Congenital deafness in dogs
Hearing loss that is present from birth, often linked to coat colour and pigment genes and affecting one or both ears. Dogs deaf in both ears startle easily and cannot respond to sound, needing training adapted to this.
2 of the 155 breeds we track are commonly associated with Congenital deafness, including Australian Cattle Dog, Dalmatian. Across these breeds median lifespans range from 13.2 to 14.0 years.
Congenital deafness in dogs: quick facts
- Type
- neurological condition
- Breeds affected
- 2 of the 155 breeds we track
- Severity (as scored)
- Standard hereditary condition
Plain-English definitions of these terms are on the glossary. On the Breed Health Score, Congenital deafness is weighted as a standard hereditary condition within a breed's overall burden. This describes how our data weights the condition, not a diagnosis.
Breeds commonly associated with Congenital deafness (2), ranked by health score
Related neurological conditions
Products that may help
General care products for dogs prone to Congenital deafness. Browse on Amazon → Ad
Note. Breed associations are compiled from RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA and are indicative, not a diagnosis or veterinary advice. Browse all conditions or the breed directory.