Dog breed glossary

Genetic heart disease causing irregular heartbeats and sudden cardiac death. Detected via Holter monitor (24h ECG). The breed-specific 'Boxer cardiomyopathy.'

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response — the only reliable test for deafness in dogs. Done on puppies before adoption.

Compressed soft palate + narrow nostrils + collapsed larynx in flat-faced breeds. Causes snoring, exercise intolerance, heat stroke. Surgically correctable.

Sudden stomach twist that cuts off blood flow. Fatal within hours without emergency surgery. Risk factors: deep chest, eating fast, exercise after meals.

Greek for 'short head.' Refers to flat-faced breeds with compressed skull. Breeds carry severe risk of BOAS, eye prolapse, dental issues, and heat stroke.

Malformation of the hip socket where the femur head doesn't fit properly. Causes arthritis and lameness. Highly heritable. Severity scored by OFA or PennHIP.

Heart muscle weakens and chambers enlarge. Leads to congestive heart failure. The Doberman heart killer; also concerning in giant breeds.

Progressive spinal cord disease that paralyzes the rear half of the body over 6-18 months. Genetic test (SOD1) available.

Result of breeding two merle-coated dogs. ~25% of puppies are predominantly white with severe vision and hearing problems. Unethical breeding.

Eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes to scratch the cornea. Surgically correctable. Often genetic.

Recurrent seizures with no other identifiable cause. Onset usually 1-5 years. Manageable with medication (phenobarbital, KBr, levetiracetam).

Genetic autoimmune condition unique to Shar-Peis. Recurrent fevers + joint swelling + amyloidosis. No cure; manageable.

Damage to red blood cells from oxidative compounds. Most common cause: onion/garlic ingestion. All Allium plants are toxic.

Working-dog sport originating in Germany. Tests tracking, obedience, and protection. Standard for evaluating working temperament.

Herniated spinal disc that can paralyze a dog within hours. Time-sensitive surgical emergency. Common in long-back breeds.

Dog sport where sighthounds chase a mechanical lure on a zigzag course. Tests prey-drive and speed.

Genetic mutation that prevents safe metabolism of certain drugs (ivermectin, loperamide, vincristine). $100 mail-in test prevents fatal reactions.

Heart valve degenerates and leaks, causing congestive heart failure. ~100% of Cavaliers develop it by age 10. The breed's defining health issue.

Nonprofit that grades hip + elbow X-rays for breeding dogs. OFA Excellent / Good / Fair = passing scores. Critical for buying from breeders.

Aggressive bone cancer. Average survival without treatment: 1-3 months. With amputation + chemo: 12 months. Most common cancer in giant/large breeds.

Inflammation of the pancreas. Caused by fatty foods (ham, bacon, table scraps). Severe pain + vomiting. Hospitalization required.

Kneecap slips out of position. Common in small breeds. Surgery for severe cases. Graded I-IV by severity.

Alternative hip evaluation method to OFA. Measures joint laxity at 16+ weeks. Better predictor of dysplasia than OFA scoring.

Genetic variant in some Lab lines that reduces feeling of fullness. ~25% of Labs carry it. Drives Lab obesity epidemic.

Genetic disease that progressively destroys retinal cells. Leads to blindness. Genetic test (PRCD-PRA, RD3-PRA) available.

Eyeball pops out of the socket. Pug/Pekingese emergency. Wrap eye in moist gauze, ER vet immediately. Vision often saved with surgery within 1 hour.

See IPO. The German-origin working-dog sport for evaluating tracking + obedience + protection.

DNA test for ARVC (Boxer cardiomyopathy). Available since 2009. Reputable Boxer breeders test parents AND grandparents.

Narrowing below the aortic valve. Causes heart murmur, possible sudden death. Tested by echocardiogram in breeding dogs.

Brain malformation where the skull is too small for the brain. Causes chronic pain. Affects ~50% of Cavaliers per MRI studies.

Genetic blood-clotting disorder. Causes excessive bleeding from minor injuries. Genetic test available; severe cases need plasma transfusions.

Cervical vertebrae compress the spinal cord, causing wobbly gait. Surgical or medical management.