While there is no denying the beauty of most canine breeds, few can compare to the cuteness of those with short legs. Dogs with short legs, typically descended from hound breeds, make great house companions and do well in smaller spaces. It is simple to understand why short-legged dog breeds are so popular.
They don’t need much attention, can get by on a moderate amount of exercise, and get along nicely with kids in almost all cases. You might have a couple in mind as you read this, but we’ve compiled a list of 10 Dogs Breed with Short Legs to give you more variety.
Some are extremely popular, while others are unusual and go unnoticed. We’ll also talk about the health and background of these canines so you can learn more about their special characteristics.
The Most Popular 10 Dogs Breed with Short Legs
The 10 Dogs Breed with Short Legs listed below are far from the only ones with short legs. This is especially true once we consider the almost unlimited number of possible hybrids, hybrid crosses, etc. Want, say, a Labrador with short legs? Do you have any idea what a Labradoodle is?
However, many kennel clubs do not recognize these hybrids due to the possibility of health problems. Furthermore, because the appearance of such crossbreeds can vary widely, it may be difficult to discern between specific bred standards. There are a lot of breeders out there who sell short-legged mixes, but you can’t be sure that the puppy you’re getting is healthy.
For this reason, we will only include well-known, widely accepted Dogs Breed with Short Legs that tend to be physically and mentally sound. Some of the most well-known dog breeds will be those that are considered “designer” or “toy” dogs, while others will be larger hound and working dog varieties that nevertheless have relatively short legs.
1. Dachshund
The Dachshund, whose name literally means “badger hound” in German, is a popular choice as a family pet. Doxies are known for their long, leggy bodies yet are often referred to as “Wiener dogs” because of their diminutive stature. Because of their friendly nature and lively personality, Wieners do well in households with children of all ages and sizes.
2. Pomeranian
It’s easy to see that the Pom is the smallest of these canines. Typically no more than 8 pounds (3.5 kg) in weight, Pomeranians belong to the “toy breed” category. These canines have such enormous spirits that even the largest dogs at the dog park aren’t afraid to stand up to them and bark at them.
3. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Queen Elizabeth of England also adores a different type of royal dog—the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The corgi is a relatively new dog breed that originated as a herding dog. This contributes to their extroverted natures, boundless vitality (for someone of their stature), and extraordinary wit. Like other herding breeds, Corgis get along great with other dogs and animals.
Pugs are a popular breed of dog because many find their quirky appearance endearing. Short noses can create breathing difficulties, which we’ll get into more below in our discussion of the Brachycephalic syndrome. When properly cared for, Pugs can live up to their reputation as excellent, adorable, and entertaining pets.
5. English Bulldogs
Contrary to their name, English bullies are significantly more polite, sociable, and social. These dogs are fantastic with children and would make great companions.
6. Chihuahua
Due to their diminutive stature, Chihuahuas are not commonly associated with having short legs. While not as short-legged as some of the other breeds on this list, they are nevertheless stigmatized for it. Chihuahuas are unique due to their high levels of energy, playfulness, and feistiness. However, they have to get clothed before leaving the house very often because they are sensitive to the cold.
7. French Bulldog
When compared to an English Bulldog, a Frenchie has noticeably shorter legs. Frenchies also have a little bit more stamina than their English counterparts because they are physically more athletic. Because of their small stature and ease of injury from overheating or exertion, Frenchies require special care.
8. Tibetan Spaniel
Similar to the Pekingese in appearance and origin, these toy dogs hail from East Asia. Tibetan Spaniels, sometimes known as “Little Lions,” are recognized for their tenacious personalities and stubbornness despite their fluffy coats, tiny legs, and small stature. These dogs, initially developed in Tibetan monasteries, are now suitable for life in the home or in an apartment.
9. Shih Tzu
The legs of a Shih Tzu are rarely considered because their long, gorgeous coat completely hides them. The “little lion” moniker is also applied to this dog breed from Asia. However, in this case, it is just because that is the Mandarin name for the breed. These dogs have superior manners than the Pekingese and the Tibetan Spaniel.
10. Lhasa Apso
Developed as monastic watchdogs in Tibet, these canines are related to the Tibetan Spaniel. Despite their similarities, these are distinct breeds. Lhasa Apso dogs tend to shed more than average, despite their larger size and thicker coats. They are very high maintenance in terms of grooming, but their obedience and devotion are worth the effort.
Why Do Some Dog Breeds Have Short Legs?
It is widely accepted in the scientific community that domesticated wolves, and not other wild canine relatives like foxes or dingoes, are the ancestors of all modern dog breeds. What therefore explains the existence of dog breeds with short legs? As with the majority of evolution, this is a problem of random mutations and natural selection.
However, in this case, the selection was brought about less by natural means and more through deliberate breeding. Dogs with small legs have dwarfism, as previously stated. The use of the term “suffer” exaggerates the gravity of the situation. Europeans and Asians at different points in history “developed” dog breeds with shorter legs.
The achondroplastic dwarfism gene mutation seems to be the initial source of the disorder every time. Dwarfism, obviously, has certain undesirable health consequences, and we’ll go over them here. Breeders have worked tirelessly to eradicate many of these undesirable characteristics from short-legged dog breeds.
Therefore, while the first litter of puppies with achondroplastic dwarfism likely experienced many difficulties, their descendants are in much better health presently.
