What is Canine Dwarfism?
Pituitary dwarfism is the result of low production of growth hormone produced by the dog’s pituitary gland. The low production of growth hormone may be caused by several factors: • A lack of developmental growth of the pituitary gland • Cysts on the gland • Infection of the gland • Tumors Growth hormone has many effects within the dog’s body including controlling the growth rate, maintaining the hair coat, and bone and teeth development. Dwarfism is hereditary in many breeds, but is most common with the German Shepherd, Weimaraner and the Spitz breeds. This is rare with Boxer dogs.
