Why are corgi legs so short?

Why are Corgi legs so short?

Corgis are a very popular dog breed. They have an eye-catching flat face and unique short legs, but many people are confused about them. Confused as to why Corgi's legs are so short. Let's explore this issue below.

1. Genetic genes

The reason why Corgi’s legs are short is due to genes. Corgi's ancestors were used for hunting, and their short legs were genetically designed to help them walk more easily in grass. This gene is also heritable, so all Corgi offspring will have short legs.

When choosing a breeding partner, a pair of short-legged Corgis are most likely to produce short-legged offspring, so dog owners usually choose this combination to get short-legged dogs. However, some dog owners also choose long-legged Corgis for breeding, and the offspring may have medium-length legs.

2. Environmental pressure

Corgi’s short legs evolved to cope with the pressure in its living environment. As hunting dogs, Corgis are often found in rugged terrain often covered with tall grass and shrubs, so their short legs make it easier for them to move over the ground, traverse and track prey.

In addition, Corgi appeared in Wales, a relatively small country with a high population density and only a few open spaces for dogs to run. Short legs allow them to fit better into this small space.

3. Body structure

Corgi’s body structure also helps explain why they have such short legs. They have extra vertebrae that make their backs bulge slightly upward than other dog breeds. This special back, along with the short legs, helps them drag over the ground and turn easily.

4. Health problems

Although Corgi’s short legs impress people, they also bring some health problems. Corgis with short legs are prone to disc herniation and arthritis due to their abnormal body proportions and uneven body burden.

Therefore, it is very important for Corgi owners to take their dogs for X-rays regularly to ensure their bone health. At the same time, it is also important to exercise regularly to maintain their healthy weight.