Dwafism??? - Page 1

I have a 2 year old shepard/collie who is a full size shepard but with short legs. The vet thought he might have another breed and that he grew to fast and the bones in his legs didn't grow right. He also said he would probably have to be put down in 5 years. He is on a special diet and limited exercise. I was just wondering what should look forward to/watch for over the years.

I'm pretty sure this is the real problem...
Chondrodysplasia or dwarfism in the legs is a disease that causes malformation of the carpal and radius bones of the front legs resulting in a stunted and bowed look. Puppies born with this disease do not show any signs until they grow older. The disease can be painful and often the only choice is to euthanize the dog. This disease is most common in the Alaskan malamute and the Beagle.

Budwieser is the smartest and the best dog I have had, temperment and training wise. I would hate to only have a few years left with him, so any info would be awsome:)

Are you certain he's a GSD/collie mix? To me, he looks like a GSD/Cardigan Welsh Corgi mix especially with the way his front feet turn out and the rounded ears. He doesn't look at all the way other dwarf GSDs I've seen look. Whatever he is, he's very cute!

If you really want to know what he is, AKC has a DNA test that will tell you his genetic makeup I believe.

Get a second opinion.

When I hear "might" and "probably" I make sure I get a second and maybe a third opinion,
can't hurt.

He is a beautiful pup!

Not sure if AKC offers one but you can order one through www.vetdnacenter.com The test is $68. I agree with the poster above that I think you've got Corgi in there and not Collie :) I'd be eager to hear the test results, vets sometimes like to be doomsdayers, you may have a nice long life ahead of you with your dog....I'd do the test if I were you, you just may get the peace of mind you are looking for.

My first thought, too! I have an e-friend who breeds Cardis, so I spotted the 'look' right away! He sure is cute!  

The bowed legs are actually part of the breed standard.

www.cheysuli.com/cardigancorgis/index.html

There was a Corgi/ Golden mix that lived on our road a few years ago. Same legs, but the body, head, coat, ears of a Golden. If you changed legs there was no guessing what he was.

I'm also on the corgi cross side of the fence.  what a cutey!  Dwarfism is most commonly seen in West German Show lines ( no one get there hackles up, i'm a show line person)  it is really really rare and very sad when you see it.  This little fella doesnt look sickly just stumpy :)
http://www.siriusdog.com/pituitary-dwarfism-in-the-german-shepherd-dog.htm   Look at the dwarfs at the bottom of the page see how sickly they look.

Thank you everyone...I saw bothe parents, dad was ahuge GSD and mom was smaller and looked GSD/ border colle...but I"m sure there could be something else in the blood line...they were farm dogs. his brothers and sisters did not have his shape legs. I agree with Abby, by just looking at the two types of dwarfism.  But haven't found answers on how long they live. Thank Again...Deb

you know it is possible that none of the other puppies have his father. multiple sire litters are common especially if the dogs are running around. i wouldn't think this dog is a dwarf, he looks like a corgi mix to me. he's very cute and looks to be full of energy :) have fun with him. you've got an adorable mutt