What Dog Breeds Are Known To Be More Prone To Blindness And Or Deafness?
Dec.17, 2009 in
Dog
I’m just curious, I don’t plan on avoiding or getting a dog breed that is more prone or not to blindess or deafness. Just curious me wondering =P. Thanks in advance ^.^
December 17th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Dalmations are the worst. We seem to have a lot of shih tzu in this area with endotropic eyelashes and some deaf doxies. But that might be related to breeders in the area not the whole breed.
December 17th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
I know Dalmations are prone to deafness.
December 18th, 2009 at 1:30 am
every breed has their own genetic flaw. i know dalmations are prone to deafness, and i believe poodles are prone to cataracts.
this is the biggest reason i like mixes. they are not flawless (my border collie/golden x went deaf at age 12), but i think the risks are reduced.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:00 am
well i used to have a chihuahua and he was a really loyal dog cute playful at times and tried to take on coyotes a black lab and and a couple of chronic diseases but he survived
he went blind and very hard of hearing soon he lost some taste buds and we needed to spice up his food but chihuahuas are really tough but still nice dogs to have around
December 18th, 2009 at 9:32 am
well no breed specifically is just stay away from you or someone else breeding two merles those are usually prone to that so just don’t breed two merles or get a dog from two merles. i know someone with a do that got bred from two merles and he is deaf. and most dog people know about that.
December 18th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
It’s not so much the breeds, but the *colors*- and some breeders (insert irreputable here)- breed for these colors because they think they’re cool, but they contain recessive genes that cause these diseases. So, basically, if you find a reputable breeder, they are breeding dogs that have been tested against these conditions, and the pedigrees are clear.
But, here are the breeds I know of that have the issues- mostly it’s associated with the white colors/blue eys in dogs like boxers, dalmations, and shelties.
Your eye problem to be concerned about most isn’t necessary blindness, but the round bug eyes of breeds like shih tzu’s, pugs, etc. You have to be careful as they have numerous other eye issues.
All dog breeds have certain issues- and if you find a reputable breeder, they are screening for these, and will be happy to show you proof. Like big dogs (labs, poodles, shepherds) are prone to hip dysplasia, but breeders will test the dogs at 2 years of age (before breeding) to make sure the hips are clear before breeding.
Good luck!
December 18th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I know my sister-in-law has an english setter that is blind and deaf because of horrbile breeding practices. She was so kind to give this wonderful dog a home. I’ve heard from her research that if a breeder tries to breed a dog to be white (if they aren’t naturally) that deafness and blindness is sometimes a result.
Make sure to check with the breeder if you choose to go that way is reputable or adopt, that’s always the best way to go. You can find great dogs that way.
December 18th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
The breeds are dalmations,english bulldogs and rottweilers.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Dalmatians, Bull Terriers (White) White Boxers and predominantly white Australian Shepherds as well as predominantly white Great Danes are the few that come to mind as far as deafness.
~Tyed~