Genetic diseases in Toy Poodles

Genetic health is one of the fundamental pillars of responsible Toy Poodle breeding.

Not all conditions are visible at first glance. Many are passed down from generation to generation without showing immediate symptoms.

That’s why, before deciding to breed, it’s essential to understand how genetic diseases work and what risks are involved.

On this page, you’ll find a clear, practical explanation based on real breeding experience.

What are genetic diseases in dogs?

Genetic diseases are conditions passed from parents to offspring through DNA.

In Toy Poodles, some of these diseases can be avoided through genetic testing and careful selection of breeding dogs.

Others, however, are more complex and do not depend on a single gene.

How are genetic diseases inherited?

Genetic diseases can be inherited in different ways.

In many cases, a dog can be a carrier without showing symptoms, yet still pass the condition on to its puppies.

There are three main scenarios:

— Clear: no genetic mutation
— Carrier: not affected, but can pass it on
— Affected: develops the disease

The combination of these factors determines the risk in each litter.

Autosomal dominant inheritance of genetic diseases

Autosomal recessive inheritance of the disease

autosomal recessive inheritance poodle.png

Can genetic diseases be prevented?

In many cases, yes.

Thanks to genetic testing, it’s possible to determine whether a dog is clear or a carrier of certain diseases.

This allows breeders to plan matings responsibly and significantly reduce the risk.

However, not all diseases can be controlled through genetic testing alone.

Conditions with a complex genetic basis

Some health issues are not caused by a single gene, but by multiple factors.

These include:

— Patellar luxation
— Joint problems
— Certain structural abnormalities

In these cases, there is no simple genetic test.

Selection relies on observation, experience, and knowledge of the bloodlines.

Toy Poodles are generally robust dogs, with a long life expectancy and good overall health.

However, like all dog breeds, they can also develop certain hereditary conditions.

Here, we explain what genetic diseases are, the different types of inheritance, and the likelihood of producing affected puppies when carriers or affected dogs are used in breeding.

You’ll also find a clear explanation of how to interpret genetic test results in dogs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) refers to a group of inherited canine diseases that lead to blindness.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive.

Cerebellar Ataxia is a condition that becomes evident as soon as puppies begin to develop coordinated movement. Affected dogs show intention tremors, and most are unable to walk.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive.

Thrombocytopenia. Affected dogs may experience nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and petechiae. Platelet aggregation and release responses to most agonists (except thrombin) are significantly impaired. Clinical signs mainly involve bleeding of the mucous membranes, which can range from mild to severe.

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef 2). This enzyme is essential for anaerobic glycolysis in red blood cells. When deficient, red blood cells cannot maintain normal metabolism and are destroyed prematurely. The condition manifests as hemolytic anemia of varying severity with a strong regenerative response. It is also associated with progressive myelofibrosis and osteosclerosis of unknown origin, as well as liver failure, which is the main cause of death in affected dogs.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive.

Prekallikrein Deficiency is a rare disorder in dogs. Prekallikrein is a plasma protein involved in blood clotting. Its deficiency may lead to prolonged clotting time after injury. It is not usually associated with spontaneous bleeding. There is no specific treatment, but affected dogs typically live normal lives and show no clinical signs under normal conditions. However, it can pose a risk during surgery or trauma.

Canine Multifocal Retinopathy (CMR2) is an eye condition characterized by multiple raised, circular lesions on the retina caused by fluid accumulation. These lesions appear as pale, blister-like areas and vary in size and location, usually affecting both eyes. Most dogs do not show vision problems despite the abnormal appearance.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive.

Hereditary Glaucoma (POAG). Primary open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in dogs. Elevated intraocular pressure is the main risk factor.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive.

Hyperuricosuria / Hyperuricemia (HUU). This condition is caused by a mutation in the SLC2A9 gene, leading to inefficient transport of uric acid in the liver and kidneys. As a result, uric acid levels increase in both blood and urine.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive.

Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures is linked to a mutation in the ATF2 gene. Affected puppies are small and weak at birth. Many die within the first week, and those that survive begin to develop body tremors in the second week. The condition progresses rapidly, and affected puppies usually do not survive beyond six weeks.

Gangliosidosis (GM2, Sandhoff disease) is a recessive genetic disorder caused by the absence of an enzyme that leads to the accumulation of toxic substances in nerve cells. It is typically fatal for affected puppies.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive.

Dry Eye and Curly Coat Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Ichthyosiform Dermatosis) is a congenital condition that affects the skin, eyes, and nails. It is present at birth. Clinical signs usually become evident during the first years of life. Affected dogs have an abnormal, rough congenital coat, difficulty opening their eyelids, and affected puppies are typically smaller and weaker than normal. Reduced production of aqueous tears results in sticky mucous discharge and, in severe cases, corneal ulceration.
Mode of inheritance: autosomal recessive.

Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is the most common inherited blood-clotting disorder in dogs. It results from an insufficient amount of von Willebrand factor, a plasma protein that plays an essential role in blood clotting. The condition can cause severe bleeding, even from minor skin injuries.
Mode of inheritance: autosomal dominant.

Developmental Hip Dysplasia refers to a broad spectrum of pathological abnormalities that includes luxation, subluxation, and dysplasia. These conditions may develop from birth through the period when normal gait develops. Currently, one gene associated with hip dysplasia has been identified: Fibrillin-2 (FBN2), a glycoprotein involved in the formation of connective tissues in vertebrates.

Patellar Luxation may result from traumatic injury to the knee joint and can cause sudden and severe lameness of the affected limb. Numerous studies have investigated this condition, but its precise cause remains unclear in most dogs and is likely multifactorial. All puppies are born with apparently normal joints, and no one knows with certainty why some later develop this condition. There is a genetic component, but it is not the only factor involved. This is why decades of genetic selection have produced only a modest reduction in its incidence.

We perform three genetic tests on each of our dogs, including two tests related to hip laxity and the FBN2 gene. Based on our experience, we can say that genetic testing helps reduce breed-related predisposition. However, there is currently no mathematical or genetic method capable of preventing this condition with 100% certainty.

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Would you like to learn more about Poodle genetics?

In this article, we have tried to explain complex genetic diseases and concepts in clear and simple language, so that any dog owner can understand how many hereditary diseases are inherited and why DNA testing is such an important tool in responsible breeding.

If you would like to explore the subject in greater depth or consult some of the scientific sources on which much of our current knowledge of canine genetics is based, we recommend the following references:

Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (University of California, Davis). Information on canine genetics, inherited diseases and DNA testing used in responsible breeding.
OFA – Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (CHIC DNA Repository). Resources on inherited diseases, health programmes and the use of genetic testing in responsible breeding.
Brancalion L., Haase B. Canine coat pigmentation genetics: a review. Animal Genetics, 2022.
Danika Bannasch (University of California, Davis). Research on inherited diseases, breed genetics and the application of DNA testing in dogs.