There are hundreds of dog breeds registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). They come in all shapes and sizes, but most people will happily admit that there’s something incredibly charming about short-legged dogs. Whether you like short-haired or long-haired pups, athletic or cuddly, there is a short-leg dog breed for you.
Let’s take a look at some of the cutest short legged pups.
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8 Most Popular Short Legged Dogs
1.Dachshund
Originally from Germany, the Dachshund is a curious, brave, and strong-willed breed. They come in various colors and coat-length. According to the AKC, the primary colors accepted are red, black and tan, fawn, or blue, and their coats can be long, short, or wire-haired.
This is the ultimate dog with short legs and a long body. They’re not just excellent pets; they also make great hunting dogs due to being bred as badger dogs. Due to their boundless energy, and their intelligence, these dogs need plenty of activity during the day.
2. Scottish Terrier
Like most other terrier breeds, the iconic Scottish terrier is spunky, independent, and energetic. They’re a charming little package that packs plenty of punch. The Scotty makes an excellent watchdog due to their keen awareness and hunting instincts.
They require short periods of action-packed exercise throughout the day to keep their energy level in check, and they require regular grooming. This terrier has a double coat, soft underneath, and a wiry top with the standard acceptable color of all black according to AKC guidelines.
3. Welsh Corgi
No list of cute dogs would be complete without the Welsh corgi short-legged dog. There are two distinct breeds of the Welsh corgi: the Pembroke and the Cardigan. The Pembroke is the more popular of the two, slightly smaller and lighter than the Cardigan, with tan and white being the generally acceptable color according to the AKC. These are the corgis we often see on social media and on the big screen.
These fluffy short-legged dogs are energetic, obedient, and friendly. The corgi is the ultimate cuddle-buddy while still active enough to compete in agility and obedience sports. They don’t require plenty of grooming, and they love to exercise through running and chasing games.
4. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels griffon may be one of the lesser-known dog breeds with short legs, but they deserve mention. These little Ewok lookalikes love their owners. They’re very intelligent and active but can be a little stubborn, which makes them harder to train and not suggested for first-time dog owners.
They do well with owners who are often home, and they don’t need plenty of space, as long as you play with them throughout the day. The griffon comes in smooth and wire-haired varieties, usually tan or black. They’re very loyal to their owners and are typically good with other dogs and cats.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
The miniature schnauzer looks incredibly dramatic with their shaggy coats and expressive faces. They are brave and friendly dogs who are easy to train due to their desire to please. Miniature schnauzer’s make great family dogs and are even hypo-allergenic. They were bred to work on farms, so they’ll need exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Even though they’re human-oriented and friendly, they make good guard dogs. They will bark at any strangers in the vicinity. The miniature schnauzer has a soft undercoat and wiry topcoat like the Scottish terrier. This makes grooming easy, as they’ll only need proper grooming every few weeks.
6. Pomeranian
The pomeranian is often referred to as a toy pom. These dogs are exceptionally small, but don’t let the size fool you, they have more personality than their little bodies can hold. They are bold, lively, and easy to train. The pom has a beautiful fluffy coat, making daily brushing necessary. These small dogs are very active and need daily exercise. They’re very inquisitive, so games like fetch and search are good to tire them out.
7. Basset Hound
The basset hound is a short-legged dog, but it’s not a small breed, weighing between 40 and 65 pounds. They have a distinct droopy face and long, floppy ears, giving the appearance of being upset or sad. These hounds are not built for speed, but they may still have digging instincts as they were bred as hunting dogs.
Bassets are exceptionally good with children and other pets. They may have a bit of a stubborn streak but are generally easy to train. Keep your dog busy with snuffle mats and other search exercises where they can use their incredible scent abilities.
8. Australian Terrier
The Australian terrier is a feisty, energetic little dog who loves to dig and chase. This is a loyal breed that’s not afraid of work. You’ll struggle to get this terrier not to hunt small vermin and other potential pests, which makes them perfect dogs for farms or smallholdings that need pest control. These dogs do not do well in small yards, and they need plenty of exercise if they’re not working.
The Australian terrier has a waterproof outer coat around the head and legs, with soft fur on its head. You only need to groom them once a week to maintain their coats.
Final Thoughts
Every dog breed has something that people love, but dogs with short legs are simply irresistible. Not only are they adorable, but many short-legged dogs make excellent working dogs. Most short-legged dog breeds originated in the 18th or 19th century. In other words, you know exactly what you’re in for when you get one of these dogs.
Whether you’re looking to adopt a new puppy into your family or you’re looking for a dog that can fulfill a specific purpose, there’s no shortage of talented, enthusiastic breeds when it comes to the short-legged variety.
