So … Are all white dogs deaf?
The ability to listen is possible thanks to a special layer of cells inside the inner ear. This layer of cells, and the cells that determine the color of a dog’s hair, come from the same source of stem cells. Without this stem cell, the dog’s body will not be able to produce this specialized layer of auditory cells and will likely have a white coloration.
Dogs that carry the piebald gene (affects the distribution and amount of white color) are often affected by deafness. Piebaldism is the result of the absence of melanocytes, the cells that create the pigment melanin. These melanocytes are the part of a dog’s DNA that determines coloration, such as brown or black hair, or blue or brown eyes (blue eyes are not a true eye color, but result from a lack of pigment that produces color inside the iris). When a dog is born without melanocytes, the result is a predominantly white coat (and often blue eyes). Breeds commonly affected by the piebald gene include Bull Terriers, Huskies, Boxers, English Setters, and Dalmatians.
Congenital deafness is also linked to the merlé gene, which causes a dog to have mottled fur and blue eyes. Breeds commonly affected by the merlé gene include Sheepdogs, Teckels, Corgis, and Border Collies.
What is Deafness in Dogs?
Deafness is defined as a loss of hearing caused by a delivery interruption of sound to the brain. When sound waves reach the eardrum, it vibrates like a big gong, causing the middle ear bones (or “ossicles”) to vibrate as well. These vibrations reach the fluid-filled, spiral-shaped cochlea of the inner ear, creating waves.
All this commotion causes a pressure change and forces the cochlea’s hair cells to move. These hair cells are connected to the auditory (hearing) nerves, which sparks a nerve impulse down the auditory pathway that connects to the brain. Deafness is a result of this process failing at some point.
Do white dogs have eye problems?
Regardless of breed, white dogs are more likely to have visible tear staining on their faces, because the pigments in their tears can easily dye light-colored fur. Also, dogs with long hair on their faces may be more prone to excessive tearing.