One of the cutest features in certain dog breeds is their adorably short legs! This unique trait is commonly found in small and medium-sized dogs, giving them a distinct and lovable appearance.
To better understand dogs with short legs, we spoke with two veterinarians. In this article, we’ll explore why some dogs have short legs, how to care for them, and potential health concerns. Keep reading to meet 19 charming breeds with short legs and learn what makes them so special!
Why Do Some Dogs Have Short Legs?
Some dog breeds have short legs due to a genetic condition called chondrodysplasia, also known as canine dwarfism. According to Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, this condition affects cartilage development, resulting in shorter, slightly bowed legs.
Other short-legged breeds were selectively bred for specific purposes, like hunting or working dogs, making their compact stature an advantage in certain tasks.
Health Concerns for Dogs With Short Legs
Short-legged dogs can live healthy, active lives, but they are more prone to certain health issues, including:
✔ Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) – Spinal problems that can cause pain and mobility issues.
✔ Joint issues and arthritis – Extra stress on their legs can lead to discomfort over time.
✔ Limb deformities – Abnormal growth can sometimes cause mobility challenges.
How to Keep Short-Legged Dogs Healthy
🐾 Maintain a healthy weight – Extra weight puts pressure on their joints and spine.
🐾 Provide low-impact exercise – Activities like short walks help keep them active without stressing their joints.
🐾 Use ramps instead of stairs – Jumping and climbing can strain their backs and legs.
Dr. Kong recommends regular vet check-ups to monitor their health. If your dog shows signs of discomfort or reduced mobility, consult your vet for the best treatment options. With proper care, dogs with short legs can live happy, active lives!
1. Dachshund
Whether you call them a Wiener dog, Doxie, or sausage dog, the Dachshund is easily recognized by its long body and short legs. These adorable pups come in standard and miniature sizes and were originally bred in 17th-century Germany to hunt badgers—hence their name, which means “badger dog” in German.
Today, Dachshunds are popular family pets known for their playful, loyal, and protective nature. However, due to their strong prey drive, they may not be the best fit for homes with small pets like hamsters or rabbits.
To keep them healthy, Dachshunds need daily low-impact exercise and a portion-controlled diet, as they are prone to weight gain. With proper care, these lovable hot dog-shaped hounds make wonderful companions!
Dachshund Breed Overview
| Group | Hound |
|---|---|
| Height | 8-9 inches (Standard), 5-6 inches (Miniature) |
| Weight | 16-32 pounds (Standard), up to 11 pounds (Miniature) |
| Personality/Temperament | Playful, Devoted, Lively, Courageous, Willful, Independent, Clever |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Smooth, Longhaired, and Wire-Haired; Black, Tan, Fawn, Blue, Chocolate, Red, Beige with Various Markings |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years |
2. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is famous for its long, floppy ears—which are actually longer than its short legs! Originally bred in France as a scent hound, this medium-sized breed is known for its strong sense of smell and loving personality.
Basset Hounds make wonderful family pets because they are calm, affectionate, and intelligent. Despite their short legs, they need daily exercise to stay fit and happy. Whether it’s a leisurely walk or playtime in the yard, these lovable dogs enjoy staying active with their favorite people!
Basset Hound Breed Overview
| Group | Hound |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 15 inches |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Friendly, Loving, Playful, Sweet-Tempered, Willful |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Short and Smooth; Combinations of Black, Brown, Tan, White, Lemon, Mahogany, and Red |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years |
3. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a medium-sized herding breed from Wales, easily recognized by its short legs, pointed ears, and friendly face. These dogs were bred with short legs to help them herd cattle while staying low to avoid kicks from livestock.
In addition to being skilled farm dogs and barn guards, Cardigan Welsh Corgis make wonderful family pets. They are energetic, playful, vocal, and protective, always eager to be part of the action. Because of their strong herding instincts, they need daily exercise like leashed walks or running in a fenced yard to stay happy and healthy.
Since they have a long back and short legs, it’s important to protect their spine. Using pet ramps instead of stairs can help prevent injuries and keep them active for years to come!
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Breed Overview
| Group | Herding |
|---|---|
| Height | 10 to 13 inches |
| Weight | 25 to 38 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Active, Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Playful |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Medium-length double coat; Red, Sable, Brindle, Black, or Blue Merle, usually with White Markings |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years |
4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a medium-sized herding breed from Wales, known for its short legs and lively personality. As the shortest member of the herding group, they are classified as a dwarf breed.
Originally bred as herding dogs, guard dogs, and companions, Pembrokes are happy, energetic, and highly adaptable. They love staying active and need about an hour of exercise daily to keep their minds and bodies engaged.
Because of their short legs and long backs, it’s important to provide steps or ramps at home to help them move around safely and protect their joints. With proper care, these smart and affectionate dogs make wonderful lifelong companions!
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Breed Overview
| Group | Herding |
|---|---|
| Height | 10 to 12 inches |
| Weight | 24 to 30 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Outgoing, Playful, Friendly, Protective |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Medium-length double coat; Black and Tan, Red, Sable, or Fawn |
| Life Span | 12 to 13 years |
5. English Bulldog
Bulldogs are one of the most beloved dog breeds, and it’s easy to see why! They are loyal, gentle, and playful, making them wonderful companions. From their wrinkly faces and short legs to their slobbery kisses and adorable snores, there’s so much to love about them.
Despite their grumpy expression, Bulldogs are affectionate dogs who enjoy spending time with their families. They love to eat, sleep, and relax, but because they are a flat-faced breed, they need to be kept cool in warm weather and should get low-impact exercise to avoid breathing issues.
Bulldogs are also prone to weight gain, which can put extra strain on their joints. To keep them healthy, they should be fed a balanced diet with portioned meals and regular light exercise. With proper care, Bulldogs make loyal, loving, and endlessly entertaining pets!
Bulldog Breed Overview
| Group | Non-Sporting |
|---|---|
| Height | 14 to 15 inches |
| Weight | 40 to 50 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Docile, Friendly, Willful, Gregarious |
| Energy Level | Low |
| Coat and Color | Short and Smooth; Red, White, Fawn, or Fallow, or a Combination of Colors |
| Life Span | 8 to 10 years |
6. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog, or Frenchie, is a small, compact breed known for its bat-like ears, short legs, and adorable face. These affectionate and playful dogs are devoted to their families, getting along well with both people and other pets.
French Bulldogs love being lapdogs and prefer short walks and gentle playtime over intense exercise. However, as a flat-faced breed, they are prone to breathing issues and are sensitive to heat and cold, so they should avoid extreme temperatures and overexertion.
Because of their unique build, Frenchies can be prone to certain health conditions like IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia. Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and moderate exercise can help keep them happy and healthy!
French Bulldog Breed Overview
| Group | Non-Sporting |
|---|---|
| Height | 11 to 13 inches |
| Weight | 19 to 28 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Loyal, Friendly, Affectionate, Sociable, Playful |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Short and Smooth; Brindle, Fawn, White, or Combinations of Brindle & White or Fawn & White |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years |
7. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a small but spirited breed from Scotland, known for its coarse fur, pointed ears, and short legs. Developed in the 19th century, it is one of the oldest terrier breeds.
Though they are lapdog-sized, Cairn Terriers are active and intelligent dogs that love to stay busy. They thrive with regular exercise and training, keeping both their bodies and minds engaged.
Playful, loyal, and protective, the Cairn Terrier makes a wonderful family dog. They enjoy running, playing, and even digging, but they also love spending quality time with their favorite people!
French Bulldog Breed Overview
| Group | Non-Sporting |
|---|---|
| Height | 11 to 13 inches |
| Weight | 19 to 28 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Loyal, Friendly, Affectionate, Sociable, Playful |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Short and Smooth; Brindle, Fawn, White, or Combinations of Brindle & White or Fawn & White |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years |
8. Pekingese
The Pekingese, or Peke, is an ancient Chinese breed originally bred as a royal companion dog. These small but bold dogs are easily recognized by their lion-like mane, large eyes, low body, and signature V-shaped facial wrinkle.
Despite their tiny size, Pekes have big personalities! They are social, affectionate, and protective, forming strong bonds with their owners. While they thrive on human companionship, they can also get along with other pets if socialized early. Their compact size makes them perfect for apartment living.
Because of their flat faces, Pekingese are prone to overheating. They should get low-impact exercise and avoid spending too much time outside in hot weather. With the right care, these charming little dogs make wonderful and devoted companions!
Pekingese Breed Overview
| Group | Toy |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 to 9 inches |
| Weight | Up to 14 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Affectionate, Good-Natured, Intelligent, Willful |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Long, Thick Double Coat; Gold, Red, or Sable, Occasionally Black & Tan, White, Cream, Sable, and Gray |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years |
9. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small, short-legged breed with a long body and silky coat, originally developed in England and Scotland. These independent dogs are low-maintenance and easy to keep happy, making them great companions for busy owners.
Unlike many terriers, Dandie Dinmonts are calm and adaptable. They can comfortably stay home alone while their owners are at work and generally get along well with cats and other dogs, especially if raised together.
However, due to their strong terrier instincts, they are not suitable for homes with small pets like hamsters or mice. With their loyal and affectionate nature, Dandie Dinmont Terriers make wonderful family companions!
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed Overview
| Group | Terrier |
|---|---|
| Height | 8 to 11 inches |
| Weight | 18 to 24 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Affectionate, Companionable, Playful, Independent, Calm |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Double Coat; Pepper (Blue-Black to Silver) or Mustard (Red-Brown to Light Fawn); Darker Colors on Legs and Feet |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years |
10. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small but sturdy breed originally bred in Germany for farm work and hunting vermin. They have a wiry double coat that is considered hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Their compact size also makes them well-suited for apartment living.
Miniature Schnauzers are alert and protective, making them excellent watchdogs—but they do tend to bark a lot. They are also active, intelligent, and playful, meaning they need mental stimulation to stay happy. Puzzle toys and fun training sessions help keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
Because of their natural prey drive, they love to chase small animals and should always be on a leash or in a fenced area when outside. Their wiry coat requires daily brushing, especially their distinctive beards, to keep them looking their best!
Miniature Schnauzer Breed Overview
| Group | Terrier |
|---|---|
| Height | 12 to 14 inches |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Lively, Alert, Friendly |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Medium-Length, Wiry Double Coat; Black, Black and Silver, or Salt and Pepper |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years |
In Brief
It is not true that short legged dogs don’t make good watchdogs or hunters. As you can decipher from the illustration above that many of these cute short legged buddies were originally trained to hunt.
For the most part, it’s important to add here that there are other short legged breeds in the world, which unfortunately did not make into our list. Regardless, if you want to look further into short legged dog breeds, be our guest.
On the whole, if you are considering adopting one of these cute little babies, make sure to do a thorough research on the personality and adaptability of the breed you want.
Long story short, we hope you enjoyed reading this article, and we wish you all the best finding the right pooch for you.
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