Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- SevereHeartComplex
Dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe disease of the heart muscle where the heart's chambers become stretched and enlarged. This stretching thins the heart walls, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. Over time, this decreased pumping ability can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen.
Affects 37 breedsTested via: Cardiac exam, DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Cleft palate
A cleft palate is a congenital birth defect where the roof of the mouth fails to fuse properly during development in the womb. This failure leaves an abnormal opening between the oral cavity and the nasal passages. Because these two systems are directly connected, food, liquids, and air cannot be properly separated during swallowing.
Affects 36 breedsTested via: Clinical examView details - ModerateSpineComplex
Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA)(CDA)
Color Dilution Alopecia is a genetic skin disorder that affects dogs with diluted coat colors, such as blue or grey. It is caused by an abnormal distribution of pigment within the hair shafts, which makes the hair brittle and prone to breaking. This structural weakness leads to progressive hair loss and leaves the skin more vulnerable to irritation.
Affects 36 breedsTested via: DNA test, Clinical examView details - HighEyesComplex
Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL) and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV)(PHTVL/PHPL)
This is a congenital eye disorder where the temporary blood vessel network that nourishes the lens before birth fails to shrink and disappear as it normally should. Instead, this embryonic tissue remains and grows abnormally behind and around the lens. This can cause cloudiness in the lens, known as cataracts, and other structural changes inside the eye.
Affects 36 breedsTested via: Eye examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Gastric dilatation-volvulus(GDV)
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, is a severe condition affecting the stomach and digestive system. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, trapping the gas and blocking blood flow to vital organs. This twisting can rapidly lead to tissue damage and cardiovascular shock if not treated immediately.
Affects 35 breedsTested via: RadiographView details - SevereHeartComplex
Heart disease
Heart disease refers to structural or functional abnormalities of the heart muscle, valves, or electrical system that impair its ability to pump blood effectively. This reduced pumping efficiency prevents the cardiovascular system from delivering adequate oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. Some forms are congenital, meaning present from birth, while others are acquired over time due to wear or genetic factors.
Affects 35 breedsTested via: Cardiac examView details - HighEyesComplex
Pectinate ligament dysplasia(PLD)
Pectinate ligament dysplasia is an inherited eye condition where the tiny, comb-like tissue fibers in the drainage angle of the eye do not develop normally. This malformation restricts the natural outflow of fluid from the eye, causing fluid to build up. Over time, this buildup can lead to a dangerous increase in pressure within the eye, a condition known as glaucoma.
Affects 35 breedsTested via: Eye examView details - MildMouth & teethUnknown
Zahn- und Bissbewertung
This is not a disease, but rather a routine clinical dental and bite evaluation (often called a Gebissbescheinigung) performed by a veterinarian. The examination assesses the dog's jaw alignment and teeth to ensure there are no structural abnormalities or malocclusions, which are misaligned bites. It is a standard screening typically used to certify a dog's dental health for breeding purposes.
Affects 34 breedsView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA)(PRA)
Progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd-PRA) is an inherited eye disease that causes the light-sensitive cells in the retina, which lines the back of the eye, to gradually break down and die. This degeneration affects both eyes and eventually leads to complete blindness. Because the retina cannot process light properly, the dog's brain stops receiving visual information.
Affects 33 breedsTested via: DNA test, Eye examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Von Willebrand's disease(vWD)
Von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. It is caused by a deficiency or malfunction of the von Willebrand factor, a specific protein that helps blood platelets stick together to plug damaged blood vessels. Without enough of this functional protein, the clotting process is delayed, which can lead to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries.
Affects 31 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)(BOAS)
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a severe respiratory condition affecting short-muzzled dog breeds, where the physical shortening of the skull leaves insufficient space for the upper airways. This structural compression forces tissues like the soft palate and nasal passages into a restricted area, significantly obstructing the flow of oxygen to the lungs. Over time, the increased effort required to breathe puts chronic strain on the dog's respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Affects 25 breedsTested via: Clinical examView details - SevereSpineComplex
Intervertebral disc disease(IVDD)
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a degenerative condition affecting the spine, where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae harden and rupture. When these discs herniate, meaning they bulge or burst, they press against the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. This compression disrupts the nervous system, causing pain and potentially blocking signals between the brain and the limbs.
Affects 25 breedsTested via: DNA test, RadiographView details - ModerateEyesComplex
Microphthalmia
Microphthalmia is a congenital developmental disorder of the visual system where one or both of a dog's eyeballs are abnormally small. This structural defect occurs during embryonic development and is often accompanied by other eye abnormalities, such as cataracts, which are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye. Because the eyeball itself is underdeveloped, the surrounding eyelids may also appear droopy or misaligned.
Affects 24 breedsTested via: Eye examView details - HighEyesComplex
Congenital blindness
Congenital blindness is a severe or complete loss of vision present from birth, affecting the eyes and the neural pathways connected to the brain. It is caused by developmental abnormalities in key structures like the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, or the optic nerve. These structural defects prevent visual signals from being properly formed or transmitted.
Affects 23 breedsTested via: Eye examView details - ModerateSkin & coatComplex
Demodicosis / Demodectic mange
Demodicosis is a skin disease caused by an overgrowth of microscopic Demodex mites that naturally live inside a dog's hair follicles. While these mites are normally harmless, an inherited or acquired weakness in the immune system can allow them to multiply uncontrollably. This overgrowth leads to inflammation and damage to the skin barrier.
Affects 23 breedsTested via: Clinical examView details - HighEyesComplex
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) - "dry eye"(KCS)
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), commonly known as dry eye, is a chronic disease of the ocular system where the tear glands fail to produce enough natural tears. Without this protective moisture, the cornea (the clear surface of the eye) and surrounding tissues become dry, inflamed, and highly susceptible to painful damage.
Affects 23 breedsTested via: Eye examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Sebaceous Adenitis(SA)
Sebaceous adenitis is an inflammatory skin disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the sebaceous glands, which are the glands responsible for producing natural skin oils. Without these oils, the skin loses its protective moisture barrier, leading to severe dryness and damage to the hair follicles.
Affects 23 breedsTested via: Clinical examView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Cerebellar abiotrophy(CA)
Cerebellar abiotrophy is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain, specifically the cerebellum, which regulates balance and movement coordination. In affected dogs, the nerve cells in this region prematurely degenerate and die off. This progressive cell loss disrupts the brain's ability to control smooth physical movements.
Affects 22 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
MDR1 gene mutation (drug sensitivity)(MDR1)
This genetic condition affects the nervous system by impairing the blood-brain barrier, which normally acts as a protective filter for the brain. Due to a missing transport protein, certain common medications can cross this barrier unchecked and accumulate in the brain. This can lead to severe, life-threatening neurological damage.
Affects 22 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Von Willebrand disease type I(vWD1)
Von Willebrand Disease Type I is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. It is caused by a deficiency in von Willebrand factor, a specific protein that helps blood platelets stick together to plug damaged blood vessels. Because this is an autosomal-dominant condition, a dog only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene to potentially show symptoms.
Affects 22 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Urolithiasis
Urolithiasis is the formation of mineral stones within the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and connecting tubes. These solid crystal clusters develop when minerals in the urine clump together instead of dissolving. Over time, these stones can irritate the sensitive lining of the urinary system or completely block the flow of urine.
Affects 21 breedsTested via: DNA test, Clinical examView details - ModerateSkin & coatComplex
Atopy(CAD)
Atopy is a chronic allergic skin disease where a dog's immune system overreacts to common environmental substances like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. This inappropriate immune response damages the natural protective barrier of the skin, leading to persistent inflammation and irritation. It primarily affects the skin, which is the body's largest organ system.
Affects 20 breedsView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD-PRA)(PRA-prcd)
This is an inherited eye disease where the light-sensitive cells in the retina, called rods and cones, slowly break down over time. The rods, which handle vision in dim light, degenerate first, followed by the cones, which are responsible for bright light and color vision. This gradual degeneration of the eye's sensory layer eventually leads to complete blindness.
Affects 20 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Chondrodysplasia, SLC13A1-related
This is an inherited form of dwarfism affecting the skeletal system, specifically bone and cartilage development. It is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to a deficiency in sulfate, a compound crucial for healthy bone growth. Without enough sulfate, the dog's skeleton cannot develop to its normal size and structure.
Affects 19 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - MildHeartAutosomal recessive
Factor VII Deficiency(F7)
Factor VII deficiency is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the circulatory system. It occurs when the body does not produce enough Factor VII, which is a specific protein essential for forming blood clots. Without enough of this protein, the normal process that stops bleeding is delayed, leading to prolonged bleeding after injuries or medical procedures.
Affects 19 breedsTested via: DNA testView details
Frequently asked questions
What is the HonestDog dog diseases database?
Our database brings together hereditary and common canine conditions with symptoms, inheritance patterns, testing methods, and the breeds where each matters most.
How do I find the right test for a condition?
Search by disease name, abbreviation or symptom, then filter by test type, body region or severity. Each detail page lists recommended tests and affected breeds.
Why do health tests matter for breeders?
Health tests help catch hereditary conditions early and support responsible breeding. Many breed clubs require or recommend specific tests as part of their screening.
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