Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare: Congenital Deafness in Specific Breeds

Congenital deafness is a heritable condition in certain dog breeds, linked to coat colour genetics and causing significant welfare and training challenges.

Key Facts

Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, and Cattle Dogs have elevated rates of congenital deafness
The BAER test (brainstem auditory evoked response) diagnoses deafness reliably in puppies
Deafness is linked to the piebald gene affecting pigmentation in the inner ear
Deaf dogs can live full lives with appropriate training adaptations
Breeding from deaf dogs perpetuates the condition in affected breeds

Welfare Considerations

Deaf dogs face heightened risks from environmental hazards and can startle more easily, leading to reactive behaviour. Responsible breeders test for deafness and do not breed affected animals. With appropriate training, communication systems, and environmental management, deaf dogs can thrive and enjoy excellent quality of life.

What You Can Do

Seek BAER testing when acquiring breeds at risk of congenital deafness
Support breed clubs promoting health testing including deafness screening
Consider adopting deaf dogs from rescues, as they make wonderful companions