There is something about every breed that makes them irresistibly cute. When it comes to the dogs on our list, you will find at least one common denominator—short little legs. There is certainly a lot of variety in this arena.
You will find long-haired dogs and short-haired dogs. You will find cuddly, curious, lazy, energetic, and everything in the middle. Each of these adorable short legged dogs brings something unique to the table. So, if you would love to have a long-bodied dog with short legs, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s peek at these ten short legged dogs.
The 10 Dog Breeds with Short Legs:
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their droopy, sad expressions. They have long, floppy ears and short stubby legs that point outward. They are as gentle and laid back as they look, making their image match their hearts. They are very amiable and slow-paced.
Not only are they terrific with humans, but they also tend to do very well with other pets, too. They may have a stubborn streak, which can make them hard to manage. Their hunting urge is still very much a part of their make-up, so they may be diggers.
These dogs with short legs absolutely love to eat as well, so you may have to ration their diet. Their desire to feed leads to obesity in the breed. While chubby, wrinkly bassets may be adorable, the extra weight is bad for their longer backs, which can cause much bigger issues if you let it go.
2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
These tiny tots are responsible for so many “oohs” and “ahhs” from cute photos floating around the web. They have sweet, cheerful expressions and happy-go-lucky personalities. Their ears are over-sized, and yet, they stand utterly erect at all times.
They were too adorable to keep as worker dogs, so these guys have graduated to couch companion instead. They make outstanding family members, but they do require quite a bit of stimulation. They are pretty speedy on those tiny legs and will love to exercise by chasing, fetching, and jumping around.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very versatile as well, making great apartment dogs or farm dogs. That means just about anybody can enjoy having one of these wonderful animals around.
3. French Bulldog
This is another insanely cute and incredibly popular breed. They may be short-legged, but they have muscly, stocky bodies and larger than life personalities. Frenchies are terrific traveling companions because they get along with almost anyone they meet. They are highly stranger friendly.
If you’re looking for a guard dog—sorry, that isn’t going to happen with this breed. They may very well alert you if there is a knock at the door or if a strange dog has meandered into the yard, but they won’t do much about it. In fact, they’ll probably be much more concerned with making them a friend.
French Bulldogs may have a bit of little dog syndrome, as they tend to be a bit bossy with their canine friends. But they will love having other animals around. They are also excellent lap dogs, ready to lounge with you at your request.
4. Cairn Terrier
You may know of these guys form the ever-popular classic movie The Wizard of Oz. Toto himself was a Cairn Terrier, trekking his way down the yellow brick road. These dogs may be little, but they are fearlessly assertive. They have no trouble whatsoever handling their own.
They are a stereotypical terrier—active and courageous. They won’t hesitate to run after a squirrel, rodent or other vermin. So, you must be careful with them when they are around smaller pets. It’s instinctual for them to chase and even harm smaller animals. While they may not be able to kill cats, they could hurt one if they chose to become aggressive.
Cairn Terriers may be big-time barkers, too. They are feisty and alert, picking up on every happening around them and telling you all about it. They are extremely cheerful and loyal dogs. They will always be up for a game of fetch or a walk around the block.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
Closely resembling the Scottish Terrier, these dogs with short legs have big hearts. They are immensely obedient and very people-oriented. If you want a smaller companion dog that is like a shadow, getting a mini schnauzer may be the best for you.
They are very alert and intelligent dogs who will pick up on basic commands in no time. They’re also hypoallergenic, so even if a family member has allergies, you can still enjoy their in-home friendship. They’re independent but also eager to please, making them easy to train.
While Mini Schnauzers are very welcoming and happy dogs, they serve as excellent guard dogs as well. They won’t hesitate to vocalize an oncoming stranger—animal or human alike.
6. Pekingese
These short legged dogs of ancestral royalty are widely recognizable for their thick, long coats. They tend to be incredibly devoted and affectionate toward their owners but may not take the same approach for others. They are a bit picky about who they want around them.
They are excellent watchdogs, electing themselves as the protectors of the household. While they probably can’t do much damage, they can certainly let you know if they disapprove. Pekingese are also extremely heavy barkers. This is something that will need to be addressed very early on to prevent bad behavior later.
If you can deal with their quirks, you are sure to have a dedicated companion that will love you through and through.
7. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This adorable breed has an exceptionally long body and very short legs. They were bred in Scotland and have a very distinct topknot pouf of hair on their head. They were initially used to hunt small game. However, they make incredibly wonderful house dogs.
They are revered as the gentleman of the terrier world, being very laid back and easy going. They may be playful and happy, but they aren’t overly exuberant. Dandie Dinmonts have a very low tendency to bark, which is unlike most terrier breeds.
While they aren’t as high strung as others, they’re still quite bold. If you want a more chill version with the classic terrier looks, this dog won’t disappoint.
8. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
These little cuties account for another basset breed on our top ten. They have the friendliest faces and the scruffiest hair. Their sweet nature matches their welcoming features perfectly. These dogs are very docile and family-oriented. They are amiable with strangers, children, and other pets.
While Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens have terrific personalities, they are quite active dogs. Apartment living may not be the best for these guys. They need lots of room to explore the world. They do have little dog traits such as excessive barking and being stubborn, but you can manage this easily with simple training commands.
Because of their inquisitive nature, they are terrific at escaping. It’s best to get a handle on this or not leave them unattended without supervision. They love digging and climbing, so fences are often no match for these buccaneers.
9. Miniature Bull Terrier
From Target commercials to the movie the Incredible Journey, Bull Terriers have taken the big screen by storm. Miniature Bull Terriers are nearly identical to their standard counterparts, only smaller. They have quite a fascinating look, with a completely flat nasal bridge and tiny eyes.
Living up to the bull’s name, they are stubborn and immensely independent. They need owners who have a firm skill set when it comes to training. Otherwise, they may just take to their own way of doing things with or without your approval.
While they may have minds of their own, they are still super fabulous companions. That is especially true for kids because they keep up with high energy levels and love to romp around. Mini Bulls are territorial and protective of their owners and property. So, they may not be too keen on strangers coming around.
One thing is for sure, these upbeat little comedians waltzing around on short legs will leave you with many stories to tell.
10. Lancashire Heeler
These little guys are cousins to our previously-mentioned Corgis. They share a very similar body structure and are used to complete related tasks. While they’re slightly less popular in the US, they are still widely prevalent in Great Britain.
They have very excitable and happy dispositions. They are very people-friendly and will be deeply devoted to their families. They’re very sturdy and do well both outdoors and indoors. Their coats are weather-resistant, and they are made for the elements.
Lively and smart, Lancashire Heelers will catch on quickly to any new tasks they are given. Since they are so easily trainable, they would work as in-home companions or workers.
Conclusion
Short legs can be such a delightful trait in dogs. As you can see, they have such drastic personality differences and looks that you can get one that matches your desires most. Whether you want a relaxed, active, or goofy breed—you can find the tiny legged friend you’re looking for. One of them is sure to fit into your lifestyle with ease.
Featured Image Credit: Angyalosi Beata, Shutterstock
