Dogs with short legs: description of breeds and nuances of care

Short-footed dogs were once bred for burrowing animals, but these days for their intended purpose, they are used very rarely. Today they are companion dogs and reliable friends who are often made to maintain a glamorous image. There are many types of dogs with short legs, but only some of them are in demand.

The world canine organization allocates more than 400 dog breeds. At the same time, many of them are completely different from each other - some dogs are strong and powerful, others, on the contrary, are thin and fragile. Some have long strong limbs, but short-legged dogs are not uncommon. Their physiological features are due to their purpose - for example, dachshunds can easily penetrate holes due to shortened limbs, and the welsh corgi are skillfully hiding among sheep and biting their “wards” by the legs, pushing them in the right direction.

TOShort limbs do not affect the level of activity of animals. Dogs to old age retain vigor and naughty attitude - they are so cheerful that in their appearance one can never say that they are already “aged”. Moreover, the unusual structure of the body in combination with the playful character suggests that you are a young dog.

Many people who plan to have a short-haired pet are afraid of difficulties in care - but their fears are completely in vain. Such dogs require no more attention than dogs of other breeds, and sometimes even much less. The fact is that many representatives of hunting breeds have a special wool structure that repels dust and dirt. To clear, they only need to shake off and they will look their best again.

Keep in mind that the shortened paws create an additional load on the spine, therefore, representatives of these breeds often develop osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia and vertebral injury. Animals are not recommended to sit, taking a vertical position, as well as jump. It is advisable to wear such dogs horizontally, especially when pregnant. It is necessary to select exercises and physical activity in such a way that it corresponds to the physical characteristics of each particular breed.

The rest of the health of the short-legged dogs is pretty good, so before buying an animal you should answer yourself the question - Are you ready to become the owner of pets, which will have to be limited in the types of activity. If the answer is negative - it is better to give preference to animals of other breeds.

These pets were bred in Scotland. Their original purpose was to hunt small burrowing animals, but today they are hardly used in this capacity. Such dogs give birth "for the soul" as a pet. This animal can be a very faithful and reliable friend, it is sincerely devoted to its owners, has a cheerful and friendly disposition.

Although these dogs are short-legged, they easily endure long walksbesides, such a load is vital for them to maintain normal well-being. It is very important to raise such dogs from an early age. in the absence of dressure, they become too independent and will be quite difficult to cope with them in adulthood. These animals quietly tolerate loneliness and the temporary absence of the owner, but they really like to communicate with their own kind, so Scotch terriers usually turn up in pairs.

Breeding of these short-footed people began to be engaged for a long time - in the 6th century, therefore this breed can rightly be called one of the oldest in the world. Like all other breeds, they are created for the hunt of noblemen. These dogs carried through the centuries some stamp of nobility and aristocracy, which left an imprint on their character - these animals are proud, stubborn, independent and self-sufficient.

Bassets are difficult to train, getting them to do something is almost impossible - you need to negotiate with them. Nevertheless, these dogs are completely non-aggressive, restrained and playful towards their owners.

The appearance of the basset leaves no one indifferent - these are real crepes with shortened strong paws, long ears and a sad look, at the sight of which I want to immediately take a pet in my arms and regret. In adulthood, dogs reach 25–30 kg. They have short wool that sheds all year round, so the owners should daily brush their pet.

Keep in mind that Basset absolutely can not stand loneliness and at the same time love to barktherefore, in the absence of their owners, they arrange long “concerts” - they bark in a deaf uterine voice, which is well heard to all neighbors.

Dachshunds are funny short-footed dogs that can be sleek, hard-haired or long-haired, as well as dwarf. This breed is recognized as one of the most common in the world. Thanks to their narrow body, animals can easily climb into any hole, even very small and long ones. Like all other long-hounds dogs, dachshunds need constant physical exertion and long walks. When creating a comfortable environment for animals they can live up to 15 years and even more.

Care of them does not require any specialized procedures - You need to monitor the condition of the pet's hair and its ears, which require periodic treatment with veterinary lotion to remove ear discharge. If it’s dirty muddy weather outside, it makes sense to put overalls on the dachshund to keep the wool clean. But to wrap them in the winter is not necessary - accustomed to walk for a long time the dog grows hardened and easily withstand freezing temperatures.

This is a funny short-legged white-red eared doggie who deserves the love of thousands of breeders around the world thanks to a balanced character and unusual appearance. Initially, these dogs were used as shepherds, a variety that belongs to one of the oldest - the first mentions of it appeared in the 10th century, although according to some image data of dogs resembling corgi, date back to 1500 BC. er These are the smallest representatives of shepherd’s breeds, but the dimensions do not affect the physical characteristics of the animals.

Corgi is a friendly dog ​​with a stable psyche, faithful, cheerful, very clever, so the animal is very easy to train. These pets get along well with members of the host family and other pets. However, the external calmness of this dog is deceptive - he is able to watch his master and the people around him for hours during walks, trying to keep everything under his control.

This is another faithful breed of dogs with short legs. The Pekingese were led out in order to accompany the royal persons, therefore the appearance of animals is distinguished by exceptional aristocracy, as if confirming its high status. These are small pets, the mass of which does not exceed 3-5 kg. Colors can be very diverse.

Unlike corgi, Pekingese - this is just a typical "indoor" dog, which prefers to lie on the couch, delighting the household. This dog will easily make a company to its owner for a walk, but significant loads of animals of this breed are contraindicated, so the Pekingese lives best in a home-gang family. If we talk about the character, it is a faithful and loyal pet, which can be stubborn and disobedient.

These are small dogs with a very amusing appearance from Scotland. Nowadays, the animal is used as a companion, although the blood of the ancestors endowed them with high protective and protective characteristics. Skye terriers are rather squat, they are distinguished by powerful legs and luxurious wool. In structure, the hairs resemble goats and grow even on the tips of the ears, so if you properly care for your pet, he will always attract attention with his chic and impressiveness.

The temperament of a sky-terrier is not easy - this dog is very proud and exceptionally stubborn, it knows its value well and does not tolerate dismissive attitude. Pets from an early age show loyalty, sincerity and courage, they are very active - measured life in the four walls is not suitable for them.

This variety is also called pekenu podenu. It has become widespread among dog breeders. Initially, the breed was bred to hunt small game and rabbits, which had a considerable influence on the temperament of the animal. With its exterior, the podengu resembles a chihuahua, but possesses all the characteristics of a beagle dog.

The dog of this breed was bred in ancient times. Then she was used as a pickling dog, necessary to stir up the bulls for the fun of the English nobility. Thus the name of this dog appeared: bull (bull) and dog (dog).

English bulldogs are quite large, their mass reaches 25 kThese animals have disproportionate and wrinkled skin, which makes them incredibly charming.Dogs are very attached to the owners, easily subjected to training, different mind and balanced character. It is very important to socialize animal from the very first days. Despite the fact that it is no longer used as a fighting dog, nevertheless it is not a decorative dog, therefore early ture and upbringing will only benefit her.

There are a lot of short-footed dogs, each of them has its own character traits and features of appearance, therefore, first of all, it is necessary to evaluate their abilities to care for animals and arrange long-term walking. It is important to decide who you need - a shepherd, guard, companion or decorative dog, who will lie on the bed and demand the adoration of the household.

As a rule, the cost of dogs with short legs is high, so when choosing a pet, preference should be given to kennels with a reliable reputation. Keep in mind that unscrupulous sellers often try to sell to buyers of the smallest animals from a litter. Not to be deceived, even at the stage of choosing a pet. Be sure to request pictures of the selected puppy in the circle of your brothers and sisters.

It will be good if the breeder sends you a video - then you can fully get an idea of ​​the dog offered to you. Acquire an animal with all the necessary veterinary documents, which confirm the absence of hereditary diseases, and also contains information about all the vaccines delivered.. When inspecting the dog, make sure that it is active, cheerful, does not show aggression and fright.

It is necessary to adhere to the following rules for keeping dogs with a disproportionate torso:

• not recommended independent descent of the animal on the steps;
• jumping from a bed, a chair and other high surfaces is strictly prohibited;
• animals are contraindicated in games in which they have to jump, for example, throwing the ball up;
• beware of playing with higher and larger dogs;
• strict taboos should be imposed on the rack on the hind legs;
• when walking for an animal, icy or slippery surfaces may be more dangerous;
• it is important not to overfeed the dog, as this will increase the load on the spine and lead to pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
• during active growth, short-legged dogs are very important regular training, because it significantly strengthens the muscular system, improves overall tone, improves cerebral circulation enzyme activity; All this significantly reduces the risk of injuries that occur due to uncompensated loads on the spine.

For more on dogs with short legs, see the next video.