Characteristics of Miniature Dwarf Horses

Dwarf Miniature horse characteristics range from mild to severe, and are classified into three main types. Breeders or owners of Miniature horses should educate themselves on the characteristics of Miniature horse dwarfism in order to try to eliminate the chance of producing a dwarf. While some dwarf Miniature horses live a normal life span, most do not and require years of special veterinarian care. Any Miniature horse exhibiting dwarf characteristics should be culled from the breeding pool.

  1. Achondroplasia Dwarfs

    • Achondroplasic (literally meaning "without cartilage formation") dwarf Miniatures are the least physically affected of the different types of dwarfs. This type is characterized by shortened legs with a larger than normal looking head. These Miniatures look similar to a wiener dog with their long backs and short stumpy legs. This type also exhibits leg faults such as sickle hocks, cowhocks or toeing out. Achondroplasic dwarfs tend to live a more normal life span and do not exhibit the severe physical issues of other dwarf types. Recent research into Miniature horse dwarfism conducted by expert John Eberth, and presented on ramblinroseranch.com, states that a foal with achondroplasic traits "absolutely has to have each copy of the gene come from both parents."

    Diastrophic Dwarfs

    • Diastrophic (literally meaning "twisted") Miniature horse dwarfs have a more severe form of dwarfism than achondroplasic dwarfs. These dwarfs exhibit back deformities such as a roach back or a twisted spine. Heads are over-sized with a bulging forehead and a very short neck. Often the head measures longer than the neck. Severe leg deformities are also noted with the legs appearing twisted. This type of Miniature horse dwarf can also have chronic sinus issues. A common issue with diastrophic Miniature horse dwarfs is inhaling feed into the sinuses, which in turn causes chronic sinusitis.

    Brachiocephalia Dwarfs

    • The main characteristic of a brachiocephalia (literally meaning "short head") Miniature horse dwarf is an extremely over-sized head with a bulging forehead. Nostrils appear to be misshaped and upturned. The head can be so deformed that is appears to be smashed in. Numerous leg faults are also exhibited such as sickle hocks. These dwarfs also have many issues with sinusitis and can exhibit a severe underbite or "monkey mouth," which makes it difficult for them to chew hay and feed. Both brachiocephalia and diastrophic Miniature horse dwarfs can exhibit over-sized sexual genitalia. Because their internal organs are the same size as a normal Miniature horse, dwarfs tend to have very large bulging bellies.

    Minimal Expression Minaiture Horse Dwarfs

    • There has been much controversy in recent years over the term "minimal expression" dwarf Miniature horses. Many breeders use this term to describe a Miniature horse that has more subtle characteristics of dwarfism, such as a domed forehead or short neck, without the other visible signs of dwarfism. Many breeders think that these more subtle signs mean that the horse is carrying the dwarf gene even though it is not fully expressed visually. John Eberth disagrees with this theory saying that often these are just signs of a poorly conformed Miniature horse that has nothing to do with dwarfism.