The specific aims of this study were to determine if autoantibodies against the desmosomal protein desmoglein-2 are present in Boxer dogs with ARVC and whether they are disease and/or breed specific by also evaluating healthy Boxer dogs, Doberman Pinschers with DCM, small breed dogs with MMVD, and healthy non-Boxer dogs. Here, DSG2 is linked to familial dilated cardiomyopathy.