Wait – what is wrong with this dog?
Shepherd dog "Ranger" actually looks like a cuddly little dog child who frolic around the world. In fact, Ranger is already fully grown.
How is that possible?
The cause is a genetic defect that has prevented Ranger from changing his appearance since childhood: The "pituitary dwarfism" prevented a body from growing further. Owner Shelby Mayo had no idea of this when she bought her dog – nothing to suggest that her pet had a specialty that would make it so different from other animals.
When did she realize that her dog is special?
Of course, Shelby had noticed that her puppy was smaller than other dogs and had other health problems as well. Suddenly, she finally had him examined by a veterinarian. The surprising diagnosis: A change in the dog's pituitary gland was the reason that Ranger would never continue to grow and should remain as small as a puppy for a lifetime.
Oh no! Isn't that bad for the little dog?
First of all – the side effects of the disease were hair loss and severe skin problems. But these problems could best be treated with medical help. And now Ranger is a happy, lively dog who doesn't mind for a second that he's smaller than other dogs he plays with. Especially since his mistress and he have now even achieved little fame.
Oh yes?
Yes, indeed – in order to generate more attention for the rare "pituitary dwarfism", Shelby started an Instagram account with her ranger, which quickly became a great success: In the meantime, more than 130,000 fans follow the everyday like the mini-dog enjoys with other dogs.