Von Willebrand Disease in Dogs: DNA Testing and Breeding Decisions

Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. Affected dogs lack sufficient von Willebrand factor — a protein essential for blood clotting — and are at risk of life-threatening bleeding during surgery, dental procedures, or injury. DNA testing identifies carriers and affected dogs before any bleeding event occurs.

What Is Von Willebrand Disease?

Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a glycoprotein produced in blood vessel walls and platelets. It acts as a bridge between injured blood vessel walls and platelets, enabling the initial clot formation that stops bleeding. Dogs with insufficient or dysfunctional vWF cannot form this initial plug — even minor cuts or surgical incisions can cause serious, prolonged bleeding.

There are three types of vWD in dogs:

Type 1: The most common. Reduced levels of vWF — variable severity. Found in Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and many other breeds.

Type 2: Abnormal vWF structure. More severe. Found primarily in German Wirehaired Pointers and German Short-haired Pointers.

Type 3: Complete absence of vWF — the most severe form. Found in Scottish Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Kooikerhondjes.

DNA Testing for vWD

Most forms of vWD are autosomal recessive. DNA tests report:

Clear (N/N): Normal vWF gene — will not develop vWD and cannot pass the mutation to offspring

Carrier (N/vWD): One normal, one mutant copy — will not develop significant vWD but can pass the allele to offspring

Affected (vWD/vWD): Two mutant copies — will have vWD. Severity varies by type.

Which Breeds Need Testing?

Doberman Pinschers: The highest-priority breed for vWD testing. Prevalence of the Type 1 mutation exceeds 70% in some studies. Dobermans should always be tested before breeding.

German Shepherds: Type 1 vWD is present in the breed.

Scottish Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers: Type 3 vWD — the most severe form.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers: Type 1 vWD is documented in these breeds.

Breeding Recommendations

Carrier x clear pairings are acceptable and produce no affected offspring. Carrier x carrier pairings produce an expected 25% affected offspring and should be avoided. Over time, select toward clear dogs to reduce prevalence in your breeding program.