Dear Rebecca,
It’s great to see that you’re putting so much thought into choosing the right breed. You’re on the right track to becoming an amazing dog parent.
To answer your question, it’s true. Breeds with short legs and long bodies are more likely to injure their backs than more evenly proportioned breeds. That said, every breed has predispositions to certain health conditions, and many are preventable.
If you do adopt a corgi or dachshund, helping them avoid jumping on and off the couch or bed will go a long way to keeping their spines in tip-top shape. Shallow doggy stairs can be purchased to make it easier for dogs to be independent without hurting themselves.
No matter what breed you settle on, it’s always wise to set aside a pet emergency fund to cover unexpected vet bills.
Good luck.
— Doctor Dog
