Health Condition

Congenital Deafness

A hereditary condition causing partial or complete hearing loss, often associated with merle or leopard (spotted) coat patterns.

Detailed Description

Congenital sensorineural deafness is linked to the absence or dysfunction of cochlear hair cells. In breeds with merle or piebald genes, pigment-related gene mutations can disrupt inner ear development, leading to deafness present at birth.

Common Symptoms

Failure to respond to sounds or commands
Excessive barking
Difficulty waking

Management Options

Training with visual cues
Safety precautions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is deafness always present in merle-patterned dogs?

No, but risk is increased, especially in double merle or heavily white-marked dogs.

Can deafness be detected in puppies?

Yes, BAER testing is reliable from 5-6 weeks of age.

Can deaf dogs lead normal lives?

Yes, with appropriate training and precautions.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

Congenital (present at birth; detected by 5-6 weeks)

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test

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Preventative Measures

Avoid breeding two merle-patterned dogs; BAER test all puppies before placement

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Related Conditions

Acquired deafness

Affected Breeds

American Foxhound

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 3/5

Congenital deafness is rare but documented in American Foxhounds, with a slightly higher risk than average for hounds.

American Leopard Hound

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Risk is higher than average due to the breed's characteristic leopard spotting and merle genetics. Puppies with extensive white on the head or blue eyes may be at higher risk.

Boston Terrier

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 4/5

Boston Terriers have a higher than average risk, especially those with extensive white markings due to the piebald gene.

Braque du Bourbonnais

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 4/5

Recognized in the breed, especially in dogs with extensive white or roan markings. Puppies with these markings not responding to noise should be evaluated.

Chinese Crested

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Chinese Cresteds with large white areas on the head are at increased risk for congenital deafness compared to the general canine population.

Dalmatian

Prevalence: 40% Severity: 4/5

Dalmatians have the highest prevalence of congenital sensorineural deafness among all dog breeds, with both unilateral and bilateral forms strongly associated with the breed's coat color genetics.

Dogo Argentino

Prevalence: 15% Severity: 4/5

Dogo Argentinos have a significantly higher risk of congenital deafness due to their white coat and lack of pigment, with both unilateral and bilateral cases documented.

Havanese

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 3/5

Congenital deafness is slightly more common in Havanese than in the general canine population. Puppies not responding to noise or commands are early indicators.

Japanese Spitz

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 4/5

Congenital deafness is rare but recognized in Japanese Spitz, with a slightly higher risk than average for non-pigment-associated breeds.

Parson Russell Terrier

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 3/5

Parson Russell Terriers, particularly those with extensive white coloring, have a higher risk of congenital deafness compared to the general canine population.

Porcelaine

Severity: 3/5

Rare but possible due to white coat genetics; not as high as in Dalmatians or Bull Terriers.

Russell Terrier

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 3/5

Russell Terriers with extensive white markings are at increased risk. Early BAER testing is essential for responsible breeding.

Smooth Fox Terrier

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 3/5

Smooth Fox Terriers have a higher than average risk for congenital deafness, with prevalence estimated at 3–8%. White coat color increases risk.

Wire Fox Terrier

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 2/5

Wire Fox Terriers with significant white pigmentation are at increased risk. Puppies not startled by loud noises should be tested early.

Yakutian Laika

Prevalence: 13.5% Severity: 4/5

Yakutian Laikas have a higher prevalence of congenital deafness compared to most breeds, particularly associated with white coat patterns and blue eyes.

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