The 15 Most Popular Dog Breeds with Short Legs

Some of our cutest dog breeds have the stumpiest legs! But what these pooches lack in stature they more than make up for in character. Many were historically working dogs and were bred to have body shapes that suited the jobs given to them by our ancestors. Many were derived from larger breeds with longer legs. Their short stature enables them to escape hefty kicks by cattle or fit down rodent holes. There is even a scientific name for dog breeds with short legs, it is chondrodystrophic.

These very special pets may need special care when it comes to their spine and some may even need surgery for angular limb deformity. You may find a harness more appropriate than a neck collar because it distributes their body weight over the chest. Research how to look after these little guys so they can enjoy a long and healthy life. Let’s take a look at the 15 most popular dog breeds with short legs.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

These little guys may only be between 10 and 12 inches tall but they are fearless! They were originally brought to Wales (part of the UK) by Belgian weavers nearly a thousand years ago. Despite their long and low shape, they are surprisingly agile and their legs are powerful and muscular. You will not find it hard to train your Pembroke Welsh corgi but never use harsh words because they are sensitive dogs.

Pekingese

Standing at just 6 to 9 inches high, the Peke’s little legs give it a distinctive, effortless rolling gait. As you would expect from their name, the breed originated in ancient China where they were companion toy dogs for the ruling elite. Legend has it that they were created by the Buddha who shrunk a lion to create a dog. You can’t miss their ‘mane’ formed by a longer coat on their neck and shoulders. It was Queen Victoria who first made the breed popular and they first arrived in the US in the 1890s.

Basset Hound

Basset hounds are a French breed – basset means ‘low’ in French. Being close to the ground was an advantage for these hounds who have a phenomenal sense of smell. Only bloodhounds can detect odors better than they can. They have a height of around 15 inches and stand on powerful little legs with large paws. These dogs have amazing stamina – they excel at endurance and were bred to plod over rough ground. As a family dog they are endlessly charming but some may have a stubborn streak!

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Named after a fictional character in a Walter Scott novel, the Dandie Dinmont terrier stands at just 8 to 11 inches tall. It is called a ‘Dandie’ for short which suits their cute, long-and-low body shape. But appearances can be deceptive, and the Dandie can cope with the rigors of country life in England and Scotland. They were used to seeing off otters and badgers and are independent and courageous dogs. That said, they are perfectly willing to adapt to city living if you can put up with their loud bark!

French Bulldog

Looking like a bulldog, but in miniature, the Frenchie is one of the world’s most popular dog breeds. They are just 11 to 13 inches high with a compact muscular body. They were probably bred by crossing toy Bulldogs with terriers and pugs in northern France where they were named Bouledogue Français. Their cuteness factor is derived from their large bat ears, heavy wrinkles, and short nose. This even-tempered breed needs little outdoor exercise and is perfect for city dwellers.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Affectionately known as Cardis, these corgis are low-set but sturdy dogs with deep chests with a height of between 10.5 and 12.5 inches. They are graceful, athletic, and rugged and are the oldest of all the British dog breeds. Their name is derived from ‘kergie,’ – the ancient Celtic word for dog. Cardis were bred to nip at the heels of cattle whilst being too short to get kicked! These dogs are brave and faithful and thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Dachshund

Standing at just 8 to 9 inches tall, the dachshund is perhaps the best-known short dog breed! They actually come in two sizes and in a variety of coat colors. Their legs are small but their back is long and they have huge personalities. This is not a dog that you can enjoy strenuous outdoor activities with, even though they were bred to tackle badgers in their dens.!Their bravery can get them into trouble and their independent hunter heritage can show itself as stubbornness.

Scottish Terrier

This terrier breed is a compact and solid pooch standing around 10 inches in height. For such a small dog they have very pronounced facial furnishings and their short legs are almost hidden by their generous coat. These dogs are also not lacking in personality. They were bred to work in the rough Scottish Highland terrain and root out rats, badgers, and foxes. Famous Scottish terriers were owned by Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis. You can rely on their watchful instincts but they can be grumpy around other dogs.

Miniature Bull Terrier

People either love or hate bull terriers and the same is true of the miniature version of the breed who stand at just 10 to 14 inches tall. Just like their taller cousins, these guys are full of fire and fear nothing! They are muscular dogs who were bred for fighting. The miniature versions, however, soon earned their keep as above-ground rat hunters. Your little companion will be devoted to you but watch out for that protective streak.

Pomeranian

Super cute and super tiny pomeranians are just 6 or 7 inches tall but in their heads, they are giants! Humans cannot resist their cheeky little foxy faces, luxurious coats, and stubby legs. They are actually the smaller cousins of powerful Arctic sled dogs. These guys can thank Queen Victoria of England for their popularity – she was a successful pomeranian breeder. You can provide all the exercise they need indoors with fun games and they make excellent watchdogs.

Tibetan Spaniel

Looking nothing like what we expect from a spaniel, this breed stands at around 10 inches high. In ancient times, they guarded Tibetan monasteries alerting the inhabitants to intruders. Other Buddhist monks kept them simply as companion dogs. Once trained, they can do very well at scent work and agility sports. However, watch out for their independent streak.

Lancashire Heeler

We know that this breed dates back to the 17th century but details are lacking. They may descend from corgis and Manchester terriers and they worked with cattle in the past. However, these 10-12 inch pocket rockets have a terrier instinct for ratting and rabbiting. They are sturdy, powerful pooches with loads of energy and intelligence.

Miniature Schnauzer

There are three Schnauzer breeds and this is the smallest. They stand between 12 and 14 inches tall and were bed from the larger dogs of the breed. Despite being bred for the traditional terrier farm job of ratting, they actually have no British heritage. This probably explains why they have very different personalities. These dogs manage to be fearless without being aggressive.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The legs of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen may be short but they are very strong! This vivacious little French hunting dog stands at between 13 and 15 inches. They come from the Vendée region of France and have a surprisingly loud bark for their size. Bred for rabbit hunting, they are tenacious and can be headstrong at times.

Cairn Terrier

Bred to hunt out foxes, the cairn terrier is little so that they could dig into and fit down fox holes. Their body is free-moving despite their short legs and they stand at around 9 or 10 inches. This is a hardy breed, who were bred to withstand the rough, Scottish landscape. They are loyal independent thinkers who are small enough to curl up on your lap.