Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Ear carriage (prick vs. drop ears)
This refers to the genetic determination of a dog's ear shape, specifically whether the ears stand upright (prick) or fold downward (drop). The physical structure of the ear cartilage is influenced by a complex network of genes, particularly near a region known as the MSRB3 locus on chromosome 10. This genetic variation affects how the ear cartilage develops and supports the weight of the ear flap.
View details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Early retinal degeneration(ERD)
This is an inherited eye disease where the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye, develops abnormally during puppyhood and rapidly degenerates. The photoreceptors, which are the specialized cells that detect light, progressively die off, eventually causing complete loss of vision.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Eclampsia
Eclampsia, also known as postpartum hypocalcemia, is a severe drop in blood calcium levels that affects the nervous and muscular systems of lactating female dogs. This occurs when the mother's body cannot mobilize calcium quickly enough to meet the high demands of milk production. The sudden depletion of calcium disrupts normal nerve and muscle function, leading to life-threatening complications.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Ectrodactyly
Ectrodactyly is a rare congenital skeletal malformation affecting the development of a dog's paws. It occurs when the central toes fail to form properly during embryonic development, resulting in a deep, cleft-like division in the foot. This structural defect primarily impacts the bones and soft tissues of the lower limbs.
View details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Variant 1 (Poodle)(EDS)
This is an inherited connective tissue disorder caused by a genetic defect in the TNXB gene, which affects how the body produces and structures collagen. Collagen is a crucial structural protein that acts like a supportive framework for the skin and other tissues. In this classical-like variant, the lack of functional collagen leads to extremely fragile, loose, and hyperextensible skin.
View details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome variant 2(EDS)
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome variant 2 is an inherited connective tissue disorder affecting the structural integrity of the skin and joints. It is caused by a genetic defect in tenascin-X, a protein that helps support the body's tissues, and is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner. This defect leads to a lack of strength in the skin, making it exceptionally fragile and elastic.
View details - HighElbowsComplex
Elbow luxation
Elbow luxation is a structural joint disorder where the bones of the forearm, the radius and ulna, become misaligned or dislocated from the upper arm bone, the humerus. This disruption of the skeletal system prevents the elbow joint from functioning smoothly, causing severe instability and abnormal pressure on the front leg. Radiography, or X-ray imaging of the elbow, is the primary diagnostic tool used to confirm this misalignment.
View details - HighElbowsUnknown
Elbow subluxation
Elbow subluxation is a partial dislocation of the elbow joint, which is part of the skeletal system. It occurs when the bones of the front leg—the radius, ulna, and humerus—do not align properly due to abnormal growth rates. This misalignment prevents the joint from moving smoothly, causing chronic instability and rapid wear of the joint cartilage.
View details - ModerateHeartAutosomal dominant
Elliptocytosis(HE)
Elliptocytosis is a genetic condition affecting the red blood cells, which are the cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Due to a structural variation, these cells develop an oval or elliptical shape instead of their normal round form. In dogs, this is typically a benign and harmless anomaly that does not impair the cells' ability to function.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemUnknown
Encephalopathy
Encephalopathy is a general term for any disease, damage, or malfunction affecting the brain. It occurs when the central nervous system is disrupted by issues like inflammation, toxins, or metabolic imbalances. This disruption impairs the brain's ability to communicate properly with the rest of the body.
View details - SevereHeartUnknown
Endocardial fibroelastosis(EFE)
Endocardial fibroelastosis is a severe heart disease where the inner lining of the heart chambers becomes abnormally thick due to an overgrowth of fiber tissue. This thickening makes the heart muscle stiff, which prevents it from pumping blood efficiently. Veterinarians diagnose this condition using an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart that evaluates chamber dilation and pumping strength.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Endotoxic shock
Endotoxin shock is a severe, life-threatening condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to toxins released by dying bacteria in the bloodstream. This massive immune response causes widespread inflammation and a dangerous drop in blood pressure, affecting the entire circulatory system and vital organs. It is not an inherited genetic disease, but rather a critical complication of a severe bacterial infection.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Environmental adaptability
This refers to a dog's genetic and neurological predisposition to handle changes in their surroundings and sensory stimuli. It affects the nervous system, specifically how the brain processes and responds to unfamiliar sights, sounds, or situations. While classified as a normal behavioral variation rather than a disease, some dogs have a much lower threshold for environmental stress.
View details - SevereSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex, PLEC-related(EBS)
This is an inherited skin disorder caused by a deficiency in plectin, a structural protein that helps bind the layers of the skin together. Without enough functional plectin, the skin lacks its normal structural integrity and becomes extremely fragile. Even minor friction, pressure, or rubbing causes the outer layers of the skin to separate and form painful blisters.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Epilepsy, mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration, PITRM1-related(JBD)
This is a severe, inherited brain disorder, also known as Juvenile Brain Disease or Juvenile Encephalopathy, caused by a genetic defect in the PITRM1 gene. This defect impairs the mitochondria, which are the energy-producing structures within cells, leading to a critical energy shortage. Without sufficient energy, nerve cells in the brain progressively degenerate and die, causing widespread neurological decline.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Epistaxis
Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed, which occurs when blood vessels within the nasal cavity rupture or when an underlying clotting issue prevents normal blood vessel sealing. Rather than a standalone disease, it is a symptom that can point to various respiratory, cardiovascular, or systemic health issues.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Exercise-induced metabolic myopathy(EIMM)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the muscles, specifically linked to a genetic enzyme defect known as VLCAD deficiency or ACADVLD. In affected dogs, the muscle cells cannot properly break down certain fats to generate energy during physical exertion. This condition is highly breed-specific to the German Hunting Terrier.
View details - ModerateEyesComplex
Exophthalmos with strabismus
This condition is a structural malformation of the eyes and surrounding socket. It is characterized by exophthalmos, where the eyeballs protrude abnormally far forward, combined with strabismus, which is a misalignment of the eyes where they do not point in the same direction. This combination prevents the eyes from working together properly and can interfere with normal protective eye movements.
View details - ModerateEarsUnknown
External auditory canal atresia
External auditory canal atresia (EACA) is a birth defect of the ear canal where the outer ear opening is partially or completely closed. This structural blockage prevents sound waves from reaching the eardrum and stops the natural drainage of earwax and fluids. Because the canal is sealed, it creates a trapped space prone to severe buildup and pressure.
View details - MildEyesComplex
Eye colour
Eye colour refers to the genetically determined pigmentation of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye. This is a benign genetic trait rather than a clinical eye disease, meaning it does not harm the dog's ocular health or vision. The variation in color, ranging from deep brown to light blue, is determined by complex inheritance patterns that control melanin production in the eye.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicX-linked
Facial dysmorphia
This is a severe genetic condition affecting the skeletal and structural development of the skull and face. Inherited in an X-linked pattern, it causes profound malformations of the bones and tissues in the head. Due to the extreme nature of these physical abnormalities, the condition is typically lethal.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Factor X deficiency(FXD)
Factor X deficiency is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the circulatory system. It is caused by a lack of coagulation factor X, a crucial protein needed to form stable blood clots. Without enough of this protein, the body's secondary hemostasis—the chemical process that solidifies a temporary platelet plug into a stable clot—fails, leading to prolonged bleeding.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Factor XII deficiency(FXIID)
Factor XII deficiency is an inherited blood clotting disorder where the body lacks a specific protein called Factor XII, which normally helps initiate the coagulation process. This deficiency affects the circulatory system, specifically how blood behaves during laboratory testing. Despite its role in the clotting cascade, the lack of this protein does not impair normal blood clotting inside the living animal.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP)
Familial adenomatous polyposis is an inherited genetic condition that causes numerous polyps, which are abnormal tissue growths, to form in a dog's colon and rectum. Over time, these initially non-cancerous growths almost always progress into malignant colorectal cancer. This disease primarily affects the lower digestive tract.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHeartComplex
Familial thoracic aortic aneurysm(FTAA)
This is a genetic condition affecting the cardiovascular system, specifically the aorta, which is the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the body. Over time, the walls of this major blood vessel weaken and stretch, creating a bulge known as an aneurysm. If left unmanaged, this weakening can lead to a critical tear or rupture of the artery wall.
View details
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