Von Willebrand's Disease in Dogs: Carrier Testing and Breeding Safely
The most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs — and one of the most preventable
Von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) is a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or malfunction of Von Willebrand factor (vWF), a protein essential for blood clotting. Dogs with vWD may bleed excessively from minor wounds, during surgery, or spontaneously from mucous membranes. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
It is also, with DNA testing, one of the most preventable genetic diseases in dogs.
Types of Von Willebrand's Disease
There are three types of vWD in dogs, and they differ significantly in severity and inheritance:
Type 1 vWD — The mildest and most common form. Dogs produce von Willebrand factor but in reduced quantities. Severity varies — some Type 1 dogs bleed with surgery but not day-to-day. Breeds most commonly affected: Doberman Pinschers (extremely high prevalence), German Shepherds, Miniature Schnauzers, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, Rottweilers. Inheritance: autosomal recessive (two copies of the mutation for affected, one for carrier).
Type 2 vWD — Moderate to severe. vWF is produced but in abnormal form. Breeds: German Wirehaired Pointers, German Shorthaired Pointers. Inheritance: autosomal recessive.
Type 3 vWD — The most severe form. Virtually no vWF is produced. Affected dogs can have life-threatening bleeding episodes. Breeds: Scottish Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Kooikerhondjes. Inheritance: autosomal recessive.
Symptoms
Symptoms of vWD range from mild to severe depending on type:
- Prolonged bleeding after minor cuts or nail trims
- Nosebleeds that do not stop
- Blood in urine or stool
- Prolonged bleeding after vaccination
- Excessive surgical bleeding — this is when many dogs are first identified
- Spontaneous bruising
- In Type 3: life-threatening hemorrhage episodes
DNA Testing for vWD
Unlike older diagnostic methods that required blood tests to measure vWF levels (which can be affected by illness, stress, and thyroid function), DNA testing directly identifies the mutation and gives a definitive genetic result regardless of circumstance.
Results are reported as:
Clear — No copies of the vWD mutation. Dog will not be affected by this form of vWD and cannot pass the mutation.
Carrier — One copy of the mutation. For Type 1, carriers may have mildly reduced vWF but are typically not clinically affected. They can pass the mutation to 50% of offspring.
Affected — Two copies. Dog will have vWD (severity varies by type). Type 1 affected dogs may function normally under ordinary circumstances but need precautions for surgery. Type 2 and Type 3 affected dogs may have significant health challenges.
Doberman Pinschers and vWD
vWD Type 1 is extraordinarily prevalent in Dobermans. Studies have shown carrier and affected rates combined exceeding 70% in the Doberman population. This means the majority of Dobermans are either carriers or affected.
Any Doberman owner — whether breeding or not — should have their dog tested. Affected Dobermans should not undergo surgery without a veterinarian being informed, and desmopressin (DDAVP) should be available for surgical procedures.
Responsible Doberman breeders test for vWD and avoid producing affected puppies by pairing Clear with Clear or at minimum Clear with Carrier.
Breeding Decisions
| Parent 1 | Parent 2 | Expected Offspring |
|---|---|---|
| Clear | Clear | All clear — no vWD |
| Clear | Carrier | 50% clear, 50% carriers — no affected |
| Clear | Affected | All carriers — no affected |
| Carrier | Carrier | 25% clear, 50% carriers, 25% affected |
| Carrier | Affected | 50% carriers, 50% affected |
| Affected | Affected | All affected |
The goal: Never produce affected puppies by ensuring that Carrier dogs are only bred to Clear dogs.
Surgical Precautions for vWD Dogs
If a dog's vWD status is unknown prior to surgery — including spay, neuter, C-section, or any elective procedure — serious complications are possible. Standard precautions for vWD dogs:
- Inform the veterinarian of vWD status before any procedure
- Desmopressin (DDAVP) can temporarily elevate vWF levels before surgery in Type 1 dogs
- Fresh frozen plasma may be used in emergency situations
- Avoid medications that impair platelet function (aspirin, some NSAIDs)
What to Ask a Stud Dog Owner
For breeds with known vWD prevalence:
- Has the stud been DNA tested for vWD?
- What type of vWD (Type 1, 2, or 3) is the test for?
- What is his result — Clear, Carrier, or Affected?
- If Carrier, are any other close relatives Clear to support using him in a breeding program?
Summary
Von Willebrand's Disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. Three types exist, ranging from mild (Type 1) to life-threatening (Type 3). DNA testing definitively identifies Clear, Carrier, and Affected dogs. Never breed Carrier to Carrier or Carrier to Affected. Know your dog's vWD status before surgery. In high-prevalence breeds like Dobermans, this test is non-negotiable.