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CUTE ANIMALS

Puppy For Good: Adult German Shepherd Will Always Look Like A Puppy Due To A Rare Genetic Condition, Pituitary Dwarfism

Date November 25, 2019

Author By Nancy Wallis

It is certain that most people just can’t get over little cute furry animals. While we all know about adorable miniature dogs like Malteses, Poodles, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and the like, not many have ever heard of a little German Shepherd who will remain looking like a puppy forever.

Meet Ranger, a happy-go-lucky 2-year-old German Shepherd dog who joyfully embraces life with dwarfism.

German Shepherd dwarf

The thing is that dwarfism affects dogs in much the same way as humans. It's the result of a recessive gene and occurs in up to 20% of German shepherds.

Still, Ranger doesn’t let the condition get him down!

Ranger has got his rare condition called Pituitary Dwarfism after an infection caused by a parasite.

Ranger’s owner said during his interview with SWNS,

“When we originally got Ranger from the breeder, he was smaller than all his other littermates, but we figured that was because he had a parasite called Coccidia. In the weeks following, we took him home and he was parasite free but later on ended up getting a parasite called Giardia. At the same time, we also discovered that Ranger had a large infection on his neck."

Although the caring owners managed to help the dog and heal him, Pituitary Dwarfism had already been settled in Ranger's DNI.

Once the owners took the German shepherd to the vet, the vet informed them that he wouldn’t grow anymore

There have been some side effects such as shedding fur and flaky skin.

“He lost his appetite, started to lose weight, lost almost all of his fur and had extremely dry and flaky skin.”

Either way, Ranger is now absolutely healthy and adorable!

His owners made sure that he received the proper treatment so that he was able to make a full recovery. They also state he is a very happy puppy… or dog that enjoys playing with his siblings.

Ranger is surely like any other dog, but he will continue to need plenty throughout his lifetime. Fortunately, he has a caring family who is ready to face his battles with dwarfism with him.

We should remember that Pituitary dwarfism is a serious illness and dogs are also likely to suffer from a range of illnesses, including various developmental impediments, behavioral problems, and a compromised immune system. Such dogs need our support and treatment to live a happy life.

Caring for a dog with dwarfism

  • Keep your dog on a healthy diet to avoid obesity.
  • Prevent your dog from over-exerting itself physically
  • Take the dog in for dental surgery if its puppy teeth don’t fall out.
  • Remember they need your love and attention!

Having pets comes with great responsibility. To the animal obviously - this creature now relies on you for its quality of life and you need to ensure its physical and emotional needs are met. All animals deserve to be loved and cared for. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has it "you become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed", right? Let's make their lives more pleasant and they will obviously give their love back!

Dogs Beautiful Animals