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.
Dachshund
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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.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
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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.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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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.
Basset Hound
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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 Dinmont Terrier
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Recognized by its long, low body and “scimitar” tail, which looks like a curved sword, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier also has a fluffy head of hair. First recorded as a breed around 1700, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier has been popular with both wealthy and middle class Europeans throughout its history. Known for its skill of catching otters and badgers, the Dandie Dinmont is intelligent, independent and confident despite its small size. The coat of the breed is medium in length and is a mix of wire and soft hair that should be groomed regularly.
Tibetan Spaniel
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Found in Eastern art dating as far back as 1100 BC, the Tibetan Spaniel was prized as a pet and companion in Tibetan monasteries, Peterson said. Referred to as “little lions” by their masters, the breed would act as a lookout of the monastery and would make its inhabitants aware of any trouble. Small, active and alert, the body of the Tibetan Spaniel is low to the ground and is only slightly longer than its tail. Intelligent and outgoing, Tibetan Spaniels thrive on human companionship and love playing games with their families.
Jessica is a managing editor and spends her days trying not to helicopter parent her beloved shelter pup, Darwin.
Small Dogs, Big Hearts
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