Could My Dog Have Congenital Deafness? — High-Risk Breeds Like Dalmatians and Early Signs

Brain & CognitionQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Based on veterinary textbooks, we’ve compiled information on breeds prone to congenital deafness, its genetic causes, early detection methods, and key care points for pet owners.

What Is Congenital Deafness? Which Breeds Are Prone to It?

A veterinarian examining a Dalmatian puppy's ear.

Congenital deafness is a sensorineural hearing impairment present at birth, affecting either one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). Veterinary textbooks classify deafness into conductive and sensorineural types, with congenital deafness further categorized as pigment-associated or non-pigment-associated. Early detection is key, so we recommend first observing at home whether your puppy responds to its name, then confirming the diagnosis with a hearing test such as BAER at a veterinary clinic. This condition is particularly common in breeds with white coats or merle patterns. Textbooks typically cite the Boxer, Dachshund, and Jack Russell Terrier as representative breeds prone to pigment-associated congenital deafness.

Why Does It Occur Frequently in Certain Breeds?

Congenital deafness is categorized into two types: "pigment-associated," which is closely linked to the pigment that determines coat color, and "non-pigment-associated," which is unrelated to pigment. Veterinary textbooks state that congenital sensorineural deafness is most commonly associated with white or merle coat colors. Consequently, it occurs more frequently in puppies carrying genes for white or merle coats and often appears alongside genetic traits such as iris color changes (merle heterochromia) or reduced pigmentation. This type of deafness is hereditary, so the traits of the parent dogs play a significant role. However, not all dogs with white coats and blue eyes are deaf; it is more accurate to view pigment association as a "risk factor" rather than a definitive cause.

Top 10 Breeds Prone to Congenital Deafness

Item	Pigment-associated Risk Factor	Textbook Notes
Boxer	White coat · pigment-associated	A pigment-associated deafness-predisposed breed specified by the textbook
Dachshund	Merle · pigment-associated	A pigment-associated deafness-predisposed breed specified by the textbook
Jack Russell Terrier	White coat · pigment-associated	A pigment-associated deafness-predisposed breed specified by the textbook
Breeds with a high proportion of white coat	High white coat ratio↑	Risk tends to increase with more white coat
Merle-coated breeds	Merle gene	May appear along with merle iris · iris color changes

The source (Notes on Canine Internal Medicine) explains that congenital sensorineural deafness is associated with white coat and merle color and is common in Boxers, Dachshunds, and Jack Russell Terriers. Exact deafness incidence (%) per breed is not provided in the cited source and is therefore not listed; incidence varies by study and region.

Checklist of Signs in Deaf Puppies

These are signs you can observe at home: - No response when called: Your dog may not react well to your voice or the sounds of other dogs (textbooks also note that puppies with congenital deafness tend to respond less to their littermates’ sounds during play). - Difficulty waking from sleep: They may not wake up easily, even to loud noises. - Startles easily at sudden sounds: Approaching from behind unexpectedly may cause them to jump or react sensitively. - Trouble locating the source of sounds: With unilateral hearing loss, their ability to determine sound direction may be impaired. - Excessive barking: They may bark loudly because they cannot hear their own voice well. Unilateral hearing loss can be difficult for owners to detect, so accurate diagnosis requires a veterinary hearing test (such as BAER).

The sight of a peacefully sleeping puppy

Situations Requiring Immediate Testing

If any of the following apply, it’s best to have your dog undergo a hearing test (such as BAER) at a veterinary clinic as early as possible, since unilateral hearing loss is nearly impossible to detect visually. - Breeds prone to pigment-associated deafness, such as Boxers, Dachshunds, and Jack Russell Terriers - Puppies with a high proportion of white fur or merle coat patterns - Dogs with blue eyes, changes in iris color, or heterochromia (merle iris) - Cases where one or both parents have a history of hearing problems (hereditary deafness) Congenital deafness has a genetic component, so the more of these factors are present, the greater the need for testing.

How Is BAER Testing Performed?

BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing is a hearing assessment that involves placing small electrodes on the scalp and playing sounds through earphones to record the electrical activity (brainwaves) of the brainstem in response to the stimuli. A major advantage of this test is its ability to evaluate each ear individually, allowing for the detection of unilateral hearing loss that may not be apparent through visual observation alone. The procedure is relatively quick and can often be performed without anesthesia if the dog remains still, though sedation may be used if the animal is restless. Because specialized equipment is required, this test is typically available at university veterinary hospitals or select secondary-care clinics. Please consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate timing and specific procedure for your pet.

How to Live with a Deaf Puppy

Congenital deafness is difficult to treat, but with proper care, your pet can still live a happy and fulfilling life. - Visual signal training: Use hand signals (such as “sit” or “stay”) for training. - Use of vibration: Capture attention by stomping your foot or using gentle touches. - Flashlights and laser pointers: In low light, use a soft beam of light to call your pet. - Always use a leash: Since your pet cannot detect danger through sound, a leash is essential even in the yard or outdoors. - Avoid approaching from behind: To prevent startling your pet, show your hand first before touching them. - ID tag on collar: If your pet gets lost, they won’t respond to sound cues, so always attach a tag with registration information.

Important Information for Breeding and Rehoming

Because congenital deafness is heritable, international kennel clubs recommend excluding puppies diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral deafness from breeding programs. For Dalmatians, breeding is advised only for dogs whose parents have both received normal BAER test results. When acquiring a puppy, be sure to request the breeder’s BAER test report.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is congenital deafness treatable?

There is currently no known cure that can reverse congenital sensorineural deafness. Therefore, the focus is on management rather than treatment. With early detection, sign language training, and a safe environment, deaf dogs can still live happy and fulfilling lives.

Does unilateral hearing loss interfere with daily life?

In everyday life, pets often experience no significant discomfort. However, since it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact direction of the sound, careful leash management outdoors becomes more important. Additionally, because the condition may be hereditary, it is recommended to exclude affected pets from breeding programs.

How is this different from age-related hearing loss?

Congenital deafness is present from birth and is often linked to genetic factors associated with coat color traits, such as white fur or merle patterns. In contrast, presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, develops gradually as the cochlea and related structures undergo progressive, irreversible degeneration in both ears. It is characterized by a gradual decline in responsiveness to sound.

Do all dogs with blue eyes have hearing loss?

Not necessarily. However, blue eyes, white fur, and merle coat patterns are risk factors for congenital deafness. In particular, if a predisposed breed exhibits blue eyes or changes in iris color, we recommend a hearing test.

Can cats also be born with congenital deafness?

Yes, congenital deafness is also known to occur in cats. It is particularly common in white cats with blue eyes, and if only one eye is blue, deafness may affect only the ear on that side. However, the exact prevalence varies across studies, so it is difficult to pin down a single definitive figure.