<p>Ryanodine receptor 1 Ca²⁺ leak is a signal in skeletal muscle, but chronic leak can underlie pathology. Here we show that in healthy male mouse, limb-girdle muscle presents higher sympathetic input, elevated ryanodine receptor 1 basal phosphorylation, Ca²⁺ leak and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ content compared to distal leg muscles. These regional differences are consistent with heat generation in resting muscle to maintain core temperature. The dysferlin-null mouse develops severe pathology in the limb-girdle but not leg muscles. Absence of dysferlin disrupts dihydropyridine receptors’ inhibitory control over ryanodine receptor 1 leak, synergistically increasing leak through the already phosphorylated channel of limb-girdle muscle. This&#xa0;alters Ca²⁺ handling and distribution leading to reactive oxygen species production prior to disease onset. With age, oxidation of Ca²⁺ -handling proteins in dysferlin-null limb-girdle muscle&#xa0;alters basal Ca²⁺ movements. Our results show that muscle-specific pathology in dysferlin-null mice is linked to increased ryanodine receptor 1 Ca²⁺ leak.</p>