Dwarfism

First of all, Miniature Herefords are NOT dwarves. The belief that small cattle carry a dwarf gene started in the 1950's when dwarfism was a major problem for Hereford breeders, and before science had progressed enough to study the genetic makeup resulting in a dwarf calf. It is a myth of the uninformed, and unfortunately, continues today. This myth is one of the two main reasons we have such gigantic Herefords today, and while I have nothing against the large size of those animals, I've seen Miniatures who carry just as much beef. 
 

Average Miniature Hereford Heifer, born in 2005 here in Texas

A sketch from L.P. McCann's book, The Battle of Bull Runts, illustrating the obvious visual difference between a normal and dwarf calf.

It was commonly thought, back in the 60's, that one could simply look at a cow to determine whether or not she carried the dwarf gene. Supposedly, a large, shallow bodied, long and plain faced cow would be free of genetic dwarfism; while a small cow with a short and slightly dished face was just sure to have dirty genetics. Research was conducted on ranches all across the U.S. from 1950 until 1957, to determine whether or not this firmly held believe was indeed accurate. It was not. For further study, I recommend reading "The Battle of Bull Runts" by L.P. McCann.  
 

A cow, by appearance supposedly "clean" of dwarf genes. She produced dwarves. Picture from McCann's book.

A bull, by appearance supposedly a dwarf producer. He was proven "clean" by progeny test - mating him to 70 known dwarf producing cows. From McCann's book.
 
To further my point that Miniature Herefords are not dwarves without the assistance of modern DNA technology, I submit that fact that dwarf calves have a similar, obviously undesirable appearance. They have large heads, usually carried low, have pot bellies, and usually wheeze when they breathe, their legs are as thick as they should be normally, but are much shorter. Spend some time looking at the photos on this page, and you'll begin to see the visual differences for yourself. Click the pictures to enlarge.
 

A dwarf Hereford bull, picture from Virginia Tech ImageBase.

A Miniature Hereford bull, of similar age to the bull on the left. This bull was born here in Texas in 2001. Estimated to be 0000 (about 40 inches tall) at maturity.
 
If you want to purchase Miniature Herefords, be absolutely SURE to purchase from a reputable breeder, and get those AHA registration papers! Registered cattle will cost more, but for now, they are your only insurance against dwarf genetics.
 
 

These pictures were sent to me by a visitor to this site. She informs me she purchased the cow on the left believing it to be a Miniature Hereford - and learned the hard way. Since the cow is grazing, the photo doesn't show her natural head carriage, and you obviously can't listen for wheezy breathing; but both cows exhibit dwarfy characteristics.
 
An interesting point I learned from "The Battle of Bull Runts" is that dwarves could result from matings between Herefords and Angus. Hybrid superiority? Hmmmmm.
 

A Hereford Angus crossbred Dwarf

Three normal calves, and one dwarf.

Black and white pictures, unless noted, are from Virginia Tech ImageBase. 

Color pictures, unless noted, are Orion Herefords pictures