Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Fanconi syndrome, FAN1-related(FS)
Fanconi syndrome (FAN1-related) is an inherited kidney disorder that affects the renal tubules, which are the tiny filtering tubes in the kidneys. Instead of reabsorbing essential nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and electrolytes back into the bloodstream, the kidneys malfunction and flush these vital substances out through the urine. This constant loss of nutrients leads to severe metabolic imbalances throughout the body.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Fecundity, GDF9-related(GDF9)
This is a genetic variation in the GDF9 gene that affects the ovaries and the development of egg cells, which are also called oocytes. In affected female dogs, this disruption in egg maturation can lead to reduced fertility or a complete inability to reproduce. The condition is strictly limited to the reproductive system and does not impact the dog's overall health or lifespan.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighSpineUnknown
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)(FCE)
Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCE) is a sudden blockage of blood flow to the spinal cord. It occurs when a tiny piece of cartilage from an intervertebral disc enters the bloodstream and clogs a spinal blood vessel. This deprives the surrounding nerve tissue of oxygen, leading to rapid tissue damage.
Tested via: RadiographView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Fibrodysplasia ossificans(FOP)
Fibrodysplasia ossificans is an extremely rare condition affecting the musculoskeletal system, where soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments gradually turn into solid bone. This abnormal bone formation, known as ossification, occurs outside the normal skeleton and slowly locks the joints in place. Over time, this process severely restricts the dog's ability to move.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Focal metatarsal fistula(FMF)
Focal metatarsal fistula is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that affects the hind paws of dogs. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the deep layers of the skin, leading to the formation of deep, weeping tunnels or tracts called fistulae. This disease primarily affects the skin and underlying tissues on the back of the rear feet.
View details - ModerateSkin & coatComplex
Follicular dysplasia and interface dermatitis
This is a hereditary skin condition involving the malformation of hair follicles, known as follicular dysplasia, alongside inflammation at the junction between the outer and deeper skin layers, called interface dermatitis. It directly affects the dog's skin and coat, preventing normal hair growth and causing localized immune-system reactions. A skin biopsy, which involves analyzing a small tissue sample under a microscope, is required to confirm the diagnosis.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Galactosialidosis(GSL)
Galactosialidosis is a severe lysosomal storage disease where a deficiency in a protective protein called cathepsin A causes essential cellular enzymes to fail. This failure prevents cells from breaking down waste, leading to a toxic buildup that progressively damages the nervous system and internal organs. Because the specific genetic mutation in dogs has not yet been characterized, no commercial DNA test is currently available.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Gallbladder agenesis
Gallbladder agenesis is a rare congenital condition where a dog is born completely lacking a gallbladder, which is the organ normally responsible for storing bile. Because the liver still produces bile and sends it directly to the small intestine, the digestive system is typically able to function normally without this storage organ.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Gallbladder mucoceles(GBM)
A gallbladder mucocele is a condition of the digestive system where the gallbladder becomes stretched and filled with thick, jelly-like mucus. This buildup blocks the normal flow of bile, which is a digestive fluid produced by the liver. If left untreated, the pressure can cause the gallbladder to rupture, leading to severe abdominal infection.
Tested via: Cardiac examView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Gangliosidosis, GM2, (AB variant), GM2A-related(GM2)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder where a deficiency in a specific activator protein prevents the body from breaking down certain lipid-sugar compounds. Because these compounds cannot be recycled, they build up to toxic levels inside the cells of the brain and nervous system. This accumulation causes progressive and severe damage to these vital tissues.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Gastric carcinoma susceptibility
This condition is an inherited genetic predisposition to developing gastric carcinoma, which is a malignant or cancerous tumor of the stomach lining. Over time, these genetic factors increase the likelihood that cells in the stomach wall will grow uncontrollably and form harmful masses. This primarily affects the digestive system, eventually compromising the stomach's ability to function properly.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour(GIST)
A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a serious type of cancer that develops in the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach or intestines. It originates from specialized pacemaker cells in the gut wall that normally control the contractions of the digestive system. Because these tumors cannot be identified through DNA testing, diagnosis requires a tissue biopsy analyzed under a microscope with specialized staining techniques.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Gaucher disease(GD)
Gaucher disease is an inherited metabolic disorder where a deficiency in a specific enzyme prevents the body from properly breaking down certain fatty compounds. This leads to a harmful buildup of these substances inside cells, primarily damaging the liver, spleen, and central nervous system.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Genu valgum
Genu valgum, commonly known as knock-knees, is a structural skeletal deformity where the hind legs angle inward at the knee joints. This misalignment causes the knees to point toward each other, putting uneven and abnormal stress on the joints. Veterinarians use radiographs, or X-rays, to evaluate the bone alignment and confirm the diagnosis.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Germline mutation rate
The germline mutation rate refers to the frequency at which new, spontaneous genetic changes occur in a dog's reproductive cells, specifically the eggs or sperm, before being passed to offspring. This is a natural evolutionary process rather than a disease or medical pathology. It represents the baseline rate of genetic variation that occurs across generations in all canine breeds.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Giant Axonal Neuropathy(GAN)
Giant axonal neuropathy is a severe, inherited disease of the nervous system where the nerve fibers, called axons, become abnormally swollen and enlarged. This swelling disrupts the normal transmission of electrical signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Over time, this blockage leads to progressive nerve damage and muscle weakness.
View details - ModerateMouth & teethComplex
Gingival hypertrophy
Gingival hypertrophy is a non-cancerous overgrowth of the gum tissue in a dog's mouth. This excessive growth of the gums creates deep pockets around the teeth where food particles and bacteria easily get trapped. Over time, this trapped debris leads to inflammation, infection, and damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Glioma susceptibility
Glioma susceptibility is a complex genetic predisposition that increases a dog's risk of developing gliomas, which are malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord. These tumors arise from glial cells, which are the supportive cells that surround and protect neurons in the central nervous system. Because this is a complex trait influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors, there is currently no commercial single-gene DNA test available.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Glomerulonephropathy(GN)
Glomerulonephropathy is a disease affecting the kidneys, specifically damaging the glomeruli, which are the tiny filtering units responsible for cleaning waste from the blood. When these filters are damaged, they fail to keep important proteins in the bloodstream, allowing them to leak out into the urine. This loss of protein can lead to wider complications throughout the body.
View details - HighHead / nervous systemUnknown
Glossopharyngeal defect
This is an inherited neurological and developmental disorder affecting the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is the nerve responsible for controlling the throat and tongue. Affected puppies are born with an abnormally small tongue, a condition known as microglossia or 'bird tongue,' and lack the nerve function required to swallow. Because it is an autosomal recessive trait, a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Glucocorticoid resistance
Glucocorticoid resistance is a metabolic and hormonal disorder where the body's tissues cannot properly respond to cortisol, a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Because the cells are insensitive to this hormone, the body struggles to regulate essential functions like metabolism and immune responses. This lack of response leads to a chemical imbalance, as the body often produces excess cortisol in an attempt to compensate.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicX-linked
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency(G6PD)
This is an inherited genetic condition affecting the red blood cells, where a missing enzyme makes these cells fragile. Without enough of this enzyme, the red blood cells can prematurely rupture and break down when exposed to certain oxidative triggers like specific foods or medications. This premature destruction of red blood cells is known as hemolysis and can lead to anemia.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Glycogen storage disease IV(GSD IV)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder where a deficiency in the glycogen branching enzyme prevents the body from properly storing and using sugar. Instead, abnormal glycogen molecules build up inside vital organs, particularly the liver, muscles, and nervous system, causing progressive and irreversible tissue damage.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
GM2 Gangliosidosis, type II (Sandhoff disease or variant 0)(GM2)
This is an inherited lysosomal storage disease affecting the nervous system, caused by a lack of vital enzymes. Without these enzymes, fatty substances called gangliosides build up to toxic levels inside the cells. This accumulation progressively damages the dog's brain and nerve cells.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Granule cell type cerebellar hypoplasia(GCCH)
This is an extremely rare developmental disorder of the brain, specifically affecting the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination. In this condition, a specific layer of brain cells called the granule cell layer fails to develop properly. Because this part of the brain is underdeveloped, the dog cannot coordinate its movements normally.
Tested via: Radiograph, DNA testView details
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