Dogs have 13 blood types.

Did you know?

There are many dog blood types you’ll find listed, and they are as many as 13 blood types! However, just 6 are the most commonly recognized. Dogs are classified as either positive or negative for each dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) which is basically a red blood cell in dogs.

The six common dog blood types in question are DEA-1.1, DEA-1.2, DEA-3, DEA-4, DEA-5 and DEA-7. Some blood types lead to more dangerous reactions in our canine friends than others with DEA-1.1 being the worst culprit. Those negative for DEA-1.1 as well as other blood types are said to be universal donors, and can donate to any other blood typed dog. The minority dog blood type is the same DEA-1.1 negative.
Majority of dogs are DEA-1.1 positive and can only donate safely to their DEA-1.1 positive counterparts. An incompatible transfusion (yes, they donate too) can lead to both clamping and destruction of the red cells. The reaction is normally immediate but might delay for up to four days.