Likewise in the animal world, heredity also plays a key role in predisposed diseases, especially among dogs, who can inherit anything from itchy skin to blindness. There are nearly 400 known diseases that are hereditary in nature, meaning they can be passed from one generation of dog to another. Some of those hereditary diseases are rare, while others have been around for hundreds of years.
Some diseases occur much more frequently in some breeds than others.
Murphy says it occurs when the ball of the hip does not fit snugly into the socket. Just as in humans, crippling arthritis can develop. Many popular breeds such as Labrador retriever, golden retriever and German shepherd have high incidences of CHD, Murphy notes. Several eye diseases are genetic in nature. Two of the most common are progressive retinal atrophy, also known as PRA, which can affect numerous breeds, and glaucoma, of which one canine form may be similar to that found in humans.