Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- ModerateSkin & coatComplex
Malassezia dermatitis/otitis
This is an inflammatory skin and ear condition caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia, a type of yeast that naturally lives on a dog's skin. When the skin barrier is disrupted by allergies or a weakened immune system, these yeast organisms multiply uncontrollably and cause irritation. This is considered an opportunistic infection, meaning it takes advantage of an underlying health issue, and it often involves complex genetic predispositions.
Affects 2 breedsView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII(MPS VII)
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII (MPS VII) is an inherited metabolic disorder belonging to a group called lysosomal storage diseases. It occurs when a deficiency in a specific enzyme prevents the body from breaking down complex sugar molecules, leading to a harmful buildup of waste products inside cells. This accumulation causes progressive damage to multiple organ systems, particularly the skeleton and connective tissues.
Affects 2 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Musladin-Lueke Syndrome(MLS)
Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder that primarily affects Beagles. It is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to an abnormal buildup of collagen, which is the main structural protein in the body's supportive tissues. This buildup causes the skin, joints, and muscles to become abnormally stiff and hard.
Affects 2 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Mycobacterium avium complex(MAC)
This is an inherited immune system disorder where a genetic defect prevents the body from fighting off a specific group of common environmental bacteria called the Mycobacterium avium complex. Normally, a healthy dog's immune system easily clears these bacteria, but affected dogs lack this defense, allowing the bacteria to spread and cause widespread infection.
Affects 2 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Neuroaxonal dystrophy, VPS11-related(NAD)
This is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord, caused by a genetic mutation in the VPS11 gene. The mutation leads to progressive damage and swelling of nerve fibers, known as axons, which are the pathways that transmit signals throughout the nervous system. As these fibers deteriorate, the brain loses its ability to communicate properly with the rest of the body.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a serious inflammatory condition of the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin. In affected dogs, these digestive enzymes activate too early while still inside the pancreas, causing the organ to digest and damage its own tissue. This can lead to widespread inflammation affecting the metabolic and digestive systems.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighSkin & coatComplex
Perianal fistulas(PAF)
Anal furunculosis is a chronic, painful inflammatory disease affecting the skin and deeper tissues surrounding the anus. It is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks the dog's own tissues, leading to deep, pus-filled ulcerations and tunnels, known as fistulas, in the skin. This condition is most commonly seen in German Shepherd Dogs due to a complex genetic predisposition.
Affects 2 breedsView details - SevereEyesComplex
Persistent right aortic arch (vascular ring anomaly)(PRAA)
This is a congenital abnormality of the cardiovascular system where a blood vessel near the heart fails to dissolve during development. This persistent vessel forms a tight ring around the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This ring constricts the esophagus, preventing solid food from passing through properly.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency(PFK)
This inherited metabolic disorder is caused by a lack of a key enzyme needed to break down sugar for energy in red blood cells and muscles. Without this enzyme, these cells cannot function properly, leading to muscle damage and the premature destruction of red blood cells, which is called hemolysis. This deficiency primarily impacts the muscular and circulatory systems.
Affects 2 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHipsAutosomal recessive
Pituitary hormone deficiency, LHX3-related(CPHD)
This condition is an inherited underdevelopment of the pituitary gland, which is a small hormone-producing organ at the base of the brain. Due to a genetic mutation, the gland cannot produce enough growth hormone and other vital regulatory hormones. This deficiency severely impacts the dog's overall development and the function of other organs like the thyroid.
Affects 2 breedsView details - SevereHipsAutosomal recessive
Pituitary hormone deficiency, POU1F1-related(CPHD)
This is an inherited disorder affecting the pituitary gland, which is a small hormone-producing organ at the base of the brain. Due to a genetic mutation, this gland fails to produce essential hormones, specifically growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone. This deficiency severely disrupts the dog's normal growth, metabolism, and physical development.
Affects 2 breedsView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Polycystic kidney disease(PKD)
This is an inherited genetic disorder where numerous fluid-filled sacs, called cysts, develop and multiply within the kidneys. Over time, these expanding cysts crowd out and destroy the surrounding healthy kidney tissue, preventing the organs from filtering waste products from the blood. This leads to a gradual, permanent decline in overall kidney function.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), CCDC39-related(PCD)
This is an inherited respiratory disorder where the microscopic, hair-like structures called cilia lining the airways fail to move properly. These cilia normally sweep mucus, dust, and bacteria out of the lungs to keep them clean. Because the cilia do not work, the respiratory system cannot clear itself, leading to persistent fluid buildup and chronic infections.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), NME5-related(PCD)
Primary ciliary dyskinesia is an inherited respiratory disease caused by a genetic mutation that affects the cilia, which are tiny, hair-like structures lining the airways. In affected dogs, these cilia are malformed or unable to move properly, preventing them from clearing mucus, dust, and bacteria out of the lungs and nasal passages. This failure of the respiratory clearance system leads to chronic airway irritation and recurrent infections.
Affects 2 breedsView details - SevereEyesAutosomal recessive
Primary open-angle glaucoma, ADAMTS10-related(POAG)
Primary open-angle glaucoma is an inherited eye disease caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the normal drainage of fluid, known as aqueous humor, from the eye. This fluid buildup leads to a gradual, painful increase in pressure within the eyeball. Over time, this elevated pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to progressive vision loss.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), CNGB1-related(PRA-CNGB1)
This is an inherited eye disease where a genetic mutation in the CNGB1 gene causes the light-sensitive cells of the retina at the back of the eye to slowly degenerate. Over time, these photoreceptor cells, which are responsible for capturing light and sending visual signals to the brain, stop functioning and die off. This leads to a progressive and permanent loss of vision in both eyes.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Progressive Retinal Atrophy B HIVEP 3(PRA B HIVEP 3)
This is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue layer at the back of the eye. Over time, the cells in this layer degenerate and die, preventing the eye from sending visual signals to the brain. This progressive loss of function ultimately leads to complete blindness.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 2(PRA-rcd2)
This is an inherited eye disease affecting the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. In affected dogs, the photoreceptors—the specialized cells that detect light—develop abnormally during puppyhood and prematurely waste away. This progressive degeneration leads to a complete and permanent loss of vision.
Affects 2 breedsView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Protein-losing enteropathy(PLE)
Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a severe condition affecting the digestive system where the lining of the intestines becomes damaged or inflamed. This damage prevents the intestines from properly absorbing nutrients, causing vital proteins to leak from the bloodstream into the digestive tract. Because these proteins are lost instead of recycled, the body struggles to maintain normal fluid balance and muscle mass.
Affects 2 breedsView details - ModerateMouth & teethAutosomal recessive
Skeletal Dysplasia 2(SD2)
Skeletal Dysplasia 2 (SD2) is an inherited bone growth disorder affecting the skeletal system. It causes a mild form of disproportionate dwarfism, where the long bones of the legs do not grow to their normal length. The torso and head develop normally, resulting in a slightly uneven body shape.
Affects 2 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia 1 (Belgian Malinois)(SDCA1)
Spongiöse Degeneration mit zerebellarer Ataxie 1 (SDCA1) is an inherited neurological disease that causes the brain tissue, particularly in the cerebellum, to break down and develop a spongy appearance. The cerebellum is the area of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and balance. As this tissue degenerates, the dog's nervous system loses the ability to properly control body movements.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy(SLO)
Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO) is an immune-mediated disease where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks the claw beds. This localized immune reaction leads to the progressive damage and shedding of the claws. To confirm the diagnosis, a veterinarian typically performs a claw biopsy, which involves the surgical removal and laboratory analysis of an affected claw.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Tracheal hypoplasia
This is a congenital respiratory condition where the dog's windpipe, or trachea, is abnormally narrow from birth. The rings of cartilage that normally keep the windpipe open are malformed, which restricts the flow of air to the lungs. This makes it significantly harder for the dog to breathe normally.
Affects 2 breedsView details - HighMouth & teethAutosomal recessive
Van den Ende-Gupta syndrome(VDEGS)
Van den Ende-Gupta syndrome is an inherited developmental disorder that primarily affects the skeletal system, including the skull and joints. It is caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts normal bone and cartilage formation, leading to structural abnormalities. This results in characteristic malformations of the face and limbs.
Affects 2 breedsView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Weimaraner immunodeficiency(WIS)
Weimaraner immunodeficiency is an inherited disorder of the immune system where affected dogs cannot produce enough antibodies, which are protective proteins needed to fight off illness. Without these antibodies, the dog's body struggles to defend itself against common bacterial and viral infections. This leads to frequent, severe infections throughout the body.
Affects 2 breedsView details
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Full transparency
We lay out what we have: who the breeder is, how they work, and any health records they've uploaded. So you can judge for yourself.
Responsible breeding, assured
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.
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 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.
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.