How many different blood types can a dog have?
Dog blood type is different than the types found in people. There are 6 major blood types. 42% of dogs have the same type which is universal. Recipients need to be matched to the appropriate blood type. Blood is made up of a liquid called plasma and red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Oxyglobin is a synthetic blood substitute that is sometimes used to treat dogs that are anemic (too many red blood cells) or have lost blood. The red and white blood cells and platelets are made in the bone marrow and then released into the plasma to be circulated throughout the body. There are 6 major dog blood types out of a possible 12, but 40-45 % of all dogs have a universal dog blood type. Sixty percent of Greyhounds have a universal blood type. Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Pit Bulls are often universal donors as well. This is important because only dogs with a universal dog blood type (DEA 1.1 negative) can be blood donors. Most dogs can receive the univ
