Dwarf Labrador: what does it look like and how to care for it?

Small dogs persistently come into fashion, so breeders often work to reduce the size of breeds that are popular and loved by many. Labrador has a set of the best qualities, he is kind, affectionate and smart. However, the dimensions of these dogs are quite impressive, which makes their maintenance in city apartments not very convenient. Therefore, dwarf labradors appeared, which are also called "mini".

Labrador is a rather large and very energetic dog. She needs special conditions for a comfortable life, so the connoisseurs of the breed with great interest perceived the appearance of its miniature representatives.

Moreover, breeders and dog handlers claim that Labrador dogs whose size does not meet the standards are defective. They cannot be represented at exhibitions. Even breeding of such animals is officially prohibited.

There is no exact data on how such dogs appeared. However, several versions of this fact are advanced. One of them is a genetic mutation in which the mother was a full-fledged representative of the breed, and the father was a dwarf. In general, such specimens should be subject to rejection. But unscrupulous breeders could hide this moment.

Another option is the crossbreeding of family dogs. In cynology, this process is called inbreeding.Puppies have 2 identical genes, which, in turn, negatively affects growth, which stops before reaching the norm. There is a similar situation with the crossing of representatives of different breeds. However, if you mix large dogs, puppies also will not turn out small. Therefore, there is a version that mini-labradors appeared with the intervention of mongrels of not too large sizes.

Among other options: diabetes, improper functioning of the heart, blood vessels and thyroid gland, a small amount of growth hormone. Also, the cause may be kidney dysfunction, skeletal dysplasia, any hormonal disruptions in the body of the parents.

Moreover, the breeder cannot put up for sale such dogs, even those with pedigree documents. Also mistaken is the version that this breed was specially bred to apprehend criminals and hunt.

These dogs look very cute. They differ from their large counterparts in growth, which is less than about 20 centimeters.

Since the origin of this breed does not find official confirmation, it is difficult to make predictions about the nature of the animal. Assuming that the puppy will inherit the qualities of the official representatives of the breed, he should be friendly, completely non-aggressive, active and cheerful. Also the doggie should be different intelligence, quick wit, learning ability, calm disposition and devotion.

Nevertheless, in the case when it comes to mixing with another breed, completely unexpected features may appear in the character of the mini-labrador. Some of them come to the fore not from childhood, but at a more mature age. It is also impossible not to take into account that small dogs are very often hysterical and aggressive, they are distinguished by causeless barking.

Be that as it may, a small dog is not the norm. For this reason, among such pets there are those who have a not very stable psyche. Since growth is the result of a mutation, this leads to a disruption in the functioning of any body system, and whether this refers to the mental state of a dwarf labrador is a moot point.

Among the advantages of dwarf labradors can be noted their compact size, which allows you to easily get such an animal, even in a small city apartment. They are able to inherit the qualities of full-fledged representatives of the breed, which means that they can find contact with children, will be excellent guide and companions. Such dogs are very playful, sociable, friendly to people.

Among the shortcomings of the breed, it is worth noting that doggies cannot stand loneliness. If you do not educate them, mini-labradors are able to cause a lot of problems because of their increased activity, in addition, they need to arrange long walks. Such dogs molt all year round. Due to good natured nature, it is not possible to use them as security guards.

On average, Labradors can live from 10 to 14 years. The lifespan of dwarf individuals is lower - from 8 to 12 years. These indicators have an explanation. First of all, we are talking about genetic abnormalities. Related crosses or the presence of a dwarf gene not only reduces immunity, but also contributes to faster aging.

Health is another vulnerable moment for mini-pets. Dogs can suffer from diseases of the eyes and hip joints, they often have problems with their teeth.In addition, animals are susceptible to hydrocephalus, disruption of the stomach and intestines, allergic reactions, mastocytoma, and strokes.

Each animal requires care. As for the dwarf representatives of the breed, caring for them is no more difficult than for large ones. Dogs will need to be combed once a week, if necessary, brush wool, ears and eyes, as well as cut their nails. Water procedures should not be abused, they are needed only when the doggie really got dirty.

In season, antiparasitic treatment should be carried out using special preparations. A dog can be bitten by a tick, so after each walk you need to inspect the hair for the presence of these insects. Pets also love to walk, and are very active, so a couple of hours a day should be spent outdoors, playing outdoor games with your pet.

Mini labradors should be regularly shown to the veterinarian. They will need all the required vaccinations. In the house you need to allocate a place for a dog and put there a comfortable couch. You also need to purchase dishes, a leash and harness. To educate a pet, you should take a training course or do it yourself.

Labrador breed, regardless of size, is characterized by excellent appetite. Therefore, when compiling a diet, it is necessary not only to decide whether there will be specialized feed or natural food here.

In a healthy, well-developed dwarf labrador, you can easily feel the ribs.

Pork, milk, salted and smoked products, river fish without heat treatment, potatoes and beans should be excluded. But vitamin complexes will benefit the animal only. Half of the diet should be offal and meat, another half: vegetables, cereals, fruits, herbs, dairy products. In addition, a pet can be given no more than 2 boiled eggs per week.

Those who decided to have a dwarf labrador will have to face the main problem - there are simply no nurseries in which they can be officially purchased. Therefore, you will have to monitor social networks and look for private ads. In this case, most often it is not possible to see the parents of the dog. She does not have documents, so the main emphasis must be placed on a visual inspection.

The main thing is that the future pet should be healthy. To do this, you need to evaluate its external data, the condition of the coat, eyes and ears. You should observe the behavior of the puppy, he must be friendly, active, not afraid of people and easy to make contact. If you are lucky, you will be able to get a reliable friend and a faithful companion who will delight his owners for many years. However, it must be borne in mind that in this case there is still a risk, therefore, such a decision must be approached with maximum responsibility.

On how to properly care for a Labrador puppy, see the next video.