The Labrador retriever is a large dog breed with a weight range between 55 – 80 pounds. While a Labrador’s personality is a desirable trait for families, their size may overshadow many other qualities. Large dog breeds may be less likely to become an indoor household pet because of their weight and size.
While some people may search for a miniature or teacup version of their favorite dog breed, a breed’s genetic composition is what allows the breed to be classified as a miniature. Not every breed of dog is genetically capable of being classified as a miniature, though some breeders may convince you otherwise.
If you are looking to add a miniature Labrador to your family, there are some essential pieces of information you need to know about the breed before making your decision.
Is a Miniature Labrador a Recognized Breed?
Unlike a Miniature Pinscher or Miniature Schnauzer, a miniature Labrador retriever is not a recognized breed because of the characteristics that make the dog seem miniature.
A Labrador with smaller or bent legs gives the impression the dog is a miniature version. While the Labrador breed is not genetically disposed to be a miniature, this means there is an underlying health issue causing the legs to be small or bent.
A Labrador with the SD1 gene will cause the dog to have bent legs. A Labrador with the SD2 gene will have short legs. The presence of the SD1 or SD2 gene means the Labrador has dwarfism. Dwarfism does not classify the dog as being a miniature; however, this does not mean your small Labrador does not need a loving home!
How to Care for a Miniature Labrador
While it is important to know the health risks that your small Labrador may encounter, this should not discourage you from giving your Labrador the best quality of life.
Most Labradors with dwarfism may only have health issues near the end of their lifespan. The most common health issue among miniature Labradors is retinal dysplasia. Retinal dysplasia is a hereditary condition that causes one or both retinas in the eye to detach, resulting in blindness.
While your Labrador is young and energetic, spend quality time with the pup by playing games, going on walks, and teaching new tricks. The Labrador is one smart breed of dog!
One of the best ways to teach your Labrador pup new tricks is by giving him, or her reward treats. Positive reinforcement through treats and praise can drastically improve your Labrador’s quality of life. While a miniature Labrador may have delayed health issues, the majority of the lab’s life can be full and complete by practicing these daily routines.
How to Identify Misleading Advertisements
As Labradors do not have a genetic composition capable of producing a miniature or toy version, you will need to ask the seller advertising miniature Labradors what identifies the Labrador as a miniature. Is the Labrador puppy bred with a small breed? Does the Labrador puppy have a gene mutation that makes it appear small? Are the puppies normal Labrador puppies that will grow into full-size dogs? These are imperative questions you need to ask the seller who is advertising miniature Labrador puppies.
Mixed Breeds
If a Labrador is bred with a smaller breed, the puppies may be advertised as being miniature Labrador puppies. Depending on the breed of dog that the Labrador was crossed with, the dog may still be a large size when fully grown. Even if the other breed is small, the Labrador genes may be dominant; resulting in a full-size Labrador when grown. Additionally, it is important to know the breed of dog crossed with the Labrador for health, personality, and life expectancy purposes.
False Advertisements
The seller will need to disclose why their advertisement describes the puppies as miniature. The puppies may be full-size Labradors falsely described as miniatures, leaving you with a full-size Labrador when grown.
The Labradors may have the SD1 or SD2 gene mutation. While this will give you a smaller fully grown Labrador, it is important to be aware of the gene mutation your miniature Labrador puppy may have. Knowing the presence of the gene mutation will allow you to provide the appropriate care for your Labrador.
How to Maximize Your Labrador’s Quality of Life
A Labrador retriever’s natural instinct is to retrieve hunting game. With a slick coat to repel water and webbed feet to swim with ease, the Labrador is a hunter’s top breed for retrieving ducks and other waterfowl. So how do you combine the Labrador’s natural instinct to retrieve while being a household pet?
One of the best ways to fulfill your Labrador’s retrieving instinct is by routinely playing fetch. Playing fetch is a fun way for your dog to exercise while satisfying the need to retrieve.
The Need to Retrieve
It is important to find a durable, comfortable toy for your Labrador to fetch. You can choose from a ball, Frisbee/disc, rope, or animal replica. Whether you have a miniature or full-size Labrador, playing fetch with him or she will guarantee your dog’s quality of life will be maximized and satisfied.
A Labrador can be hard on toys, so make sure the toy you choose can withstand a lengthy amount of playtime before being destroyed.
This Pelay Rubber Ball comes in a pack of two and includes treat-dispensing groves for you to place your dog’s favorite treat inside! The durable rubber composition is resistant to quick destruction. It should withstand many retrievals and bring your pup the happiness he or she deserves!
Conclusion
While miniature Labradors are not an official genetic breed of Labradors, they do exist because of a genetic mutation that causes their legs to be small or bent. If you own one of these pups, give him or her the best care and quality of life by fulfilling the Labrador’s natural instinct to play, retrieve, and protect.
Be aware that a miniature Labrador may have potential health issues later in life, such as retinal dysplasia, which can cause the dog to go blind. While the pup is still in its prime, take time with your pup by showing frequent attention and love.
No matter the size, Labradors are fiercely loyal, smart, and playful pups. They effortlessly become an extension of your family, bringing you and your family years of happiness and protection.