There’s something about dogs with tiny legs that’s just so utterly charming. Maybe it’s the way they conjure a mental of a T-Rex, with its tiny arms all helpless and reaching into the distance, its giant head looking like a mascot costume when paired with the wanting arms. Maybe it’s the way the tiny legs make their equally tiny butts dance when you take them for a stroll through the park. Maybe it’s just the unexpected combination of a regular-sized body and these wee little legs that seems so wrong and yet so clearly right. Whatever it is, dogs with short legs will instantly charm you, and they’re undeniably cute. And though corgis are the first dogs to come to mind as the tiny leg dog team captains, they’re not the only breed that occupies this space. These dogs with short legs are guaranteed to make you say “awww!”
Corgis are the most well-known of dogs that fall into the short-leg sector. Theyre known for being great family dogs and sweet to children. Corgis may be close to the ground, but they have a big presence and are known for barking at anything and everything, according to Dog Time.
Tibetan Spaniels, or Tibbies as theyre affectionately referred to, may have tiny legs, but they can be quite speedy, according to the American Kennel Club. Theyre also known for being playful, smart, and self-confident pups.
Frenchies are one of the most popular small-dog breeds, particularly among people who live in cities, according to the American Kennel Club. Though their small bodies do make their legs look a bit more proportional, they definitely count as part of the small legs club.
Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are a pretty famous breed of dog with short legs. Theyre featured in the game Monopoly as the famous dog token, and theyre known for their independent and sometimes stubborn personalities according to Dog Time.
Dandie Dimont Terriers are tiny, adorable dogs with particularly small front legs. Known for their long bodies and closeness to the ground, these short pups have a fluffy head of hair and boundless energy, according to Dog Time.
Oh wiener dogs, such long bodies and such tiny legs! These dogs are famous for their unique look and in their miniature version theyre only 5 to 6 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club.
Basset hounds are known for being chill, low-key dogs who have ears much bigger than their personalities. They may have small legs, but theyre quite powerful, according to the American Kennel Club, and the dogs possess an unexpected amount of strength and stamina.
These petite-sized pups with short legs pack a major dose of cuteness.
Most dog lovers can’t get enough of pups with teeny tiny paws and short, stubby legs, but have you ever stopped to wonder why these breeds have such small legs? We’ve asked the American Kennel Club to share some popular short-legged dogs and the history of their tiny (but mighty!) statures.
With a name that means “badger dog” in German, the Dachshund is a lively, friendly breed with a keen sense of smell. Recognized by their long, low bodies, Dachshunds were first bred in the early 1600s in Germany to hunt both above and below ground. According to AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson, the goal of early Dachshund breeders was to create a fearless dog with an elongated body that could dig into a badger burrow and fight with the vicious badgers. The breed comes in three coat varieties—smooth, wirehaired or longhaired—and can be miniature or standard in size. The breed is most commonly seen in red, black and tan, blue and fawn.
The older of the two Corgi breeds, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is most easily distinguished by its bushy, long tail. Bred to herd cattle by nipping at their heels and used as a drover and farm dog, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s short legs, deep chest and moderately heavy bone structure makes it powerful despite its size. The breed is most commonly seen in sable, red, brindle, black and blue merle.
Low-set, strong and well built, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a shorter body and tail than the Cardigan Corgi and, while its legs are short, they’re known for being lighter boned than the Cardigans. It’s said that the breed comes from the same family that includes the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Samoyed and Chow Chow and its direct ancestors were brought into Europe as early as 1107, according to Peterson. An agreeable house pet, the Pembroke Corgi also excels in many dog sports including conformation, herding and obedience.
Originally developed in France as a trailer and hunter of small game, the Basset Hound was popular in Europe during the reign of Napoléon Bonaparte. The breed was brought to the United States as a gift to George Washington to use in his hunting expeditions. Recognizable by its big, heavy body, short legs, long ears and droopy eyes, the Basset Hound maintains its strong hunting instinct today. If given the opportunity, Peterson says, the breed will chase or follow a scent willingly. Gentle and generally good with children and other pets, the Basset Hound is known to howl and bark frequently.
Dandie Dimont Terriers are tiny, adorable dogs with particularly small front legs. Known for their long bodies and closeness to the ground, these short pups have a fluffy head of hair and boundless energy, according to Dog Time.
Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are a pretty famous breed of dog with short legs. Theyre featured in the game Monopoly as the famous dog token, and theyre known for their independent and sometimes stubborn personalities according to Dog Time.
Frenchies are one of the most popular small-dog breeds, particularly among people who live in cities, according to the American Kennel Club. Though their small bodies do make their legs look a bit more proportional, they definitely count as part of the small legs club.
Basset hounds are known for being chill, low-key dogs who have ears much bigger than their personalities. They may have small legs, but theyre quite powerful, according to the American Kennel Club, and the dogs possess an unexpected amount of strength and stamina.
Tibetan Spaniels, or Tibbies as theyre affectionately referred to, may have tiny legs, but they can be quite speedy, according to the American Kennel Club. Theyre also known for being playful, smart, and self-confident pups.
FAQ
What dog breeds have very short legs?
- Pomeranian. Dogs with short legs are inherently small, but the Pomeranian—also referred to as a pommy or pom—is especially tiny! …
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi. …
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi. …
- American bulldog. …
- Basset Hound. …
- Miniature schnauzer. …
- Scottish terrier. …
- Dachshund.
What is a dog with a long body called?
Do dogs with short legs have problems?