Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism is a hormonal disorder where the gonads—the ovaries in females or testes in males—fail to produce adequate levels of sex hormones. This underactivity directly impacts the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating growth and reproduction. As a result, the dog's normal sexual development and reproductive capabilities are significantly impaired.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Hypolipoproteinemia(HLP)
This inherited metabolic disorder affects the digestive system, preventing the body from properly absorbing and transporting dietary fats. It occurs because the dog lacks specific transport proteins needed to carry fats through the bloodstream. Without these proteins, the body cannot utilize essential fats and fat-soluble nutrients.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder where the parathyroid glands in the neck fail to produce enough parathyroid hormone. This hormone is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the bloodstream. Without sufficient hormone production, calcium levels drop dangerously low, which disrupts normal muscle and nerve function throughout the body.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Hypophosphatasia(HPP)
Hypophosphatasia is a severe, inherited metabolic bone disease caused by a deficiency in the alkaline phosphatase enzyme, which is crucial for hardening skeletal tissues. Without enough of this enzyme, the dog's body cannot properly deposit minerals like calcium and phosphorus into its bones and teeth. This leads to abnormally soft, weak bones and skeletal structure.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Hypospadias
Hypospadias is a birth defect affecting the male urinary and reproductive systems where the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, does not develop fully. Instead of opening at the tip of the penis, the urinary opening is located further back along the underside of the shaft, the scrotum, or the groin. This abnormal placement can cause urine to spray or pool against the surrounding skin.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemUnknown
Hypothalamic dysplasia
Hypothalamic dysplasia is a congenital brain malformation affecting the hypothalamus, which serves as the central control center for the body's hormone system. This region of the brain is responsible for regulating essential functions such as body temperature, appetite, and water balance. Because the hypothalamus does not develop correctly, the dog's body cannot maintain normal internal stability.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemUnknown
Hypothalamic hamartoma
A hypothalamic hamartoma is a non-cancerous, abnormal growth of tissue in the hypothalamus, which is a vital control center in the brain. This malformation disrupts the normal signaling of the nervous and hormonal systems. Because of its critical location, it interferes with essential bodily functions and brain activity.
View details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Hypotrichosis, generic
Generic hypotrichosis is an inherited skin condition where the hair follicles, which are the tiny structures in the skin that produce hair, fail to develop properly. This genetic underdevelopment leads to abnormal hairlessness or a very sparse coat. A skin biopsy, which is a laboratory evaluation of a small skin sample, is the gold standard method used to confirm the absence or underdevelopment of these follicles.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ichthyosis, ABHD5-related(ICT-ABHD5)
This is an inherited skin disorder caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts how the skin metabolizes fats. Because the skin cannot properly build its outer protective barrier, it leads to abnormal scaling and dryness. This condition primarily affects the skin's outer layer, preventing it from retaining moisture and protecting against irritants.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ichthyosis, ALOXE3-related(ARCI)
This is an inherited skin disorder caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts the skin's natural protective barrier. Without this barrier, the skin cannot retain moisture properly, leading to a severe buildup of dry, scaly skin cells, a process called hyperkeratosis. This condition specifically affects the outer layer of the skin and is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ichthyosis, ASPRV1-related(ARCI)
This form of ichthyosis is an inherited skin disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the ASPRV1 gene. This mutation disrupts the normal renewal and protective barrier function of the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. As a result, dead skin cells do not shed properly and form thick scales.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Ichthyosis, DSP-related
This is an inherited skin disease caused by a genetic mutation in the desmoplakin (DSP) gene, which normally helps skin cells stick together securely. Without functioning desmoplakin, the outer layer of the skin cannot maintain its protective barrier, leading to severe scaling and structural weakness. This condition is inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner, meaning a dog only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene to be affected.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Ichthyosis, KRT1-related
This is an inherited skin condition caused by a genetic mutation in the KRT1 gene, which affects how the outer layer of the skin forms. In healthy dogs, keratin proteins provide structure to the skin, but this defect disrupts the normal shedding process, leading to a compromised skin barrier. Unlike the human version of this disease, the canine form does not cause the skin cells to break apart or blister.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ichthyosis, NIPAL4-related
This form of ichthyosis is an inherited skin disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the NIPAL4 gene, which impairs the skin's outer protective barrier. Without a properly functioning barrier, the skin cannot regulate moisture or shed dead cells correctly, leading to a buildup of dry, scaly tissue. This disruption in the normal skin-renewal process is known as abnormal keratinization.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ichthyosis, non-epidermolytic, SDR9C7-related
This is an inherited skin disorder caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts how skin cells mature and shed. Without proper shedding, dead skin cells build up on the surface, leading to significant scaling. Because it is non-epidermolytic, the skin does not blister or peel off in painful layers.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ichthyosis, PNPLA1-related(ICT)
This is an inherited skin disorder caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts how the outer layer of the skin forms and sheds. Specifically, it affects the skin's ability to produce essential fats that maintain the natural moisture barrier, leading to a buildup of dry, dead skin cells. This disruption in the normal shedding process results in thick, scaly skin.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ichthyosis, SLC27A4-related
This is a severe, inherited skin disorder caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts how the skin transports lipids (fats) and maintains its natural protective barrier. Without proper lipid transport, the skin undergoes abnormal keratinization, which is a process where the outer layer of skin cells becomes excessively thick, dry, and scaly. This leads to a non-epidermolytic, lamellar-type ichthyosis where the skin cannot retain moisture or protect itself normally.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ichthyosis, TGM1-related(ARCI)
This is an inherited skin disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the TGM1 gene, which produces an enzyme essential for building the skin's outer protective barrier. Without this functioning enzyme, the skin cannot retain moisture or shed dead cells properly, leading to severe and uncontrolled scaling. This condition is also known as lamellar ichthyosis.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis(IPF)
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a severe, progressive disease of the respiratory system where the lung tissue becomes scarred and thickened over time. The term 'idiopathic' means the underlying cause of this scarring is unknown. As the lung tissue loses its elasticity, it becomes increasingly difficult for oxygen to pass from the lungs into the bloodstream.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Immunodeficiency
This is an inherited disorder of the immune system where the dog's body cannot produce a proper defense against common pathogens. Because the immune system is severely compromised, the body is unable to fight off routine bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This leaves the dog highly vulnerable to frequent and severe infections.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Immunodeficiency, CARD9-related(CARD9)
This is an inherited immune system disorder where a genetic defect impairs the CARD9 protein, preventing the body from effectively fighting off fungal pathogens and certain bacteria like Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Because the immune system cannot control these common environmental organisms, they can spread unchecked and cause severe damage to internal organs, bones, and skin.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Immunoglobulin A glomerulonephropathy(IgAN)
This is an immune system disorder where specific antibodies called Immunoglobulin A build up in the kidneys' filtering units, known as glomeruli. This accumulation causes chronic inflammation and progressive damage to the kidney tissue, impairing its ability to filter waste. A definitive diagnosis requires a kidney biopsy and urinalysis to detect these antibody deposits under a microscope.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Immunoglobulin G deficiency(IgGD)
This condition is a deficiency of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), which are the primary antibodies circulating in a dog's blood to fight off infections. Without enough of these protective proteins, the immune system cannot properly identify and destroy invading bacteria and viruses. This leaves the dog's entire body highly vulnerable to recurrent and severe infections.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Inborn error of hepatic metabolism
This is a congenital metabolic disorder affecting the liver, where the organ is unable to properly process certain nutrients or filter out toxins. Because the liver cannot perform these essential chemical processes, harmful waste products build up in the bloodstream and can damage both the liver itself and the nervous system.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle(IOHC)
This skeletal condition, also known as humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF), occurs when the two halves of the lower upper-arm bone (the humerus) in the elbow joint do not fuse together properly into a single solid bone. This failure to fuse, which can be developmental or acquired over time, leaves a permanent weakness or crack in the elbow joint. Because of this structural weakness, the bone is highly vulnerable to painful fractures even during normal, everyday activities.
Tested via: RadiographView 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.
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Full transparency
We show what's on file: who the breeders are, how they work and which health records they've uploaded. That way you can form your own picture.
Verified breeders, open records
Every breeder on HonestDog has their identity and documents checked before their profile goes live. Health records they upload are shown on the profile, so you can see exactly what has been tested.
Clear vetting criteria
Before a breeder profile goes live, we check identity, club membership or breeding permit, and photos of the breeding environment. HonestDog puts you in touch with the breeder and doesn't sell dogs itself — we can't guarantee any individual dog.
Less hassle, more time
We've already checked the breeders' documents 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.
About HonestDog
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find 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.