Canine von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) in Standard Poodles is an autosomal recessive genetic disease with a gene frequency estimated to be 15% of the Standard Poodles population. vWD also affects numerous other breeds of dogs. Affected animals suffer a condition which makes them more likely to bleed abnormally. This can lead to life threatening consequences in situations such as accidental injuries, spaying, or neutering. Because it is an autosomal recessive disorder, Standard Poodles that are "Carriers" of the disease show no signs of vWD, yet can pass the gene along and perpetuate the disease through breeding. Ultimately, the result is more affected animals. 


Although there is a significant frequency of vWD in Standard Poodles, no effective treatments exist. There are now DNA tests to see if the animal is a carrier or has the disease.

In a single mutation, (with one mutated gene) a dog requires 1 normal and 1 mutated copy gene to be carrier and two mutated to have the full blown disease.
In single mutations the normal gene will overwrite the mutated one to prevent the onset of the disease in the dog.

In carriers 50 % of their sperm will produce normal puppies and 50 % will carry the gene.

The only way to test this is on the puppies but the best way is not to breed from carriers at all.

This is more likely to have have started from a male as bitches may only have a limited number of litters, males can sire thousands of puppies, this is called the Popular Sire Effect.

The chances of mutation happening without either parent affected (Denovo) are very remote.