26 dogs with short legs

Dogs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The following breeds have particularly short legs and a long upper body:

Compared to other dogs, the above breeds also have a significantly longer life expectancy. Only the bulldog species are an exception.

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#1 Dachshund

The dachshund has its origins in Germany. Due to its friendly nature, this breed is now one of the 12 most popular breeds internationally.

These short-legged dogs were once bred specifically to lure badgers out of their dens. Because they could climb into even the smallest badger den.

They are also available with 3 different hair types – short, long and so-called “rough hair”. In addition, they live up to 16 years.

They also have very long floppy ears for their size. However, they can only be trained moderately well. They also bark a lot and are very playful and curious. [1]

Fun fact: Because of its unusually long body and short legs, these animals are also known internationally as “sausage dogs”.

#2 English Bulldog

The English bulldog is the 5th most popular dog in the world. This is despite the fact that this breed was originally bred for bear and bull baiting.

Specifically, this means that they were chased on chained bears and cattle for show until they either suffered a painful death or fell to the ground due to exhaustion.

Fortunately, that is now a thing of the past. Because these blood sports have long been banned. The short-legged dogs also have a lot of muscles.

In addition, they require very little exercise, bark a lot and are difficult to train. So there are definitely more suitable breeds for first-time owners. [2]

Fun fact: For anatomical reasons, these four-legged friends not only tend to have an underbite, but they also snore particularly frequently.

#3 Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier comes from Scotland, where it was originally used to hunt badgers and otters. But they also make great family and guard dogs.

In most cases they get along very well with strange dogs. They can also be socialized with cats. However, their hunting instinct is too strong for other small animals.

In addition, they develop a close relationship with the family and especially with children. With strangers, however, they tend to keep their distance and are skeptical.

Compared to other dogs with short legs, they bark very little. They are also very adaptable and find it difficult to stay alone. [3]

Fun fact: As a garden lover, you should always keep an eye on these dogs. Because they are not only very good at digging, but also particularly fast.

#4 Welsh Corgi Cardigan

The Welsh Corgi Cardigan is one of 56 German Shepherd breeds. But they are also just as suitable as guard and family dogs.

“Corgi” stands for dwarf dog and “Cardigan” is the birthplace of this breed. What makes these short-legged dogs special is primarily their good hearing.

In addition, they get along excellently with children and sometimes with strange dogs and pets. However, they bark and shed more than average.

They are also easy to train and live up to 16 years. By the way, they are also considered to be particularly devoted and trusting. [4]

Fun fact: This breed often pinches its owner's calves when they want something. No matter whether it is food or attention.

#5 Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is the smallest type of German Spitz. However, it is now recognized as an independent breed. It is also one of the 30 most popular breeds worldwide.

When fully grown, these four-legged friends only reach around 2 kg. They are also available with more than 20 different fur colors.

Compared to other dogs with short legs, they are relatively easy to train and love attention. This also makes them great family dogs.

Since they bark quite a bit, they were sometimes used as guard dogs in the past. But the little four-legged friends are not particularly brave or strong. [5]

Fun fact: These animals often naturally have a smile on their faces. Because her lips go up slightly at the sides.

#6 French Bulldog

The French Bulldog was once bred specifically to serve as a family dog. They are also ideal for apartments and smaller homes.

Because they need relatively little exercise, rarely bark and only have a weak hunting instinct. By the way, they are also very playful and absolute clowns.

They are also the fourth most popular dog of all breeds worldwide. According to studies, they are also said to be one of the stupidest breeds.

In addition, the short-legged dogs have difficulty staying alone. But they are all the more trusting, more sociable and develop a close bond with the family. [6]

Fun fact: Going to the beach with these four-legged friends is not a good idea. Because their short legs make them particularly poor swimmers.

#7 Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu has its origins in China. In the 20th century, this breed almost died out except for 14 individuals. The numbers have now recovered.

And yet it explains why all of today's Shih Tzus have these dogs' DNA. These animals were considered sacred by the Tibetan monks.

With a life expectancy of up to 18 years, they are also one of the longest-lived dogs in the world. They also make great family dogs.

Compared to other breeds with short legs, they are also ideal for first-time owners and beginners. Because they are easy to train and very friendly. [7]

Fun fact: This breed is particularly known for eating its own and other dogs' feces.

#8 Maltese

The Maltese is said to originally come from Malta. However, this is still controversial to this day. When fully grown, this breed only reaches a weight of around 2 kg.

Incidentally, it is no coincidence that the fur of these dogs is completely white. This color was considered sacred by the Romans, so only white Maltese were popular.

These four-legged friends generally don't cope well with the cold. They are also particularly prone to chills.

In addition, the short-legged dogs are considered very playful, active and trusting. The latter explains why they are also more often used as therapy dogs. [8]

Fun fact: A New York billionaire's Maltese inherited a whopping 12 million after his death in 2007 – making him the richest dog in the world.

#9 Pug

The pug comes from China and was once bred primarily as a lap dog. But they also make great family dogs and develop a close relationship with the family.

In contrast to other dogs with short legs, they also need a lot of attention. They also have difficulty staying alone.

Because of their short snouts, these dogs snore loudly and frequently. And yet they are among the 30 most popular breeds worldwide.

In addition, they bark little, shed a lot and are only moderately easy to train. Swimming, on the other hand, is not one of her strengths. [9]

Fun fact: Pugs are also colloquially known as “shadows” because they follow their master everywhere. The toilet is no exception.

#10 Olde English Bulldogge

The Olde English Bulldogge comes from the USA. Despite their low shoulder height of just 43 cm, these four-legged friends weigh just under 40 kg.

In the past, this breed was used for both bullbaiting and dog fighting. Nowadays, however, they primarily serve as family and guard dogs.

In addition, they sleep more than average and are considered couch potatoes. However, first-time owners are advised not to have these short-legged dogs.

Because they are difficult to train and can be very stubborn. The owner should definitely have a certain level of dominance and experience. [10]

Fun fact: With this breed you can expect wet socks. Because they are known for leaving a drool stain every few meters.

#11 Pekingese

The Pekingese originally comes from China and is still used primarily as a lap and family dog. This breed was once very popular internationally.

In the last few decades, however, their acquaintance has dwindled more and more. The reason for this is the fact that a lot of lap dog breeds were bred in the 20th century.

In addition, these four-legged friends bark quite a lot, have a strong hunting instinct and are sometimes aggressive. In addition, they can only be trained moderately well. [11]

Compared to other dogs with short legs, their long hair also makes them very demanding to care for. Their life expectancy of only around 11 years is also relatively short.

Fun fact: Because of their small size and long hair, these dogs are very easy to mistake for a mop while they sleep.

#12 Valley Bulldog

The Valley Bulldog comes from Canada. In his homeland, the small animals have gained a particularly good reputation for apartment life.

And this despite the fact that they shed comparatively a lot and bark frequently. They are very trusting towards their families and get along well with children. [12]

Compared to other Great Dane species, they are also suitable for beginners. Because they are easy to train and are very sociable and loyal.

In addition, these short-legged dogs live up to 14 years and have difficulty coping with heat and cold. They are also more likely to be overweight.

Fun fact: Anyone who collects antique furniture will not be happy with this breed. Because they love to chew on things. And furniture is at the top of her favorites list after toys.

#13 Havanese

The Havanese has its origins in Cuba. It is also the only breed that comes from this island. She was originally bred specifically as a lap dog.

This also explains their very calm and trusting nature. They are also suitable for beginners as well as for living in apartments.

When fully grown, these four-legged friends only weigh around 4-5 kilograms. In addition, they live up to 16 years and are one of the 24 most popular breeds worldwide.

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