Welsh Corgi
Daschund Dachshund
Basset Hound
Scottish Terrier
There are dog breeds that present a disharmony between body and limbs , resulting in short-legged subjects. It is disproportionate dwarfism due to selections, genetic mutations that occurred over a very long period of time.

From studies still in progress it seems that these breeds of dogs have a specific protein deficiency that governs the growth of the limbs and therefore, in the face of a complete development of the body, a proportional lengthening of the legs does not follow.

Short-legged dogs are very lively, alert, active, skilled in everything .

The only problem related to this feature is the load on the spine, which can lead to ailment such asosteochondrosis , intervertebral hernia and vertebral injuries.

Here are the main short-legged dog breeds.

Welsh Corgi (Pembroke and Cardigan)

They are two varieties of Welsh Corgi , very similar to each other, they differ in the color of the coat and few details. It is an English breed that is included in the first group, that of shepherd dogs according to the classification of the International Dog Federation (FCI).
The Pembroke is more widespread , it boasts a presence at the court of King George VI of England. 

• Morphology : the distinctive feature is the head similar to that of a fox, with a pointed muzzle. The ears are tense, long with rounded ends. The limbs are short, with large, rounded feet. The Pembroke’s tail is short, while the Cardigan’s is long and bushy. The coat is of medium length, neither soft nor bristly, of a fawn or black color with white streaks on the limbs. Welsh Corgi stand around 30cm tall at the withers and their weight can range from 10-15kg. 
• Psychology : they have a lively but affectionate character. The Cardigan is more reserved and reserved, while the Pembroke is more sociable. Both are very balanced and intelligent, also suitable for living with children. Unfortunately they are dogs that bark very frequently and easily. 
• Care : they need to be encouraged to move, because they are somewhat lazy dogs despite their lively nature. Nutrition must also be well balanced to protect them from overweight problems. The life expectancy of the Welsh Corgi is between 12 and 14 years.

Dachshund, Dachshund

The Dachshund is of German origin, although there are some traces of this dog in ancient Egypt. Dachshund breeding is very common in Bavaria, and it is a very characteristic dog due to its elongated shape and short legs . There are nine varieties of Dachshunds, by size ( standard, dwarf, kaninchen ) and hair ( long, short and bristly ).

• Morphology : long body, short legs, flat skull, pointed muzzle, dark eyes, hanging ears, high tail. Unlike other dogs, the size is not measured at the withers but by the circumference of the chest. The parameters establish 30 cm for the kaninchen, 35 cm for the dwarves, and over 35 for the standards . All colors and their distribution are allowed, black and fawn, brown. 
• Psychology : possesses a docile and obedient character. The dachshund is a very intelligent and affectionate dog, but it is a hunting dog and in sight of a possible prey its instinct goes out. 
• Care : pay attention to the amount of food to avoid overweight. Avoid making jumps or strenuous movements that could compromise the spine.

Basset Hound

A funny and nice looking dog, the Basset Hound was born in France, but the UK and the United States are competing for its nationality, the result is that it turns out to be a breed without a homeland, even if the last selected standard is English. This short-legged dog is renowned for its infallible nose, which is used to track down prey during hunting trips.

• Morphology : the size of the Basset Hound is extremely disproportionate to the length of the limbs, in fact it can even weigh around 30 kg, compared to a maximum height of 38 cm . The muzzle is gaunt, the eyes dark with the broadly shaped conjunctiva. The ears are extremely long and soft. The coat is short and smooth and all colors of the breed are allowed, black, white and fawn.
• Psychology : has a meek character, is affectionate and playful, ideal for living in the company of children. He is very attached to his owner with whom he loves to share space and time. 
• Care : He is a tough and hardy dog ​​and his life expectancy can reach 12 years, but the health of Basset Hounds can run into various hurdles. He is subject to patella luxation, retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, vertebral disc disease.

Scottish Terrier

The name itself suggests, this small short-legged dog boasts Scottish origins. The Scottish is an extremely lively and stubborn wad of fur. 

• Morphology : the Scottish is renowned for its mustache and beard, long and stiff, the hair is thick, longer on the eyebrows and on the muzzle. The color of the coat is generally dark gray, bristly and resistant. The ears and tail are straight, the dark eyes have an almond-shaped cut.
• Psychology : the Scottish is a dog with a very independent character, with a strong-willed temperament, but it becomes very attached to its family unit very easily. He is very brave and defends his territory. He barks very frequently, and tends to dig holes. 
• Care : the Scottish’s coat requires special grooming a couple of times a year, stripping to take care of its shape. Unfortunately, this breed has a high incidence of cancer: you can only help it lead a healthy life, movement, balanced nutrition, healthy environments.