Dog Breeds With Short Legs
There are dog breeds in which a gene mutation has resulted in a protein deficiency that prevents the full development of the paws. Therefore, dogs with short legs owe this characteristic to the genetic mutation.
A change, of course, that took place many years ago. In fact, there are different breeds of dogs with short and small legs . In this article we tell you about some of them.
What short legged dogs are there?
The genetic mutation described so far is still a matter of study for scientists and veterinary experts. The certainty about this gene is that it changed when dogs “separated” from wolves with evolution.
Dogs with short legs lack a specific protein that allows extremities to grow, but not the body, tail and head.
In some breeds this deficit is combined with a calcification in the cartilage, which therefore does not grow. A phenomenon known as “disproportionate dwarfism”.
1. Welsh Corgi Pembroke
The Welsh Corgi Pembroke, pictured in the featured photo for this article, is a native of Great Britain and was born as a sheepdog.
It is descended from the dogs introduced to Wales by the Vikings during the 9th century. The word “corgi” in fact means “dwarf dog” in the Celtic language.
It is a dog with a sturdy build, elongated body, large ears and fox-like appearance.
Appearance due to red, beige, black or brown fur with white markings. Unfortunately, this dog’s tail is often cut off once it is born.
2. Dachshund
Also called Teckel or Dachshund, it is one of the most famous short-legged dogs. The elongated body and short legs, in addition to the typical brown color, have earned him the nickname of “sausage dog”.
This breed originated in Germany, where it was made official in 1888. Long tail, elongated muzzle, large and low ears, black nails.
It can have short or long hair. Unfortunately, he often suffers from problems with his spine and ribs.
3. Giant dachshund
Here is one of the best known short-legged dogs, so much so that the characteristic that affects dogs with short legs is called “bassottism” in his honor.
It is a hound of French origin descended from the English breed called the Dog of St. Hubert.
The main characteristics of this breed are the long ears that often reach the ground and therefore tend to get dirty easily.
The sturdy and long body allows it to reach surfaces that otherwise it would not reach due to the short legs.
4. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is another short legged dog. A native of mountainous areas, he is an excellent digger and was born to look for hidden badgers in the mountains.
Its tail is strong and long so that the owners can “pull” it to get it out of holes in the ground that it digs.
The Scottish Terrier has a broad muzzle and pointed ears that are always straight up. The fur can be black, brown or golden, with a “woolly” appearance and a pronounced beard.
As for the character, it is a territorial, agile, fast, decisive and very enterprising dog.
In addition, he is very confident, intelligent and playful. He is known for his stubbornness and for being very affectionate with children.
5. Cairn terrier
The last of the short-legged dogs that we want to present to you is a native of the Scottish mountains and was born to hunt and capture prey.
It is a small dog with a hairy muzzle, small ears and a short and always straight tail.
The abundant double-layered fur resists water and is black, gray, brindle, reddish and cream in color.
Among the dogs with short legs we find many other breeds: Bull Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Beagle, Norfolk Terrier, Maltese and American Bully.
