The key goal of this article is to introduce you to a few fundamentals of genetics and discuss some of the common diseases where these basics apply towards dog health.

There are probably 400 hereditary diseases in dogs that have been recorded. Many dog diseases are rare, while others are so common they are considered to be normal day-to-day dog health problems. Often times, current understanding of canine hereditary diseases is based on minimal information. That is why there are so many distinctions in literature regarding genetic diseases.

There are instances where a small group of closely related dogs had been studied In this group, it seemed like a disease had a clear-cut genetic factor but when this information was applied to a big group, the results were not the same. This is not the problem of dog health scientists, but relates to the fact that the original group of dogs was not large enough to make accurate genetic interpretations.

To help you understand genetics in dog disease, let's discuss some of the terminology used in dog health.:

Congenital Dog Conditions

This is a disease that is found at birth. It may be born or the result of intrauterine factors. The intrauterine factors most frequently involved are systematic disease of the female, nutritional deficiencies, toxicity, or the effect on dog health from a drug used during the dog's pregnancy. Physical factors can also lead to congenital diseases.

Inherited Dog Conditions

Many dog health issues are because of an inherited disease, which is a disease that is transferred on the genes. For instance, hairlip and cleft palate can be inherited and are obvious at birth. Unfortunately, not all inherited diseases are visible at birth. A dog with progressive retinal atrophy may be healthy at weaning and develop clinical blindness by six months of age. Other dogs may not develop symptoms of decreased vision until they are 6 years of age. Congenital diseases appear later in life are referred to as "latent".

Acquired Dog Diseases

An acquired disease is one that is the result of exogenous factors (those which are external to the body). In some instances of dog health problems, acquired diseases may look similar to inherited ones, such as cataracts, for example. Some are acquired as a result of metabolic, toxic, or contagious diseases. And others are because of inheritance. When examining the individual dog health of the animal in question, it is difficult to tell which was the cause.

Purchasing A New Puppy - Can You Honestly Afford It?
You are fairly well off, and have a large house with a spacious back yard and front garden, and feel you can provide a good home for a dog. But wait; there is more to buying a dog than just living space.

Bathroom Training A Pet Dog
Before we start house training a dog, let us; first, understand a few important facts about dogs and their instinctual behavior. Dogs are very clean animals, and will not eliminate in their sleeping area. This instinctual behavior of dogs will be your ally in house training a dog.

Puppy House Training
Dog Kennel Training, most often described as Crate Training, is the best way to get started with house breaking the new puppy you have just brought home. 'Kennel' may be referred to as 'Crate' and 'Kennel Training' may be referred to as 'Crate Training' through out this article.

How To Stop Dog Biting
Do you have a dog that bites? Then it is time you took measures to stop dog from biting. There is great danger in allowing it to continue, just because you feel it is only nipping. Playful nipping will always, turn into serious and dangerous biting.

The Best Way To Give Your Dog Outhouse Dog Training Sessions
Outhouse dog training can be one of the hardest training procedures, as it requires you to be alert and able to read your dog's body signals. Your dog can't tell you when he needs to empty out, but he will always give you some indication of his intention.

What Do You Know About Puppy Training Basics
A puppy can present lots of happy moments to you and your family, but you will need to learn some puppy training basics, so that you can train your dog to learn some manners, before you will be able to thoroughly enjoy his company.

Why Study About Training Silky Terriers
If you have a Silky Terrier, then it is essential that your dog knows how to follow your commands, and how to be good company for you and the family. To achieve this, you must teach your dog to be obedient and loyal.