Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- MildSkin & coatComplex
Coat colour, grizzle(Eg)
Grizzle, also known as domino, is a harmless coat color pattern affecting the hair and skin pigment system, most commonly seen in sighthounds. It is inherited through a complex genetic process called multi-locus epistasis, meaning it requires a specific interaction between multiple genes—specifically MC1R, ASIP, and DEFB103—to express the pattern. This interaction regulates how dark and light pigments are distributed throughout the dog's coat.
View details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Coat colour, HPS3-related(HPS3)
This genetic variant affects the HPS3 gene, which is involved in the pathway that produces pigment, or melanin, in a dog's coat. While mutations in this gene can cause systemic health issues in other species, in dogs it only alters the chemical structure of the pigment. This results in a distinct dark brown coat color, often referred to as 'cocoa', without affecting any other organ systems.
View details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Coat colour, melanistic mask(Em)
This is a benign genetic trait rather than a medical condition, affecting the pigmentation of the dog's coat and skin. It is caused by a specific variant on the E-locus (the MC1R gene) which controls the distribution of dark pigment. This autosomal-dominant trait simply causes a localized concentration of dark melanin on the face.
View details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Coat colour, phaeomelanin dilution, MFSD12-related
This genetic variant affects the integumentary system, specifically the hair follicles, by altering how red pigment, known as phaeomelanin, is produced. A variation in the MFSD12 gene dilutes these red or yellow pigments into lighter shades like cream, sand, or white. This is a purely cosmetic coat color variation and does not impact the dog's physical health.
View details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Coat colour, roan
Roan is a harmless genetic coat pattern inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner, affecting the integumentary system which comprises the skin and hair. It occurs when white and colored hairs are finely mixed across the dog's body, creating a characteristic mottled or speckled appearance. This is a purely cosmetic trait with no underlying medical relevance or negative health effects.
Tested via: DNA testView details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Coat colour, saddle tan vs black-and-tan
This is a genetically determined variation in a dog's coat color, specifically involving the distribution of black and tan pigment in the hair. It is influenced by the ASIP (Agouti Signaling Protein) gene promoter, which determines whether a dog develops a classic black-and-tan pattern or a saddle tan pattern where the black recedes to the back. This is a purely cosmetic trait and does not affect the dog's physical health or any organ systems.
Tested via: DNA testView details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Coat colour, white spotting, KIT-related(KIT)
This is a genetic variation in the KIT gene that affects the development of pigment-producing cells in the skin and coat. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning only one copy of the gene is needed to cause white spotting patterns, such as the Panda pattern. Dogs carrying two copies of this variant do not survive past the embryonic stage, but living dogs with one copy are completely healthy.
View details - MildSkin & coatComplex
Coat, double vs single
This genetic trait determines whether a dog develops a double coat, which includes a dense undercoat beneath protective guard hairs, or a single coat that lacks an undercoat. It is a natural variation of the integumentary (skin and hair) system rather than a disease or medical disorder. This phenotype is associated with a specific genetic region on canine chromosome 28.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Cognitive enhancer metabolism
This genetic condition involves a mutation in the CYP1A2 gene, which affects how the liver processes certain medications, specifically cognitive enhancers like selegiline. Because of this liver enzyme deficiency, affected dogs metabolize these specific drugs much slower than normal. This slower breakdown can lead to a buildup of the medication in the bloodstream, altering its effects.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Color Dilution Alopecia with neurological defects(GS)
This severe genetic disorder affects both the nervous system and pigment production, serving as the canine equivalent of human Griscelli Syndrome Type 1. It is caused by a mutation in the MYO5A gene, which disrupts how cells transport pigment and support normal nerve function. This dual impact results in a lighter coat color alongside progressive neurological decline.
View details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal dominant
Colorectal hamartomatous polyposis and ganglioneuromatosis
This inherited condition affects the dog's lower digestive tract, specifically the colon and rectum. It causes the abnormal growth of two types of tissue: hamartomas, which are benign, disorganized mixtures of normal tissues, and ganglioneuromas, which are overgrowths of nerve tissue. Together, these growths form polyps that can obstruct the bowel and disrupt normal digestion.
View details - HighHead / nervous systemComplex
Compulsive disorder(CCD)
Canine Compulsive Disorder is a psychological condition stemming from a chemical imbalance in the brain's neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of the nervous system. This imbalance causes the brain to get stuck in repetitive loops, leading to behaviors that serve no functional purpose. Because there are no commercial genetic tests available, veterinarians must diagnose this complex condition based entirely on clinical signs.
View details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Cone-rod dystrophy 2 (crd2)(crd2)
Cone-rod dystrophy 2 is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In this condition, the specialized cells called photoreceptors—specifically the cones for daylight vision and the rods for low-light vision—degenerate prematurely. This progressive breakdown leads to an irreversible loss of sight.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital dyshormonogenic hypothyroidism with goiter, SLC5A5-related(CHG)
This is an inherited disorder of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for regulating the body's metabolism. A genetic defect in the SLC5A5 gene prevents the thyroid from absorbing iodine, an essential building block for thyroid hormones. Without these hormones, the body's metabolic processes slow down, and the thyroid gland enlarges in an attempt to compensate, forming a visible swelling called a goiter.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital hypothyroidism(CH)
Congenital hypothyroidism is an inherited endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone from birth. This hormone is crucial for regulating the body's metabolism and growth. Without adequate levels, the puppy's physical and mental development is severely impaired.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital Hypothyroidism (Toy Fox Terrier)(CHG)
This is an inherited disorder of the endocrine system where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough essential hormones due to a genetic defect. These hormones are critical for normal growth and metabolic function. Without them, the dog's development is severely impaired, and the thyroid gland itself may swell, creating a visible lump in the neck known as a goiter.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital liver fibrosis
Congenital liver fibrosis is an inherited liver disease where excess scar tissue, known as fibrosis, develops within the liver from birth. This abnormal tissue buildup restricts normal blood flow through the organ, leading to high blood pressure in the liver's blood vessels and progressive liver failure. Over time, the liver loses its ability to filter toxins and function properly.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Congenital melanoma
Congenital melanoma is a rare tumor affecting the pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, in a puppy's skin. These tumors develop during embryonic growth and are already present when the puppy is born. While some of these skin masses are benign and harmless, others can be malignant, meaning they have the potential to grow quickly and spread.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital muscular dystrophy, LAMA2-related(CMD)
This is an inherited muscle disorder caused by a deficiency of laminin-alpha-2, a vital protein that acts as a structural anchor to keep muscle fibers stable. Without this protein, the skeletal muscles progressively break down and weaken over time. This leads to a gradual loss of mobility and strength across the dog's entire muscular system.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS), CHAT-related(CMS)
This is an inherited neuromuscular disorder that disrupts the communication between nerves and muscles. It is caused by a genetic deficiency in an enzyme called choline acetyltransferase (CHAT), which is needed to produce acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that tells muscles to contract. Without enough of this messenger, the muscles cannot function normally.
View details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Congenital myasthenic syndrome, CHRNE-related(CMS)
This is an inherited neuromuscular disorder where the communication between nerves and muscles is disrupted. It is caused by a genetic defect that prevents the proper formation of receptors on muscle cells, which are needed to receive chemical signals from nerves. Without these receptors, the muscles cannot contract normally, leading to severe weakness.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital myopathy with fibre-type disproportion(CFTD)
This is a congenital muscle disorder where the muscle fibers responsible for endurance (type 1 fibers) are abnormally smaller than those used for quick power (type 2 fibers). This disproportion impairs normal muscle development and function across the body. Currently, this condition cannot be detected with a genetic test and can only be diagnosed by examining a muscle tissue sample, known as a biopsy, under a microscope.
View details - MildEyesUnknown
Congenital nystagmus
Congenital nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic drifting or twitching of the eyes that is present from birth. It is caused by a developmental abnormality in the neurological pathways that coordinate vision and balance between the eyes and the brain. This condition affects the ocular and nervous systems, but it does not worsen over time.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Congenital portal vein hypoplasia(PVH)
Congenital portal vein hypoplasia is a liver condition where the small blood vessels within the liver are underdeveloped. This underdevelopment restricts normal blood flow through the liver, preventing the organ from properly filtering toxins and waste products from the bloodstream. As a result, these unfiltered substances circulate throughout the body, which can affect overall health.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital pseudomyotonia(PMT)
Congenital pseudomyotonia, also known as paradoxical pseudomyotonia, is an inherited muscle disorder caused by a mutation in the SLC7A10 gene. This genetic defect affects the muscular system by preventing the muscles from relaxing normally after they contract. Unlike the bovine form of the disease, the canine version specifically impairs the chemical pathways needed for normal muscle relaxation.
View details
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