Common questions asked about Dottie, her life and medical journey:

THE BASICS:

What dog breed is Dottie?

Dottie is a pedigree (purebred) smooth coat Brussels Griffon Bruxellois. Due to her unique appearance, Dottie is often mistaken for a cross-breed, most are shocked to learn that Dottie is a pedigree, papered Griffon from a registered DogsNZ (formerly NZKC) breeder. Some of her features are different to other Griffons due to her Dwarfism.

What gender is Dottie?

Female, spayed.

When was Dottie born and when did you get her?

Dottie was born on 27th May 2019. 

Her “gotcha” day was 12th September 2019 (at almost 4-5 months old).

What medical conditions has Dottie been diagnosed with?

• Extreme” Dwarfism (Achondroplasia type, diagnosed in 2020)
• Two luxating patellas (affects the knees)
• Hip dysplasia
• Chiari-like malformation (“CM”) . But no Syringiomyelia (“SM”) as yet, confirmed by MRI May 2022.
• Shortened ulna syndrome (affects her forearms)
• Incongruent elbows (ie. they don’t align properly - she had surgery for this in 2020).
• Carpal vulgus (which affects the “wrists".
• Scoliosis (a curved spine)
• Her pelvis hasn’t formed correctly (some of it is made of cartilage not bone) and it’s not fused together, so essentially always broken.
• Ectopic cilia in the left eye (Dottie had surgery to remove this in November 2021)
• Ventriculomegaly (a condition in which the ventricles - fluid-filled spaces in the brain, are larger than usual);
• Intracranial arachnoid cyst (IAC), also called intracranial intra-arachnoid cyst and quadrigeminal cyst (”Brain Cyst”) developmental brain disorder in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is thought to accumulate within a split of the arachnoid membrane.
• The most significant concern for Dottie is an issue with her spinal cord - An abnormal growth in her skull  Dorsal compression at the AA joint ("AA-band") The growth could be bone or tissue and essentially is compressing her spinal cord.  From the 2023 report, "Atlanto-axial band is a condition  resulting in compression of the spinal cord between C1-C2 caused by hypertrophy ("overgrowth") of a normal ligament of the atlantoaxial (C1-C2) joint or in some cases due to abnormal bone orientation. In Dottie, it is likely the result of the abnormal shape and rotation of C1. Instability at C1-C2 may also be present, however not definitive in the provided study. The bone of the dorsal lamina ("roof") of the first cervical bone is rotated and creating this indentation. There is often a soft tissue/ligament component that also participates in creating this compression."

Who named Dottie?

She came to us with the name "Dot" but we added the "IE". 

We think "Dottie" suits her well, as she's a "wee Dot".

What is Dottie's personality like? 

Despite her medical struggles, most people who meet Dottie fall in love. 

On a good day, Dottie is a funny, clever, affectionate and friendly little dog. A great companion. Dottie can be playful, and she will zoom if she's excited. Dottie is independent and likes to explore. But Dottie can also be a bit of a demanding diva! Despite her small size she is definitely not a wallflower and very vocal if she wants something!

Is Dottie a social dog?

Dottie is fairly social unless a dog is too boisterous or loud. If they're respectful and calm, she's fine with any breed or size of dog. Dottie likes people and greets everyone (strangers included) with a wag of her tail, a friendly bark and snuff. 

What does Dottie like to do?

Eat! nap! come to work in the office, do zoomies, moth or bug hunting, sunbathing, chasing her little xs tennis ball, playing with her fav toys, digging in the garden, lying in a mud bed she creates for herself and eating bugs.  

What is Dottie's favorite food?

Chicken! Anything chicken or meat in general, French fries, and really any human foods (as a treat). Dottie is super food motivated. But Dottie doesn't like any vegetables.

Is she on a special diet - what does Dottie get fed?

Nope, as yet no special diet. Dottie is fed ACANA small breed biscuits and shredded roast chicken (with her medications hidden inside).

How "big" is Dottie?

Dottie fluctuates in weight between 1.8 - 2kg.

Dot is approx.16cm high and 26cm from head to base of tail.*

How "big" is Emily? (Her mum)

Emily is a standard Griffon, not affected by dwarfism.

Em weighs: 5.3kg, Length: 35cm, Height: 30cm*

How small is Dottie compared to a standard Griffon?
Using Emily’s statistics as a standard Griffon and comparing Dottie:

• Weight wise: Google says a standard Griffon is between 3.6-5.4kg. Emily is 5.3kg whereas Dottie fluctuates between 1.8-2kg.*
• Length wise Emily is: 35cm whereas Dottie is only 26cm from her head to tail base.*
• Height wise: In terms of how “tall” they are, Google says a standard Griffon’s height is between: 18-20cm.
  From the ground to the top of their heads, Em is 30cm and Dottie is 26cm.*

*These measurements approx and as at September 2023.

Is Dottie fully grown?

Dottie was born 27th May 2019, so yes, she is fully grown.

Where does Dottie live?

Dottie lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Who does Dottie live with?

Dottie lives in with her human parents who adopted her. Later on they also adopted her biological Griffon mum. Dottie and Em live with 3 Chihuahua "siblings". Dottie also regularly has foster siblings in the home from New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue. She is generally a welcoming and tolerant foster sister!

I saw Dottie in an office?

Yes, Dottie goes to work with one of her humans. Dottie will meet clients on occasion, where appropriate - but please note, this is a professional environment so she is not available for meet and greets at work. 

What is Dottie like with children?

She's fine with kids and often likes them, because children often = treats or dropping food!

Dottie doesn't like loud noises though, so if they're particularly loud, she might not be so impressed.

What is Dottie afraid of?

Blood tests and needles, nail and slipper trimming, vets, rules, loud noises, having no dinner.

Who does Dottie prefer out of her humans?

Dottie is a bit of a Daddy's girl! She gets excited to see him and will often "kiss" him (which she does very rarely to anyone!) or play bite. But if she's not well or feeling afraid she makes a beeline for Mummy! It could be even?!

EARLY LIFE:

Did you breed Dottie to be small on purpose, or was she bred this small on purpose?

No, we are not breeders, firstly. Secondly, Dottie was not bred (to be small) on purpose. Dottie's parents and litter-sister are average sized Griffons. Similar to what can occur in humans, Dottie was a fluke, to average sized parents.

Did we know Dottie had dwarfism when we adopted her?

No. Dottie was only 4 months, so we had no idea of her final size but naturally assumed she had plenty of growing to do! Over the next few months, Dottie’s personality blossomed, and we fell in love with her quirky character - but she remained the same size. Dottie appeared the way a 4-6month old Griffon would and weighted in at a slender 1.7kg. In December 2019, little growth, we took Dottie to the vet and so began our path to a diagnosis.

How did Dottie come into our life?

We founded a dog rescue in 2017 - the New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue Trust, which is now a registered charity here in New Zealand. Dottie’s breeder knew us from this and from dog showing circles (as we would also show Chihuahuas as a hobby). He knew we cared about animal welfare and he wanted a special home for her (and her brother initially) and approached us. 

Who bred Dottie?

With most things, like her medical journey, we are an open book.

But we do not discuss Dottie's kennel or breeder. You can find this out using DogsNZ records though.

Are Dottie's parents dwarfs too?

No. Both of Dottie’s Griffon parents (Emily and Lupin) are standard sized, pedigree (Brussels) Griffon Bruxellois.

Was Dottie the only one born with dwarfism?

Dottie was born in a litter of 3. One (standard-sized sister) called "Brenda" and one smaller male called "Tom Thumb" (deceased). When born, Brenda looked large, Dottie "normal" and Tom was tiny. He was only a few months old when he passed away so it is impossible to know if he was affected.

Is Emily her (real) biological mum?

Yes. Emily birthed Dottie and two other pups by c-section on 27th May 2019.

When did Emily come to live with you?

We adopted Dottie in October 2019 and Emily in June 2021.

Emily was offered to us once she had finished breeding and showing.

BREEDING:

How do I breed a dog like Dottie?!

You don't. Please read the medical information below. Dottie was not bred on purpose and we don't want more dogs born with medical conditions.

Can Dottie be bred?

No! We spayed Dottie. It is extremely unethical to breed from any dog with health issues. We are not breeders, Dottie was not bred on purpose to look like she does. Plus it would probably kill her if she attempted to carry a litter. We'd never consider it even if she wasn't spayed.

MEDICAL:

Does Dottie have any neurological deficits?

Cognitively-wise, no. We don't believe so! She's very vibrant, sassy, cognitively she appears fine.

Dottie is vocal and will respond to your commands. Dottie is toilet-trained and (when she wants to) she has good recall. Dottie doesn't know things like: sit, stay, roll-over but we've never taught her that.

Is it cruel to keep Dottie alive? 

Dottie has numerous vets and experts involved in her care and two very committed human parents. Our biggest concern with Dottie is managing her pain and ensuring she has a high quality of life. We will not selfishly prolong her life if she is pain. We do not consider that fair and she is too great of a dog to let suffer in that way. Given that we run a Rescue and are involved in animal welfare, we feel we are well informed and we also trust the numerous vets and experts around us advising us as to Dottie’s pain and prognosis.

We are very much aware of the realities and potential heartbreak ahead. But we want to be able to give Dottie a chance and if we are able to alleviate some of her pain by addressing any issues we can, we are confident will be able to keep her around for many years to come.     

Will her health affect her lifespan? 

When we adopted her, we were told she would only make it until 1 year old, if that. Dottie is now almost 4 years old. We always get asked about whether her health will affect Dottie’s lifespan, and (like any dog really) that’s a complete unknown. But internally, aside from her brain, as far as we gather from blood tests etc. Dottie is completely healthy and normal - her heart, liver, kidneys etc are all fine. Dottie's only major struggles in life related to her Dwarfism are (as is similar for human little people) her bones and joints and the effect this condition has on those..  

The conditions that may limit her life are the CM/SM and spinal cord compression, not her most obvious one (the dwarfism).

What medications and treatments is Dottie on? 

Dottie is on gabapentin (3 times per day) and omeprezole (twice).

We also do regular physio therapy sessions.

Sometimes she has Metacam as required for extra pain relief on a rough day.

How did she react to Gabapentin?

Initially, she was sleepy, I would say for around 1 month. Eventually, she adjusted and is no longer drowsy after meals.

Have you ever had to increase her dosage?

Yes, we initially just dosed her twice per day (morning then night). We moved to 3 this year and slightly increased both medications (under her specialists' guidance of course)

Have you tried CBD oils for Dottie?

No, and we wouldn't. We have been advised that the medical evidence just isn't there to test it out and/or sourcing it here in New Zealand would be difficult. We have heard stories of how well it has worked for others, and that's great. But no.

Have you tried acupuncture for Dottie?

No. I did look into it initially, but she attends physio and does well with that. Also, Dottie REALLY hates needles. I don't know that we could ask her to sit still while they were put in and then while they were left in. It would probably just distress her.

Does Dottie do hydrotherapy?

Yes! She has done this as part of her physio (they have a pool/treadmill there).

Dottie isn't the biggest fan of water, but she toughs it out!

Does Dottie do physiotherapy?

Yes, she has seen a lot of benefit out of these sessions. Initially, I have to say I wasn't that aware of how useful physio can be for dogs! But as a baby, it helped her learn to walk property. She has now been going for three years, usually either weekly or fortnightly. These sessions help with her pain relief but also balance, strength and muscle tone. It's been really useful for Dottie.

Has Dottie had a MRI or CT scan?

Yes, Dottie has had a couple of MRI's previously, that's how she was diagnosed with several of her conditions.

Has Dottie had surgery?

Dottie's first surgery was orthopedic. Dottie was diagnosed as having shortened ulna syndrome, carpal valgas and incongruent elbows. The recommended course of action was an operation where they cut her front forelimbs. We proceeded with the operation in April 2020. Dottie sailed through like a trooper and healed really well. Since then, she's been doing physio. Dottie was then also spayed in 2020 (as we would NEVER consider breeding her) and had some retained baby teeth removed. Dottie had eye surgery in 2021 to remove ectopic cilia in one eye (her left). That's all so far.

Who is Dottie's medical team?

Dr Terryne Loney - McMaster and Heap Vet Clinic (Christchurch,  New Zealand)

Dr Nicholas de Pompa - South East Veterinary Neurology (Miami, Florida, USA)

Dr Karen Valu (vet and physio) at Animal Physio (Christchurch, New Zealand)

Dr Tracey Tonkin - Shirley Vet Clinic (Christchurch, New Zealand)

Dr Brent Higgins & Dr Alice Finch - Animal Orthopedics (Christchurch, New Zealand)

Dr Georgina Stewart - Animal Referral Centre Vets (Auckland, New Zealand)

MISCELLANEOUS:

Why do Dottie's ears stand up?

Not sure! She was born with them like that and we didn't see any reason to change them. I guess neither did she! Most Griffons have floppy ears (like Em does) but Dottie is very unique...

I saw you took in her sisters. What happened to Brenda and Lilith?

Yes - we rescued her step-sister (from an earlier litter) Lilith and her litter-sister, Brenda in early 2022. They were de-sexed, x-rayed, had dentals, training and behavioral assistance and adopted out to two lovely separate families here in Christchurch. We do keep in touch and see them around occasionally!

Would you sell Dottie?

Believe it or not, this one comes up a lot!

Never in a million years, Dottie is our family.

Dottie is not and will never be for sale. Nobody would sell their family members!

What is your favourite thing about Dottie? 

Easy - her quirky, sassy, one-of-a-kind personality! Despite her medical struggles, she lives life like a regular dog. On a good day, Dottie is a funny, clever, affectionate and friendly little dog. A great companion, playful, loving. She cheers me up when I need it, she makes me laugh and just watching her tackle life makes me proud of her and sometimes even a little inspired!

Does Dottie have a Facebook or other social media?

Not presently. Dottie has Instagram, TikTok and this website. That's all, anything else isn't authentic Dottie so please report!

How did Dottie come to have her own Instagram page?
We started off posting Dottie on the Chihuahua Rescue social media, then kept getting requests for more and more Dottie. But shes not a Chihuahua or available to adopt, so it wasn't right to post her all the time. We resisted making her a page but then decided it might be easier. So, we made Dot her own Instagram – thinking friends and family and maybe a few rescue people would be interested and follow her and we guess a few  other people found her interesting too!

What has been some of the positive responses to Dottie since beginning an Instagram? Why do you continue it?
The best thing we heard was from a parent with a young child who had dwarfism. They were using Dottie’s page to understand their own condition as they started to realize they were a bit different from other kids. Dottie helped made that child feel less alone according to their mother and that really touched me. I felt like Dottie did some good and helped that child.
 

We also love knowing that she gives people a little dose of serotonin and makes people feel happy when they aren’t having a good day or going through something difficult. She does that for us so it's awesome to be able to share her with others that need it!
 

Also, Dottie is proof that special dogs still can live a great, happy and fulfilling life. She doesn’t care that she’s different and she copes very well. All dogs deserve a chance.

Awareness of her conditions - some of which really affect the Griffon breed.

What are the negative comments about Dottie like?
Obviously some people think she should have been or should be put to sleep, because she's different.
Some people think WE bred her on purpose, or that she was bred on purpose in general. We get a fair bit of hate from people who don't bother to read her story and assume she;s part of this "designer dog" craze. Because she does appear “cute” I feel some people judge her as one of those purposefully bred, sic, designer  dogs. But if you read her information, we are very clear about this. It's their issue and loss - not ours.

What are your hopes for Dottie in the future? 

Like all pet owners, we just hope she stays happy and healthy as long as possible.
We try to take her everywhere and make each day count for her. 

Can I meet Dottie?

Email us to inquire if you’re planning to visit Christchurch, New Zealand. But please note, we’re unable to accommodate unplanned (last minute!) meet and greets due to work and other commitments. Be sure to reach out well in advance to discuss whether we can arrange a meet and greet with Dottie.

How do people react to Dottie?

People often fall for Dottie’s unique look but especially her personality, especially once they understand what she endures. She’s surrounded by love from family, friends, her medical team, and a supportive online community of dog owners who share stories and tips for their own special-needs pets. The Instagram community has been an incredible source of support, even helping us access medical resources and specialists.

We also receive criticism and hurtful comments from people who don’t know Dottie or take the time to read her story. They often insult both her and us with rude remarks. Unfortunately, this has sometimes led us to take breaks from social media or turn off message replies to avoid negativity. These comments often stem from a misunderstanding of Dottie’s story. Some assume she was intentionally bred, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Dottie is a rescue dog, not purposely bred. Her parents and siblings are all average-sized—she was a rare “fluke,” as we call it. Despite being born different, Dottie deserves a full and happy life, just like any other dog.

However, it's important to clarify that Dottie’s uniqueness shouldn't be replicated on purpose. She faces health challenges, and while she may be cute, she’s not a novelty or toy to be copied. Dot herself is spayed, and we’re committed to ensuring people understand that breeding for her traits would be harmful, not adorable.

Is Dottie available for media or attending events?

Email us to inquire with full details!

Can I have a special message from Dottie?

Of course! Please head to her Cameo profile to book! We use this app to complete any video requests.

Can I write a story on Dottie, or take some photos of her?

Email us to inquire and discuss!