We have a dwarf in our litter of Weimaraner pups. All the pups are normal/large in size and poor Gandalf is about a third of the size of them. The vet said she has never seen anything like this before so cannot advise as to how big little Gandalf will grow but guessed at the size of a Beagle.  His legs look more like a bull dogs and he has a huge stomach.  Other than this he has no pain/health/eating problems so they say he will be ok just small and unique.  I was just wondering if anyone else has heard of this before?

I have a friend with a dwarf GSD,she is about the size of a normal 3 month old pup and like you say she is small amd unique but perfectly heathy,my friend had her given as they didn't expect her to live long so everyday they have with her is a bonus.

Ella.x.  

There are diferent forms of dwarfism, the least health problems are with Achondroplastic Dwarfism (shot limbs) which in fact has become a breed trait in many breeds, such as Bulldogs, Bassets, Dachshunds, etc.  On the other hand the type that is often found in GSD and Malamutes I beleive is one of the serious lethal forms, and with this there are various health issues and a short lifespan.

If the pup is likely suffering the latter then I would have it put to sleep.  If it is just the limb affecting type then the pup should go to a good home on the understanding it is not bred from of course.

Thanks for your info.  We are keeping Gandalf ourselves. He is the cutest little thing and we couldn't see him go to anyone else so he is staying with us. We will just have to keep an eye on him and keep getting him checked out by the vet.

This puppy is very unlikely to have a long & healthy life. The dwawfism is probably hiding other defects which will become apparent as the puppy matures and it will become harder to make the right decision as you become more attached to it.

snomaes