German Shepherd Dog Dwarfism : Cases & Effects

German shepherd dog dwarfism: Apart from the structural deformities that were attributed to the development of German shepherd dogs in the past there are some genetic disorders that have crept into some lines. There are several of these genetic disorders that have been reported in recent years. Some of them are just lurking underneath without posing a potential danger to the individual suffering but some are quit harmful to the affected dog.

Cases of German shepherd dog dwarfism

Apart from ever increasing cases of hip and elbow dysplasia dwarfism has been seen another common problem in German shepherd dogs. In past many years there have been many cases of dwarfism in German shepherd dogs have surfaced. This is especially in case of countries where there are no particular civil laws to regulate dog breeding programs or if such laws exists these are not been enforced properly. I have seen some very acute cases of the dwarfism in German shepherd dogs. A friend of mine had one back in 2006 that was just 11 inches to the shoulders. Later that dog developed kidney and respiratory complications. Medication was expensive and lasted for a long time. This long term medication later worsen situation throwing that poor little fellow got paralyzed. He was in and out of this paralysis for almost 2 years and then he leapt into ultimate silence. Agony that dog suffered for its whole life whatever short time he was here is one thing but the pain that the family endured is something I can still see in their eyes. It’s been 8 years they are still haunted and were not able to get any dog for past eight years. I don’t have pictures right now but I will try to get them for you some time later.

German shepherd dog dwarfism: Effects

The problem of German shepherd dog dwarfism might not have a permanent sure shot solution but this problem would have been concealed to a greater extant in order to keep this problem to a bare minimum. But here also the human greed and incapability of seeing things too far have escalated the damage. People kept on breeding the dogs that showed the signs of dwarfism. Because the effects of dwarfism is not evident till German shepherd puppies attain the age of at least three months puppy mills, pet owners, unregistered breeders, pet shops and mediators keep on promoting puppies without taking in the consideration of physical well being of the dog or the emotional damage these conditions could put on the prospective owners. It’s well said that ethical people are difficult to find in every field. We can stay vigilant but can’t eliminate possibility of filtering down this genetic disorder. Some precautions can minimize this problem tough, but it all rests on the shoulders of responsible breeders.

Also Check: German shepherd dogs Bloating, Risks & Tips to Prevent

German shepherd dogs Structural Deformities

The dogs showing signs of German shepherd dog dwarfism should not be used in breeding programs and this is only one thing that can be done nothing else. Even dogs that are below the minimum standards should not be used in breeding programs even if they look okay to uninformed public. As for my personal views I would say that dogs even slightly above the minimum height range should be avoided. But it is up to every individual involved in breeding German shepherd dogs.