My dog had puppies 4 weeks ago and the runt seems like its a dwarf the way it moves. The puppies are shepard/husky and bull mastiff mix.
2006-09-28 13:35:43 · 5 answers · asked by mydarksky35 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Dwarfism does indeed occur in dogs....as well as other species.
True dwarfism (pituitary dwarfism) seems to be more common in German shepherd dogs than other breeds. It is not unusual for only one puppy in a litter to be affected. Textbooks commonly show photos of littermates side by side, in fact, to illustrate the differences between the normal pup and the dwarf pup.
Some breeds are 'natural' dwarfs...meaning that it was a mutation that occurred and was selected for to develop that breed. Examples are dachshunds, Welsh corgis, Bassett hounds, etc. (Think of the legs.)
It's likely your pup is just a 'runt,' however. By this age, they should have been seen by your veterinarian at least twice. If not, you need to go. They need a fecal check (for coccidia), and routine deworming (the OTC dewormers are notoriously ineffective.) Have your veterinarian examine the pup, and he/she will let you know whether or not there is cause for concern.
2006-09-28 13:55:22 · answer #1 · answered by A Veterinarian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you mix breeds, you don't get an even distribution of genes. Your 'dwarf' probably has more mastiff in him than husky/shepherd, making him shorter and stockier than the others. That is probably why he looks funny next to the others.
As far as I know, actual dwarfism is only found in humans.
2006-09-28 13:40:15 · answer #2 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a runt give him a chance I'm sure he will be just a lovable as the other pups.
2006-09-28 13:38:04 · answer #3 · answered by Janet lw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the runt is the runt what do you mean?
2006-09-28 14:00:06 · answer #4 · answered by hawaiicatlynblue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yay!!! you got a real answer!!
The other post was funnier though
2006-09-29 09:55:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋