Final answer:
Von Willebrand's disease is a genetic clotting disorder characterized by a deficiency or impaired function of von Willebrand factor, essential for blood clotting. Doberman Pinschers are among the breeds prone to this disorder, which can lead to excessive bleeding from minor injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Von Willebrand's disease is a genetic clotting disorder where there's a deficiency in or impaired function of von Willebrand factor, which is crucial for proper blood clotting. It is a similar condition to hemophilia, another genetic disorder that impacts the body's ability to control blood clotting; however, they are distinct conditions. Although hemophilia primarily affects males due to its X-linked genetic pattern, Von Willebrand's disease affects both genders and is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Individuals with Von Willebrand's disease have a tendency to bleed excessively from minor injuries due to this clotting abnormality. Certain dog breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher are known to be prone to Von Willebrand's disease, making it important for breeders and owners to be aware of this risk.