Dog Blood Types Chart

Not long ago, I was talking to a local vet tech while waiting at the clinic, and we started chatting about emergency care for dogs. What surprised me most was how many dog owners have no idea their pups even have different blood types, let alone how it works if their dog ever needs a transfusion.

It’s one of those things that doesn’t cross your mind until something serious happens. But just like in humans, canine blood types matter more than we think, especially during surgeries, accidents, or when donating blood to help save another furry life.

Dog Blood Types Chart

Dog Blood Types Chart breaks down the major canine blood groups, also known as DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) types. Dogs don’t just have A, B, or O like humans. They can have any combination of more than a dozen DEA markers.

The most clinically significant ones include DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. Out of all of these, DEA 1.1 is the one vets check first because it’s the most likely to cause a reaction if mismatched during a transfusion.

Most Common Dog Blood Type

The most common dog blood type is DEA 1.1 positive. This means the dog’s red blood cells carry the DEA 1.1 antigen. Around 60–70% of dogs in the general pet population are DEA 1.1 positive. If your dog falls into this category, it’s not necessarily a bad thing but it does mean they can only receive blood from another DEA 1.1 positive dog in the case of a second transfusion.

Here’s the kicker though DEA 1.1 positive dogs can’t donate blood to DEA 1.1 negative dogs. If that happens, the negative dog’s immune system may attack the new blood cells as invaders, causing a serious reaction. That’s why blood typing is such a huge deal before any dog-to-dog transfusion is done.

DEA 1.1 positive dogs are generally considered recipients only, while negative dogs are more often used as donors in emergency clinics or blood banks. If your dog is DEA 1.1 negative, they might be eligible to donate and help save lives. In many clinics, they type your dog’s blood before surgery or any transfusion just to be safe, especially if there’s a high risk of needing blood.

Rarest Dog Blood Type

The rarest dog blood type is DEA 1.1 negative combined with rare DEA antigens like DEA 3 or DEA 5 negative. These dogs are extremely valuable in veterinary medicine because their blood can be safely given to most other dogs in a crisis.

• DEA 1.1 negative dogs are more likely to be universal donors
• Only around 20–30% of dogs are DEA 1.1 negative
• Rare combinations, like DEA 1.1 negative and DEA 4 or 7 negative, are very hard to find
• Blood donor dogs with rare types are usually screened and registered by specialty clinics

Some breeds like Greyhounds are more likely to have rare blood types, which is why they’re often used as blood donors in animal hospitals.

Husky Blood Type

Siberian Huskies tend to have a higher chance of being DEA 1.1 negative, which means they’re often on the radar for donation programs. That said, every dog is unique, and there’s no guarantee your husky will have a specific blood type unless tested.

Because huskies are prone to certain conditions like autoimmune diseases or bleeding disorders, knowing their blood type ahead of time is a good move. If you’ve got a young and healthy husky, you might even talk to your vet about enrolling them as a blood donor, their negative type could help save another dog in an emergency.

Chihuahua Blood Type

Chihuahuas are small but mighty, and just like any breed, their canine blood type can vary widely. They often fall into the DEA 1.1 positive group, though not always. Because of their tiny size, they usually aren’t eligible for blood donation, but it’s still important to know their type for medical care.

Smaller dogs like chihuahuas are more sensitive to blood volume loss. A little bleeding can become serious very fast. That’s why knowing their blood type before an emergency strikes gives your vet more treatment options right away.

Interestingly, some studies have found that small breeds tend to have fewer rare combinations of DEA markers, but it’s never guaranteed. Only proper blood typing can confirm your pup’s type.

Why Blood Typing Matters Before Surgery or Emergency Care

If your dog ever needs surgery whether it’s routine like spaying or something sudden like a stomach twist or trauma, there’s always a small chance they might need a transfusion. Knowing their canine blood type ahead of time means no delays during emergency treatment.

Dogs don’t have natural antibodies against foreign blood types like humans do. That’s why a first transfusion is usually safe even without typing. But if a second one is ever needed, that’s where things can get dangerous fast. The body remembers mismatched blood and can attack it potentially leading to serious complications or even death.

Pre-screening for canine blood groups is one of the simplest things you can do to be prepared for whatever life throws your way.

Can My Dog Donate Blood?

Yes, if your dog is healthy, weighs at least 50 pounds, and is up to date on vaccines, they might qualify as a donor. DEA 1.1 negative dogs are especially helpful in donation programs. Some animal blood banks even offer perks like free health checkups or food in exchange for regular donations. It’s one of the most meaningful ways your dog can help others and it could literally save a life.

FAQs

What is the most common dog blood type?

The most common dog blood type is DEA 1.1 positive. Around 60 to 70 percent of pet dogs fall into this group, making them suitable recipients in transfusions but not ideal donors for dogs with negative blood types.

What is the rarest dog blood type?

The rarest dog blood type is a combination of DEA 1.1 negative with rare antigens like DEA 3 or 5 negative. These dogs are highly valuable as universal donors and are often enrolled in veterinary blood donor programs.

Can any dog be a blood donor?

Not all dogs can donate blood. They need to be generally healthy, over 50 pounds, not on medications, and often younger than 8 years old. Blood type also matters, DEA 1.1 negative dogs are preferred for donation.

Do small dogs like chihuahuas or pugs have different blood types?

Small dogs have the same range of blood types as larger dogs, but they’re often DEA 1.1 positive. Due to their size, they usually can’t donate blood, but knowing their type is still helpful for emergency treatment.