Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 4/5

PRA is rare but documented in Affenpinschers; early detection is important for breeding decisions.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have a higher carrier rate for PRA than many breeds. DNA testing is recommended for breeding stock.

Akita

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 4/5

Akitas are affected by several forms of PRA, with a higher prevalence than average and risk of early-onset blindness.

American English Coonhound

Documented but rare in the breed; American English Coonhounds are listed as at-risk by the OFA.

American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs have a higher than average risk for PRA, particularly the prcd-PRA subtype. Carrier rates may be up to 10–15%.

American Leopard Hound

PRA is documented in the breed, with slightly higher risk than the general population. Early signs include hesitancy in low light and bumping into objects.

American Water Spaniel

PRA is documented in American Water Spaniels but is less common than in some other spaniel breeds. Early detection can help owners adapt the environment for affected dogs.

Appenzeller Sennenhund

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 4/5

PRA is rare but documented in Appenzeller Sennenhunds. Early signs include hesitation in dim light and reluctance to go outside at night.

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs have a higher than average risk for prcd-PRA, with a significant carrier rate and breed-specific mutation.

Australian Kelpie

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 5/5

PRA is rare but documented in Australian Kelpies, with late onset and progressive vision loss.

Australian Shepherd

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 5/5

Australian Shepherds have a higher than average risk for PRCD-PRA among herding breeds, but the affected rate is low due to genetic testing.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

PRA is a documented concern in the breed, with onset typically in middle age and a higher risk compared to many other breeds.

Barbet

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 3/5

Carrier rate estimated at 8–12% in European Barbet populations; clinical cases are rare due to widespread genetic testing and responsible breeding.

Basenji

PRA is a known inherited issue in Basenjis, with higher prevalence than in many other breeds.

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

PRA is rare but documented in the breed. Early signs may include reluctance to work in low light and subtle disorientation at dusk.

Beauceron

PRA is rare but documented in Beaucerons. Early signs include hesitancy in low light environments.

Bedlington Terrier

PRA is rare in Bedlington Terriers but has been documented; affected dogs develop progressive vision loss.

Belgian Laekenois

PRA is rare but documented in Belgian Laekenois and related Belgian Shepherds. Early signs may include hesitation in low light, especially in middle-aged dogs.

Belgian Malinois

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 4/5

PRA is considered uncommon but documented in Belgian Malinois, with higher prevalence in some lines. Early detection is important for management and breeding decisions.

Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Sheepdogs have a higher than average risk for PRA among herding breeds. Early signs include hesitancy in dim light and bumping into objects at dusk.

Belgian Tervuren

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 5/5

Higher than average risk; hesitation in low light and bumping into objects at dusk are early signs.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

Rare but documented; breed club recommends regular eye screening due to potential risk.

Berger Picard

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 3/5

PRA is rare but documented in Berger Picards. Owners may notice hesitancy in low light before overt blindness.

Bernese Mountain Dog

PRA is present in the breed, with a carrier rate of 3-5% for the prcd-PRA mutation; clinical disease is rare but documented.

Biewer Terrier

Prevalence: 0.5% Severity: 3/5

PRA is rare but documented in Biewer Terriers; early detection is important for breeding decisions.

Black Russian Terrier

PRA is documented in Black Russian Terriers but is less common than in some other breeds; annual eye exams are recommended for breeding dogs.

Bluetick Coonhound

PRA is rare but documented in Bluetick Coonhounds. Early signs may include hesitation in low light or subtle vision changes.

Bohemian Shepherd

Rare but present; hesitancy in low light and bumping into objects may be early signs.

Bolognese

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 3/5

Late-onset PRA is most common in Bolognese. Early reluctance to go out in dim lighting is a typical sign.

Borzoi

Borzoi have a breed-specific PRA mutation with a higher carrier rate than the general canine population.

Briard

PRA is rare but documented in Briards; risk is slightly higher than average but not as high as in some other breeds.

Brittany

PRA is rare in Brittanys but present; less than 1% prevalence based on breed club and OFA data.

Brussels Griffon

PRA is rare but documented in Brussels Griffons; affected dogs should not be bred.

Canaan Dog

PRA is a recognized concern in Canaan Dogs, with higher risk than average; early detection is important for breeding decisions.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known to carry the rcd3 PRA mutation, with a higher carrier rate than the general canine population.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

PRA is rare but documented in Catahoulas; risk is lower than in many other breeds.

Cesky Terrier

PRA is rare but documented in Cesky Terriers; breed clubs recommend regular screening due to slightly higher risk.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Carrier rate for PRCD mutation is estimated at 10-15%; higher risk than many breeds; night blindness is often the first sign.

Chinese Crested

Chinese Cresteds have a higher carrier rate for prcd-PRA than the general canine population, but clinical disease is less common due to genetic screening.

Cirneco dell'Etna

Prevalence: 2.7% Severity: 4/5

PRA is rare in Cirneco dell’Etna, but annual eye exams are recommended due to isolated reports and the severity of the condition.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels have a higher prevalence of prcd-PRA compared to most breeds, with a significant carrier rate. The disease is a major concern for breeders and owners.

Collie

Collies are one of the breeds with a breed-specific PRA mutation (rcd2), and affected dogs will go blind, though most adapt well.

Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear is affected by a late-onset form of PRA, with a slightly higher prevalence than average for small companion breeds.

Croatian Sheepdog

Documented but rare; breed clubs recommend vigilance and regular eye exams.

Curly-Coated Retriever

Curly-Coated Retrievers are recognized as at-risk for PRA, with late-onset forms most common. The breed adapts well to blindness, but the condition is progressive and irreversible.

Czechoslovakian Vlcak

PRA is rare in this breed, but isolated cases have been reported. Early signs may include reluctance to go out at night and bumping into objects in dim light.

Dachshund

PRA is particularly prevalent in Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds, with up to 15–20% carrier frequency for the PRA-crd4/cord1 mutation.

Drever

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 5/5

PRA is a documented concern in Drevers, with cases reported in Sweden and Finland. The prcd-PRA mutation has been identified in the breed, and genetic testing is available in Scandinavia.

English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniels have a higher prevalence of prcd-PRA compared to the general canine population, with a carrier rate of 10–20%.

English Setter

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 4/5

English Setters are at higher risk for the rcd4 form of PRA, which is late-onset and leads to gradual blindness.

English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels have a higher prevalence of PRA, particularly the PRA-prcd subtype, compared to most breeds.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs have a higher than average carrier rate for prcd-PRA, with most cases presenting as progressive vision loss in middle age.

Estrela Mountain Dog

PRA is rare but present in the breed. Early signs include hesitancy in low light and bumping into objects at dusk.

Field Spaniel

PRA is a breed concern in Field Spaniels, with higher than average risk. Early signs include hesitancy in low light and bumping into objects at night.

Finnish Lapphund

Finnish Lapphunds have a higher than average risk for prcd-PRA due to breed-specific gene prevalence. Carrier rate is estimated at 10–15%, with affected rate lower due to genetic testing.

Flat-Coated Retriever

PRA is rare but present in Flat-Coated Retrievers. The specific genetic mutation is not fully characterized in this breed.

French Spaniel

PRA is rare but documented in French Spaniels; responsible breeders screen for it.

German Longhaired Pointer

PRA is documented but rare in GLPs. Early signs include hesitancy in low light and bumping into objects.

German Spitz

PRA is more common in German Spitz (especially Mittel and Klein) than in the general canine population. Early signs include hesitancy in dim light and reluctance to go outside at night.

German Wirehaired Pointer

PRA is present in GWPs but not as prevalent as in some other breeds. Hesitancy in dim light may be an early sign.

Giant Schnauzer

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 4/5

PRA is rare but documented in Giant Schnauzers; regular eye exams are recommended due to breed risk.

Gordon Setter

Gordon Setters are particularly affected by the rcd4 form of PRA, with a carrier rate of approximately 38% and affected rate of about 7%.

Harrier

Harriers are considered at-risk for PRA, though it is rare; annual screening is recommended for breeding dogs.

Icelandic Sheepdog

PRA is rare in Icelandic Sheepdogs but has been reported in isolated cases. Night vision loss in middle-aged dogs may be an early sign.

Irish Red and White Setter

PRA (rcd1) is a breed-specific mutation in Irish Red and White Setters, with a carrier frequency of 5–10%. Affected dogs develop early-onset blindness.

Irish Setter

Prevalence: 7.5% Severity: 5/5

The rcd1 form of PRA is breed-specific to Irish Setters and can cause blindness in puppies.

Irish Terrier

Irish Terriers have a breed-specific rcd1a mutation, with a higher risk than average for PRA.

Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds have a higher-than-average risk and are recognized as an at-risk breed by the OFA and ACVO.

Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin have a slightly higher risk of PRA compared to the general dog population, with onset typically in adulthood.

Kai Ken

PRA is rare but documented in Kai Ken. Hesitation in dim light and bumping into objects at night are early warning signs.

Karelian Bear Dog

PRA is rare but documented in the breed, with isolated cases in Scandinavian populations. Early signs include hesitancy in dim light and bumping into objects at night.

Kuvasz

PRA is rare but documented in Kuvasz. Reluctance to go out at night and bumping into objects in low light may be early warning signs.

Labrador Retriever

Carrier rate for prcd-PRA mutation is 10–20% in Labradors; clinical disease is less common due to genetic testing and selective breeding.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Carrier rate estimated at 5–10% in breed surveys; slightly higher risk than average.

Lapponian Herder

Lapponian Herders have a higher carrier rate for prcd-PRA than average, with documented cases of affected dogs. The breed is at recognized risk and should be routinely screened.

Lowchen

PRA is a documented but less common concern in Löwchen than in some other breeds. Late-onset forms are most typical.

Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos are predisposed to late-onset PRA, with a higher prevalence than the general canine population.

Maltese

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 4/5

Documented in Maltese, with higher than average risk for toy breeds but lower than in some other breeds.

Mastiff

Severity: 3/5

Mastiffs are at higher than average risk for PRA, particularly the prcd-PRA form. Early detection through genetic testing is important for breeding decisions.

Miniature American Shepherd

PRCD-PRA is the most relevant subtype in MAS, with a carrier rate similar to Australian Shepherds.

Miniature Pinscher

Prevalence: 0.5% Severity: 5/5

Miniature Pinschers have a higher than average risk for PRA compared to the general dog population, with both early- and late-onset forms documented.

Miniature Schnauzer

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 4/5

Miniature Schnauzers are affected by a late-onset, slowly progressive form of PRA.

Norrbottenspets

PRA is rare in Norrbottenspets but has been documented; risk is lower than in high-risk breeds but present.

Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhounds have a higher than average risk for PRA, with late-onset forms most common.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Carrier rate for prcd-PRA mutation is estimated at 10-20%; affected rate is lower due to breeding controls. Higher prevalence than average compared to general canine population.

Old English Sheepdog

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 5/5

Old English Sheepdogs have a slightly higher than average risk for PRA, with difficulty seeing in low light as an early sign.

Papillon

Papillons have a breed-specific PRA1 mutation (CNGB1 gene), and responsible breeders use DNA testing to reduce prevalence.

Pekingese

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 5/5

PRA is documented in Pekingese, typically as a late-onset form; while not as common as in some breeds, it is still a significant concern.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 3/5

Corgis have a higher than average risk for prcd-PRA among small breeds, but clinical disease is now rare due to genetic testing and responsible breeding.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

PRA is rare but reported in some lines; regular screening is recommended due to potential risk.

Pointer

Pointers are affected by late-onset PRA, with gradual vision loss typically starting in middle age. The prevalence is lower than in some breeds but still present.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

PRA is a recognized concern in the breed, with higher risk than average for breeds of similar size and function. Night blindness and reluctance to go outside at night are often early signs.

Poodle (Miniature)

Miniature Poodles have a higher prevalence of PRCD-PRA compared to most breeds, with a significant carrier rate and established genetic mutation.

Poodle (Standard)

Standard Poodles have a higher than average risk for prcd-PRA, with a carrier rate of 8–10%.

Poodle (Toy)

Toy Poodles have a higher risk of prcd-PRA compared to most breeds; carrier frequency is estimated at 8–10%.

Portuguese Podengo

PRA is rare but has been reported in the breed; no breed-specific genetic test is available as of 2024.

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

Rare but documented; owners may notice reluctance to go outside at night or bumping into furniture as early signs.

Portuguese Pointer

PRA is rare but present in the breed. Early warning signs include hesitancy in low light and bumping into objects at dusk.

Portuguese Sheepdog

PRA is rare but present in the breed. The specific genetic mutation may not be fully characterized in Portuguese Sheepdogs.

Pudelpointer

PRA is rare but documented in Pudelpointers. Early signs may include reluctance to work or hunt at dusk/dawn and increased anxiety in low-light conditions.

Puli

PRA is a significant concern in the Puli, with breed-specific variants possible. The risk is higher than average compared to all breeds.

Pyrenean Shepherd

Severity: 3/5

Documented in the breed; considered rare but present. Slightly higher than average risk for PRA. Early signs may include reluctance to go outside at night or in dim lighting.

Redbone Coonhound

PRA is rare but documented in Redbone Coonhounds; all breeding dogs should be screened due to the potential for inherited vision loss.

Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog

Rare but documented in the breed; risk is lower than in high-risk breeds but present.

Rottweiler

PRA is documented in Rottweilers, though less common than orthopedic or cardiac issues.

Russian Toy

PRA is documented but rare in Russian Toys. Regular eye exams are advised for early detection.

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

PRA is present in the breed, likely due to shared ancestry with other Bichon-type breeds. The risk is similar to other toy breeds with Bichon ancestry.

Saluki

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 3/5

PRA is rare in Salukis but present; no breed-specific genetic test is currently available.

Samoyed

Samoyeds are a recognized at-risk breed for prcd-PRA, with a higher than average carrier frequency.

Schapendoes

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 5/5

Schapendoes are at higher risk for PRA compared to the general canine population, with a documented breed-specific mutation and a carrier rate up to 15%.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shelties have a higher than average risk for PRA, with both autosomal recessive and X-linked forms reported in the breed.

Shiba Inu

PRA is documented in Shiba Inu, with average to slightly higher risk. Night blindness and hesitant movement in dim light are early signs.

Shih Tzu

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 4/5

Shih Tzu are recognized as at-risk for PRA, with a higher than average prevalence and late-onset form.

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies have a breed-specific X-linked form of PRA (XLPRA), with higher risk than the general canine population.

Sloughi

Sloughis are affected by the rcd4 mutation, with a carrier frequency estimated at 10–20% in European populations. Late-onset PRA is most common.

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 3/5

Rare but documented; monitored by breed clubs and veterinary ophthalmologists.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

SCWTs are at increased risk for certain forms of PRA, with late-onset vision loss being most common.

Spanish Water Dog

Carrier rate estimated at 7–10% in the UK population; affected dogs are rare due to widespread testing.

Standard Schnauzer

Prevalence: 15% Severity: 5/5

Standard Schnauzers have a higher than average risk for PRA, with the generalized form most commonly reported.

Swedish Lapphund

Swedish Lapphunds have a higher carrier frequency for prcd-PRA compared to the general canine population, but clinical cases are less frequent due to genetic testing and selective breeding.

Swedish Vallhund

Prevalence: 34% Severity: 4/5

The crd4/cord1 variant of PRA is breed-specific in Swedish Vallhunds, with a high carrier frequency and variable age of onset.

Tibetan Spaniel

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 5/5

Tibetan Spaniels have a higher prevalence of late-onset PRA compared to many breeds, with a significant carrier rate. The PRA3 mutation is most common in this breed.

Tibetan Terrier

Tibetan Terriers have a higher than average risk for late-onset rcd4-PRA, with a carrier frequency of 17–20%.

Vizsla

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 4/5

Vizslas have a higher than average risk for PRA, with a carrier rate estimated at 2–4%.

Weimaraner

PRA is rare but documented in Weimaraners. Early signs include hesitancy in dim light and bumping into objects.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Documented in WPGs but not as prevalent as in some other breeds; significant due to severity.

Wirehaired Vizsla

PRA is rare but significant in Wirehaired Vizslas. Reluctance to go out at night and clumsiness in dim light are early warning signs.

Working Kelpie

PRA is reported in Working Kelpies with a low but notable prevalence. The risk is slightly higher than average compared to the general canine population.

Xoloitzcuintli