Dog Von Willebrand Disease: Breeding Ethics and Management

Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. Genetic testing allows breeders to eliminate the condition while maintaining genetic diversity.

Key Facts

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) results from a deficiency of von Willebrand factor, essential for clotting
Three types exist; Type 1 (mild) is most common in Dobermanns; Type 3 (severe) occurs in Scottish Terriers
Type 3 vWD can cause life-threatening bleeding from minor injuries or routine surgery
DNA tests reliably identify carriers and affected individuals before breeding
Carrier dogs can be bred to clear dogs to maintain genetic diversity while eliminating affected pups
Affected dogs can lead near-normal lives with careful management and owner awareness

Welfare Considerations

Severe vWD causes spontaneous bleeding, prolonged surgical haemorrhage, and haematoma formation. Affected dogs may bleed into joints causing pain and lameness, or experience severe blood loss from minor wounds. Type 3 vWD is a serious welfare condition that could be eliminated entirely through responsible breeding. The barrier to elimination is low — DNA tests are affordable and accurate — making continued breeding of carrier-to-carrier pairings ethically unjustifiable in breeds where alternatives exist. Breed clubs that mandate testing before registration play a critical role in eliminating this preventable condition.

What You Can Do

DNA test all breeding dogs for vWD before breeding, particularly in high-risk breeds
Choose puppies from parents with known clear or carrier status
Inform your vet of your dog's vWD status before any procedure involving potential bleeding
Avoid unnecessary surgical procedures in affected dogs unless essential
Alert emergency vets immediately if an affected dog sustains injury or requires surgery
Support breed clubs that mandate DNA testing as a condition of registration