Achondroplasia

What Is Achondroplasia?

The main characteristic of the genetic condition achondroplasia is dwarfism.  Some dog breeds have historically been labeled as “achondroplastic” due to their disproportionate dwarfism. The dachshund, basset hound, corgi, and bulldog breeds are examples of this. According to data from whole genome association studies, a retro-gene encoding for fibroblast growth factor 4 is strongly associated with short-limbed dogs.

Dogs and humans are unlikely to have the same achondroplastic traits. However, histological analyses of several achondroplastic dog breeds have revealed abnormal cartilage cell patterns strikingly comparable to those seen in achondroplasia-exhibiting humans.