Small dogs aggressively come into fashion, so breeders often work to reduce the size of popular and beloved by many breeds. Labrador has a set of the best qualities, he is kind, affectionate and smart. However, the dimensions of such dogs are quite impressive, which makes their contents in city apartments not very convenient. Therefore, there were dwarf labradors, which are also called "mini".
Features
The Labrador is a rather large and very energetic dog. She needs special conditions for a comfortable life, therefore, connoisseurs of the breed with great interest perceived the appearance of its miniature representatives.
However, keep in mind that officially mini-Labradors are not recognized, and, accordingly, are not registered anywhere.
Moreover, breeders and dog handlers claim that Labrador dogs that do not meet the size standards are a marriage. They can not be represented at exhibitions. Even the breeding of such animals is officially prohibited.
History of origin
There is no exact data on how such dogs appeared. However, there are several versions of this fact. 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 copies should be subject to culling. But unscrupulous breeders could hide this moment.
Another option is to cross-breed dogs. In cynology, this process is called inbreeding. Puppies have 2 identical genes, which, in turn, adversely affects growth, which stops, not reaching the norm. There is a similar situation with the crossing of representatives of different breeds. However, if you mix large dogs, puppies also do not get small. Therefore, there is a version that mini-Labradors appeared with the intervention of mutts of not too large sizes.
Among other options: diabetes, abnormal work of the heart, blood vessels and thyroid, a small amount of growth hormone. It can also be caused by kidney dysfunction, skeletal dysplasia, any hormonal disruptions in the body of the parents.
We should not believe the stories that mini-Labradors are in great demand in other countries, since this is not true.
Moreover, the breeder can not put up for sale such dogs, even having documents about the pedigree. It is also an erroneous version that this breed was specifically bred for apprehending criminals and hunting.
Description and character
Such dogs look very cute. From their large counterparts, they differ in height, 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. If we assume that the puppy will inherit the quality of the official representatives of the breed, he should be friendly, completely non-aggressive, active and cheerful. Also doggie must be different intelligence, ingenuity, ability to learn, calm temper and devotion.
However, in the case where it can be mixed with another breed, completely unexpected features may appear in the character of the mini-Labrador. Some of them come to the forefront not from childhood, but in more mature age. It is also impossible not to take into account that small-sized dogs are often hysterical and aggressive, they are distinguished by unreasonable barking.
Anyway, 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 system of the body, and whether this will relate to the mental state of a dwarf Labrador is a controversial issue.
Even proper upbringing and training do not always allow solving such problems, since one cannot get away from natural qualities.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of dwarf labradors can be noted their compact size, which allow you to easily get such an animal, even in a small city apartment. They are able to inherit the quality of full-fledged representatives of the breed, which means that they will be able to find contact with children, they will be excellent guide dogs and companions. Such dogs are very playful, sociable, friendly towards people.
Among the disadvantages of the breed is worth noting that the little dogs can't stand loneliness. If you do not engage in their education, mini-Labradors are able to deliver a lot of problems because of their increased activity, in addition, they need to take long walks. These dogs shed all year round. Due to their good-natured disposition, it is not possible to use them as security guards.
Lifespan and Diseases
On average, Labradors can live from 10 to 14 years. The life of dwarf individuals below - from 8 to 12 years. There are explanations for these indicators. First of all, we are talking about genetic abnormalities. Related crossbreeding or the presence of a dwarf gene does not only reduce 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 prone to hydrocephalus, disruption of the stomach and intestines, allergic reactions, mastocytoma, strokes.
Experts advise necessarily castrate doggie. This procedure normalizes the brain and hormones, as well as a good effect on the behavior of the dog, making it more calm and affectionate.
Care and maintenance
Every animal needs care. As for the dwarf representatives of the breed, it is no more difficult to care for them than for large ones. Dogs will need to be combed once a week, if necessary, to brush wool, ears and eyes, as well as to cut the claws. Water procedures should not be abused, they are needed only when the dog really got dirty.
During the season it is necessary to carry out antiparasitic treatment using special preparations. A dog may be bitten by a tick, therefore, after each walk, it is required to inspect the wool for the presence of these insects. Pets also like to walk, and are very active, so a couple of hours a day should be spent in the fresh air, playing with a pet in outdoor games.
Mini Labradors should be regularly shown to a veterinarian. They will need all the required vaccinations. In the house you need to allocate a place for a dog and put a comfortable bed there. Also required to purchase dishes, leash and harness. To bring up a pet, it is worth going through a dog training course or doing it yourself.
However, experts recommend using the services of a professional trainer, these animals and their nature are too unpredictable.
What to feed?
The Labrador breed, regardless of its size, has an excellent appetite. Therefore, in the preparation of the diet, it is necessary not only to decide whether there will be specialized feed or natural food.
It is important to carefully monitor the amount of food to the dog did not eat.
In a healthy, well-developed dwarf labrador you can easily feel the ribs.
Experts recommend not to mix natural food and dry food, otherwise it can lead to problems of the gastrointestinal tract, and even oncological diseases.
It is necessary to exclude pork, milk, salted and smoked products, river fish without heat treatment, potatoes and beans. But vitamin complexes will only benefit the animal. Half of the diet should be by-products and meat, another half: vegetables, cereals, fruits, greens, dairy products. In addition, a pet can be given no more than 2 boiled chicken eggs per week.
How to choose?
Those who decided to start a dwarf labrador will have to face the main problem - there are simply no nurseries in which they can be officially bought. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor social networks and search for private ads. In this case, most often it is not possible to see the parents of the dog. She does not have any documents, so the main emphasis should be placed on visual inspection.
The main thing that the future pet was healthy. To do this, it is necessary to evaluate its external data, the state of hair, eyes and ears. It should be observed and 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 get a reliable friend and faithful companion who will delight their masters for many years. However, it is necessary to take into account that the risk in this case is still there, therefore, such a decision must be approached with the utmost responsibility.
On how to properly care for a Labrador puppy, you can see in the next video.
