Genetics of Deafness in Dogs

I was interested in why white dogs are more prone to genetic deafness.

So this is what I have found out certain breeds especially Dalmatians,

Australian Shepherd, and Catahoula Leopard Dog are the most common dog breeds

affected by deafness, either unilaterally one ear, or bilaterally both ears.

White dogs like Westies, Samoyeds, and American Eskimo these dogs have black

noses and the rims of their eyes also is dark coloured, these dogs generally aren’t

deaf. It’s not the white coat but the white hairs inside the inner ear canal. The

 congenital deafness is pigmented related, if unpigmented skin ( pink skin) produces

white hairs in the ear canal. Basically if there is unpigmented skin in the inner ear

canal the nerve endings tend to die off causing deafness.

The only certain way to see if your dog is deaf is a test called Baer done by your

dog’s Veterinarian.

Deaf dogs need a lot more care they can’t hear cars, other dog’s growls, and they are

generally harder to train. I owned a deaf poodle as a kid growing up and he was the

smartest loving dog ever, I trained by hand signals and vibrations.

Here are some hearing test to do at home if you think you dog may be DEAF.

Deaf Dog Education Action Fund

                                                  Tests You Can Do At Home

·        Jangle keys, a rattle, or a can of coins

·        Squeak a toy (be sure that air from the toy doesn't hit the dog - try it behind your back)

·        Call your dog in a normal voice - try yelling

·        Clap your hands (you should be far enough away so that he doesn't feel air movement)

·        Whistle or (if you're musically challenged) blow a whistle

·        Turn on a vacuum cleaner (be sure it's far enough away from the dog so that the vibrations or airflow don't reach him)

·        Bang two pots together (be careful of air vibrations reaching your dog)

·        Ring a bell or have someone ring your telephone or doorbell

www.deafdogs.org