If your dog has a purebred ancestor, it may be susceptable to genetic disorders specific to purebreds. A mixed breed dog with a purebred ancestor can inherit a genetic disorder from its purebred parent or grandparent.
Unfortunately, owners of mixed breed dogs often have no idea if their dog is at risk of a genetic disorder. Until very recently, there was no way owners of mixed breeds could determine if their dog’s parents were purebreds (other than finding out directly who the parents were). Unfortunately, many dog owners have no information on the parents of their dog.
In the past couple of years, mixed breed Dog DNA tests have come on the market that can help you determine if your dog has a purebred parent or grandparent. Knowing your dog’s purebred ancestry can help you to determine if your dog is at risk of an inheritied genetic disorder.
Once you determine your dog’s purebred ancestry with a mixed breed Dog DNA test, it’s a good idea to take the test results to your veterinarian. Your vet can look over the results to see if your dog’s purebred ancestry translates into an increased risk of specific genetic disorders.
Genetic disorders in mixed breed (and purbred dogs) can include disorders of the immune, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
Some of the most common genetic disorders in dogs:
- Blood and Lymphatic Disorders
- Cardiovascular and Nervous Disorders
- Skeletal and Muscular Disorders
- Endocrine, Immune and Respiratory Genetic Disorders
- Skin, Urinary and Reproductive Disorders
- Genetic Eye Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
This information is not intended as a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or care. Consult a veterinarian about specific disorders.