Dogs do have blood types, with several different types classified under the Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) system. There are over a dozen blood groups identified in dogs, with seven major recognized blood types including DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. The most clinically significant and commonly referenced is DEA 1.

Key Points About Dog Blood Types:

• Dogs have multiple blood types, more complex than humans, with various antigens (DEA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 4, 3, 5, 7, etc.).
• DEA 1 is the most important blood type for transfusions; dogs can be DEA 1 positive or negative.
• Dogs that are DEA 1 negative are often considered universal donors as their blood can be given to DEA 1 positive or negative dogs safely.
• Dogs that are DEA 1 positive are considered universal recipients because they can receive blood from either DEA 1 positive or negative donors.
• Other blood types like DEA 4 are present in most dogs and some breeds (e.g., Dobermans) often have universal donor blood types.
• Blood typing and crossmatching are important before dog blood transfusions to prevent immune reactions.
• Different breeds have different predispositions to certain blood types.

In summary, dogs do have blood types, and the DEA system is used to classify these types, which is crucial for blood transfusions in veterinary medicine.