Corgi short legs — orthopedic concerns I didn't think about
so i posted Boba pics here before but never asked this — does anyone else worry about Corgi backs/legs long term?? 😭 a groomer mentioned last week that the short-leg long-back build puts a lot of stress on the spine and that IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) is super common in the breed. Boba is 2 years old, totally healthy right now, but now i'm paranoid about literally everything — letting her jump on the couch, going up stairs, even how i pick her up. is this something i should actually be worried about or am i spiraling 🐾❤️
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Good awareness to have early, Rachel — most owners don't learn this until something happens. For anyone considering a Corgi and wanting to talk to a breeder about the line's history with back issues: allinpets.com/pets/dogs/corgi
ngl this thread is making me paranoid for my friend's corgi too lol. didn't know this was a whole breed thing. thanks for the heads up Rachel
We don't have a Corgi but our vet told us something similar about Dachshunds at a checkup once — apparently it's the same body type issue. A baby gate at the bottom of stairs and a ramp for the couch solved most of it for friends of ours with a Dachshund. Cheap fixes, big difference long term.
Jasmine's list is the right one. Add: no being picked up under the front legs only — always support the full length of the spine when lifting, hand under the chest and hand under the rear. People don't think about this but it matters a lot for these builds.
You're not spiraling — IVDD risk in Corgis is real and well-documented, it's a known issue with chondrodystrophic breeds (short-legged, long-backed dogs). The good news is it's largely preventable through management. No jumping on/off furniture, ramps or stairs instead of leaps, controlled weight (extra weight on that spine structure compounds risk significantly), and avoiding rough play that involves twisting motions. Annual checks with a vet who knows the breed are worth it.