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by NO FEAR on 11 February 2010 - 18:02
I Will ask source will he come forward but I think he 2 wud be scared of threats from these people I am not the only one that has heard of this .Apparrently breeder was adamant he did not care who he told so now it is out they could denny or admitt this . It is not an attack on anyone , in FACT I have great sympathy with owners/ breeders but if true It should not remain hidden , I personnaaly think everyone will stay silent through fear of threats .
by Uber Land on 11 February 2010 - 19:02
my very first gsd was a rescued 3 day old puppy. I bottle fed her, and she just never grew. at 12 weeks old she was under 2 lbs. She went into renal failure not too long afterwards and passed away.
this is a problem in the breed, and people should be open and honest when their dog produces one. covering it up just increases the problem
this is a problem in the breed, and people should be open and honest when their dog produces one. covering it up just increases the problem
by Kimmelot on 11 February 2010 - 20:02
Missbeeb- very funny.
I seen something about dawfizm in GSDs , in one of my books.. can't remeber.. however I think this is very noticable right from the get go.. Unlike bad hips... I don't believe you could sell some one a 2 lb eight week old puppy and pass it off as a normal healthy GSD. Because there are so many lines that don't produce this problem , any breeding would be a major dilution.. the fact that 2 parents have produced this rare issue does not mean that there pups will pass it on in the future , it should still take 2 parents with simular genes to cause it agian.
Does some one have a reliable link of the study of dawrfizim in GSDs?? Like from a major Vet College , KC or AKC ?
Whisper
I seen something about dawfizm in GSDs , in one of my books.. can't remeber.. however I think this is very noticable right from the get go.. Unlike bad hips... I don't believe you could sell some one a 2 lb eight week old puppy and pass it off as a normal healthy GSD. Because there are so many lines that don't produce this problem , any breeding would be a major dilution.. the fact that 2 parents have produced this rare issue does not mean that there pups will pass it on in the future , it should still take 2 parents with simular genes to cause it agian.
Does some one have a reliable link of the study of dawrfizim in GSDs?? Like from a major Vet College , KC or AKC ?
Whisper
by zacsmum on 11 February 2010 - 20:02
Missbeeb, you took the words out of my mouth! 
SSDD, is that the sound of peoples glasshouses breaking?!!
SSDD, is that the sound of peoples glasshouses breaking?!!
by Aileen Ann Mathieson on 12 February 2010 - 12:02
Pituitary Dwarfism in the German Shepherd Dog
Part One of a Three-part Set of Articles on Dwarfism
(original version appeared in Dog World, Dec. 1984)
by Fred Lanting
Dwarfism is a condition of abnormally small stature, and usually is characterized by altered body proportions. Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Corgis are examples of achondroplastic dwarfs; they have more or less normal-sized torsos and heads but shortened limbs, and are accepted as typical of their breed. Alaskan Malamutes, on the other hand, are not considered acceptable if they have their particular blood cell related disease. In that breed, both achondroplastic dwarfism and hemolytic anemia are inherited as pleiotropic conditions, meaning a single gene giving multiple phenotype effects. Additionally, there are dwarfism abnormalities in other breeds such as pseudochondroplastic dysplasia in Miniature Poodles.
In the German Shepherd Dog, however, there is a little-known dwarfism that yields a nearly perfectly proportioned but considerably downsized version. An acceptable term to use would be proportional or pituitary dwarfs, even though all types of dwarfism have their origins in that gland. The fact is (or was until this article appeared), many do not know about the existence of this type of dog, even though it is not all that rare. Possibly because of the large-scale linebreeding by a West Coast kennel that produced winning dogs, the incidence rose for a number of years in the U.S. Due to linebreeding on certain British and German dogs, there was a noticeable number appearing both in England and Australia, countries which rely heavily on German lines. One genetic analysis of Australian data indicated that two dwarfs might be expected out of 1000 pups when “any dog” is bred to “any bitch”. The recurrent risk for any dog or bitch bred to a parent of a dwarf is seven per 1000; a parent of a dwarf to a half-sibling of a dwarf is 272 per 1000; and parent of dwarf X parent of dwarf is 235 per 1000. The roughly 25% risk in the latter two matings is typical of what one would expect when two normal carriers of a simple Mendelian trait are bred to each other.
Of course, that 25% is an average. I recently (1984) examined pups from a litter of six in which three were pituitary dwarfs, but both parents were of normal size. Now remember, these were not abnormal in proportions, only in size and unseen body chemistry. The little Shepherds I examined that year had beautiful temperaments, and were active and apparently healthy at the time I first saw them at almost four months of age. They weighed about five pounds, while a normal littermate was about 32 pounds. There was something that had not appeared in the scientific literature but which I noticed in this litter, as well as in photographs of other litters: pituitary dwarfs seem to squint in bright sunlight more than do their normal siblings. Another facial characteristic of miniature Shepherds is a fox-like appearance, coming from wide-set ears. I believe this to be a result of disrupted proportions of skull vs. base of the pinna (ear shell), which to some extent is seen in Welsh Corgis also. A somewhat snipey (pointed) muzzle is due partly to a shortening of the skull and, in some individuals, a slight overbite.
Part One of a Three-part Set of Articles on Dwarfism
(original version appeared in Dog World, Dec. 1984)
by Fred Lanting
Dwarfism is a condition of abnormally small stature, and usually is characterized by altered body proportions. Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Corgis are examples of achondroplastic dwarfs; they have more or less normal-sized torsos and heads but shortened limbs, and are accepted as typical of their breed. Alaskan Malamutes, on the other hand, are not considered acceptable if they have their particular blood cell related disease. In that breed, both achondroplastic dwarfism and hemolytic anemia are inherited as pleiotropic conditions, meaning a single gene giving multiple phenotype effects. Additionally, there are dwarfism abnormalities in other breeds such as pseudochondroplastic dysplasia in Miniature Poodles.
In the German Shepherd Dog, however, there is a little-known dwarfism that yields a nearly perfectly proportioned but considerably downsized version. An acceptable term to use would be proportional or pituitary dwarfs, even though all types of dwarfism have their origins in that gland. The fact is (or was until this article appeared), many do not know about the existence of this type of dog, even though it is not all that rare. Possibly because of the large-scale linebreeding by a West Coast kennel that produced winning dogs, the incidence rose for a number of years in the U.S. Due to linebreeding on certain British and German dogs, there was a noticeable number appearing both in England and Australia, countries which rely heavily on German lines. One genetic analysis of Australian data indicated that two dwarfs might be expected out of 1000 pups when “any dog” is bred to “any bitch”. The recurrent risk for any dog or bitch bred to a parent of a dwarf is seven per 1000; a parent of a dwarf to a half-sibling of a dwarf is 272 per 1000; and parent of dwarf X parent of dwarf is 235 per 1000. The roughly 25% risk in the latter two matings is typical of what one would expect when two normal carriers of a simple Mendelian trait are bred to each other.
Of course, that 25% is an average. I recently (1984) examined pups from a litter of six in which three were pituitary dwarfs, but both parents were of normal size. Now remember, these were not abnormal in proportions, only in size and unseen body chemistry. The little Shepherds I examined that year had beautiful temperaments, and were active and apparently healthy at the time I first saw them at almost four months of age. They weighed about five pounds, while a normal littermate was about 32 pounds. There was something that had not appeared in the scientific literature but which I noticed in this litter, as well as in photographs of other litters: pituitary dwarfs seem to squint in bright sunlight more than do their normal siblings. Another facial characteristic of miniature Shepherds is a fox-like appearance, coming from wide-set ears. I believe this to be a result of disrupted proportions of skull vs. base of the pinna (ear shell), which to some extent is seen in Welsh Corgis also. A somewhat snipey (pointed) muzzle is due partly to a shortening of the skull and, in some individuals, a slight overbite.
by Aileen Ann Mathieson on 12 February 2010 - 12:02
The Arkansas litter I visited was no combination of junkyard genes, but sired by an AKC Champion and with two Champion grandsires. The whole pedigree was full of recognized and respected kennel names and individuals. Indeed, the trait has been known for many years to be carried by “champion-quality” dogs. The gene seems to have first arisen, possibly as a mutation, around 1940 or shortly before. It’s almost 100% sure that one of the most valuable German Shepherd Dogs of all time, Vello zu den Sieben Faulen, is a major source in bloodlines since the late 1950s. But we cannot lay all the blame at his feet, nor avoid all his descendants. Nor would we want to, for many of the breed’s best lines are based on Vello. Only a percentage of his (or any dog’s) progeny would carry the defective gene, and presumably many of the earlier dogs who exhibited it in their progeny were removed from the gene pool. The SV doesn’t favor continued breeding of dogs that produce defects, and they have the power in Germany to prevent such dogs from further use by denying registration. However, when a dog is valuable in other respects, such as the Sieger Uran WildsteigerLand, a blind eye is used to look in that direction.
Some non-show lines occasionally come up with pituitary dwarfs, such as the white German Shepherd bitch I found, who at two years of age weighed only 15 pounds (some get as heavy as 30 pounds or so, but most are smaller). Her skin was milk-chocolate in color, thin, wrinkled, dry, and lacking in elasticity or tone. She had almost no hair on the trunk, neck, and wear areas such as buttocks, etc. Primary or guard hairs were present on a few areas of the head and feet, and the rest of the body was either bald or lightly covered with secondary hairs (puppy fuzz or undercoat), which were easily pulled out with the fingers. All these signs are very common in these animals as adults, with the skin ranging from brown to gray in color. Dogs which would otherwise be plush or long-coats usually look like Chinese Crested Dogs — if they live to maturity — with feathery fringes around the ears and feet, and bald elsewhere unless treated with growth and/or thyroid hormones.
External or obvious characteristics aren’t the only things different about pituitary dwarfs. Blood chemistry tests show that hormones that are supposed to be circulating may be absent or at very low levels. The methods are too involved to go into here, but briefly stated, there are ways to assay the activity of endocrine glands and amounts of their secretions. The hypophysis (commonly known as pituitary gland) is the “master” gland of the body, situated in the center of the head at the base of the brain. It produces a number of hormones, including GH (growth hormone). IFG (insulin-like growth factor) circulating in the blood is interdependent with GH. The pituitary gland is affected by others, but it is more the director of the body’s other endocrine glands, such as the thyroids and gonads. The thyroids have a say in the maturing process, metabolism, development of form and behavior, and physical and mental activity. Muscular weakness and the skin/hair problems described above are due to inadequateor absent thyroid activity, which in turn is due to lack of proper direction from the pituitary. Your veterinarian can explain T3 and T4 to you if you wish to study thyroid function more fully.
The effects of this type of dwarfism can be mitigated or delayed by administration of thyroxine and GH, but this is a very expensive proposition at present. It is thought that if recombinant genetics (gene-splicing) and RNA production of human growth hormone becomes feasible, the price may go down. Dogs apparently respond to human GH, but not the other way around. Eventually, at the age of normal skeletal maturity or a bit later, the growth plates in the dwarf’s bones close and
Some non-show lines occasionally come up with pituitary dwarfs, such as the white German Shepherd bitch I found, who at two years of age weighed only 15 pounds (some get as heavy as 30 pounds or so, but most are smaller). Her skin was milk-chocolate in color, thin, wrinkled, dry, and lacking in elasticity or tone. She had almost no hair on the trunk, neck, and wear areas such as buttocks, etc. Primary or guard hairs were present on a few areas of the head and feet, and the rest of the body was either bald or lightly covered with secondary hairs (puppy fuzz or undercoat), which were easily pulled out with the fingers. All these signs are very common in these animals as adults, with the skin ranging from brown to gray in color. Dogs which would otherwise be plush or long-coats usually look like Chinese Crested Dogs — if they live to maturity — with feathery fringes around the ears and feet, and bald elsewhere unless treated with growth and/or thyroid hormones.
External or obvious characteristics aren’t the only things different about pituitary dwarfs. Blood chemistry tests show that hormones that are supposed to be circulating may be absent or at very low levels. The methods are too involved to go into here, but briefly stated, there are ways to assay the activity of endocrine glands and amounts of their secretions. The hypophysis (commonly known as pituitary gland) is the “master” gland of the body, situated in the center of the head at the base of the brain. It produces a number of hormones, including GH (growth hormone). IFG (insulin-like growth factor) circulating in the blood is interdependent with GH. The pituitary gland is affected by others, but it is more the director of the body’s other endocrine glands, such as the thyroids and gonads. The thyroids have a say in the maturing process, metabolism, development of form and behavior, and physical and mental activity. Muscular weakness and the skin/hair problems described above are due to inadequateor absent thyroid activity, which in turn is due to lack of proper direction from the pituitary. Your veterinarian can explain T3 and T4 to you if you wish to study thyroid function more fully.
The effects of this type of dwarfism can be mitigated or delayed by administration of thyroxine and GH, but this is a very expensive proposition at present. It is thought that if recombinant genetics (gene-splicing) and RNA production of human growth hormone becomes feasible, the price may go down. Dogs apparently respond to human GH, but not the other way around. Eventually, at the age of normal skeletal maturity or a bit later, the growth plates in the dwarf’s bones close and
by Aileen Ann Mathieson on 12 February 2010 - 12:02
and no further growth is possible, regardless of GH injections. Another problem in treating the condition is that most owners don’t present the pups to a veterinarian until their littermates are twice their size. The affected pup grows normally until three to eight weeks, when the brakes are applied and the normal siblings leave him behind in growth.
THIS ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IN FULL ON THE INTERNET AND WAS WRITTEN 26 YEARS AGO.
THIS ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IN FULL ON THE INTERNET AND WAS WRITTEN 26 YEARS AGO.
by Zac on 12 February 2010 - 14:02
by Marge on 12 February 2010 - 14:02
No fear shouldnt that be Fearful? Going by clues you gave I checked Irish show dogs only one fits the bill, his sire is same as Nasko - Champion Benny roten matter his mother from big kennel in England is Tramella Ailli at Moneyreagh and so dog itself with high hip score is an Irish champion, is this right? If the owners are thugs as you say, issueing threats and violence then we all need to be aware for more reasons than dwarfism.
marge
marge
by Blkdog on 12 February 2010 - 14:02
Yes it has to be carried by both parents to produce a dwarf. My male sired a litter last year to an outside female, and there was a dwarf in the litter. She looked normal at birth and up to about 6 months of age, but now at 10 months it is very noticeable in her, she has hip/bone problems on top of many health problems, she has not lost her coat and is absolutely a gorgeous dog, but a dwarf. She basically looks like a miniature shepherd. My male has sired quite a few litters and I have never had a dwarf, this was the first time. But from what I understand dwarfs are possibly in every litter (of that line of course), they are usually the pups who are still born, or the fading pups. It is claimed that it is very common for dwarfs to be in a litter, but not everyone can revive them and nurse them back to health, so no one really know if they have them or not.
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