(LHM)
Lancashire Heeler Myopathy is an inherited musculoskeletal disorder that affects the dog's skeletal muscles. It is caused by an autosomal-recessive genetic mutation that leads to the progressive breakdown and weakening of muscle fibers. This means the body cannot properly maintain or repair muscle tissue, gradually impairing the dog's ability to move normally.
Affects 1 breedView details
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Full transparency
We lay everything out clearly: who the breeder is, how they work, health checks, and genetic test results. So you can decide with full confidence.
Responsible breeding, assured
Every breeder on HonestDog meets strict standards, including health checks and genetic testing for both parents. So you never have to worry about puppy mills or bad actors.
Trust and verification
We verify breeders and buyers alike, so every conversation happens on solid ground. It's a new standard of trust in dog breeding.
Less hassle, more time
We've already vetted the breeders and gathered the details, so you can skip the endless research and focus on finding the right puppy for your family.
Our Mission
We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your — your new companion — with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.