Dwarf Hair Growth
This is a very difficult area and many factors affect the hair growth of dwarf dogs. A large number of hormones play an important role in the coat of any dog not just dwarves. Primarily the untreated dwarf will retain their puppy coats very much longer than a normal dog and then gradually become bald or alopecic with the exception of the head and feet.
This is a very difficult area and many factors affect the hair growth of dwarf dogs. A large number of hormones play an important role in the coat of any dog not just dwarves. Primarily the untreated dwarf will retain their puppy coats very much longer than a normal dog and then gradually become bald or alopecic with the exception of the head and feet.
The coat will depend on the levels of hormones produced by each individual dog and will include the following hormones:
- Hormones. Some will stimulate hair growth while others will delay it.
- Androgens. They cause courser hair with lengthened resting phase of hair follicles.
- Progesterone. This produces courser hair with lengthened resting phase of hair follicles and decreased growth rate.
- Estrogen. This results in fine sparse hairs and lengthened resting phase of hair follicles.
- Thyroxine. This initiates hair growth and increases rate of new growth. A deficiency in thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) usually results in poor hair growth and thinning of the hair coat.
- Corticosteroids. These drugs retard hair growth by inhibiting new hair growth, thus alopecia or thinning of hair occurs as a consequence of this type of therapy.
- Growth hormone. The lack of growth hormone results in retention of the juvenile coat or alopecia in the adult.
- Insulin. This hormone is responsible for normal growth, although diabetics may have alopecia.
- Nutrition. Poor nutrition can result in a loss of hair.
- Protein. Cystine and methionine are requirements for hair growth. Protein-calorie malnutrition is characterized by dry, brittle and sparse hairs.
- B vitamins. These vitamins, especially pantothenic acid, (for copper utilization) are important for proper hair growth.
- Copper. This is important for hair production and a deficiency will result in a poor hair coat.
- Excessive numbers of bacteria in the hair follicle (bacterial pyoderma) may cause circular areas of alopecia or generalized excessive shedding. These signs resolve with a few weeks (3 to 4 weeks) of systemic antibiotics. This is very common in dogs with allergies.
- Ringworm (dermatophytosis) can also cause the hair to fall out in spots. Ringworm can be diagnosed or ruled out by submitting hair samples for fungal culture.
- Mange can also cause patchy hair loss. Demodicosis is a type of mange that is non-contagious and can be diagnosed by performing skin scrapings. There are other types of mange that can also lead to alopecia.
The mechanisms are not fully understood in dwarf dogs as many dogs will show regrowth after spaying and neutering (see other pages) even in untreated dwarf dogs, this indicates that the sex hormones play a greater role in regrowth than would otherwise be expected. Further research needs to be undertaken to establish the reasons for this as some dog's do not regrow their coat.
