Fun

Meet Every Single Dog In The World With Short Spine Syndrome (That We Know Of)

Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

March 18, 2016

Short spine syndrome is a rare genetic condition in which a dog’s spine is literally shortened. They are born this way. These dogs all share similar traits, such as sloped backs, short, wide necks, rear legs that are longer than the front legs, elongated jaws and either no tails, bobbed tails or shorter than normal tails. They are also smaller in stature than a dog typical of their breed type. Speaking of breeds, this syndrome is not limited to any breed type. The condition also isn’t limited to location, as these dogs live all over the world. It is said to be caused by inbreeding.

Short spine syndrome dogs are not in pain. They live active and happy lives. The oldest one was nearly 14 when he passed away. They are loving and fun and feeling sorry for them should not be an option. So, let’s meet them!

1. Cuda 

Cuda is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is six years old. She actually belongs to me and has since 2010! She lives in NY and is the only short spine dog who is also a certified therapy dog. Cuda also has diabetes, which is not believed to be caused by having short spine syndrome since she is the only one of the bunch who has it.  Follow her at Cuda Cares on Facebook.

2. Quasi

Quasi is a mixed breed dog who lives in Italy. She is nine years old. Her picture circulated the internet with a story that she looked this way from growing up inside a small box. Nope. She looks this way because she has short spine syndrome! Her owner, Fabiana Rosa, adopted her in 2010 and named her rescue after her. Follow her at Progetto Quasi.

3. Mojo

Mojo belongs to Maria Rall in lives in Ohio. She adopted him from a local shelter in 2012. He appears to be a Border Collie-type dog and was also the first male short spine syndrome dog to be discovered.

11129918_808156005929554_335566922078379530_n

Source: Maria Rall

4. Pig 

Pig was just a small puppy when her owner, Kim Dillenbeck, found her two years ago. She is a mixed breed dog who lives in Alabama. You can join her huge fan base on Pig the Unusual Dog.

5. Cleo

Cleo is a mixed breed dog who is three years old. She lives in Wisconsin with her dad, Brandon McDonald. Brandon actually had adopted Cleo’s sister Molly Faith first. Sadly, Molly Faith passed away when she was still a puppy. At the same time, the person who adopted Cleo couldn’t keep her and Brandon gladly brought her home.

12541023_10205340677868595_4626522391113925575_n

Source: Brandon McDonald

6. Quasi Modo

Quasi Modo is a mixed breed dog who lives in Florida with veterinarian Virginia Sayre and her husband. Quasi Modo has the distinct title of World’s Ugliest Dog 2015. While no one really thinks she’s ugly, winning that title brought recognition to short spine syndrome. You can follow her at Quasi Modo on Facebook.

7. Odd Dog

Odd Dog was found in a box with his short spine brother, Gobblin, when he was just five months old. He’s now two. He lives in Italy with his mom, Patrizia Onnis, and also has a page for you to follow. Check him out at Odd Dog.

 

8. Gobblin

Gobblin is Odd Dog’s brother. Just as adorable, he lives in Italy with his mom, Sonia Porcedda, who is also a volunteer with Progetto Quasi. This picture was taken just after he was found.

9. Frankie

Frankie is a Jack Russell Terrier mix who lives in the United Kingdom. Her mom, Ann O’ Brien, foster failed with her. Can you blame her? Follow her antics at Frankie Says on Facebook.

11064591_1587510394828600_5226879125569377086_n

10. Izzy Belle

Izzy Belle is the tiniest of the short spine dogs. She is a three-year-old Poodle. Her mom, Angela Lonergan, said her sister is perfectly normal. Follow her on Facebook at Izzy Belle.

12733373_1298456843504174_8819282787212838574_n

11. Mina

Mina lives in Mexico with her human, Arturo Gof. Incredibly, a year after Arturo found her, he found another short spine dog who he named Vlad!

11755827_10204758839911685_2531788961206720752_n

Source: Arturo Gof

12. Vlad

Arturo Gof has the distinction of having two short-spined dogs. Since they were both found as strays a year apart, it isn’t known if they are related.

11694781_10204758844471799_5688563977308521015_n

Source: Arturo Gof

13. Quasi

Quasi is a German Shepherd who was pulled from a shelter by Secondhand Hounds Rescue. Quasi blew up the Internet and has become quite famous. He’s currently in foster care in Michigan. You can join his fans at Quasi The Great.

12642718_867066466748508_2745933466201510847_n

14. Spartacus

Spartacus ended up in a shelter after being removed from a hoarding house in North Carolina. Spartacus had an extremely happy ending. After Mary Beth Goosman lost her beloved short spine dog, Watson (see below), Spartacus became part of her family. He helped make Mary Beth smile again. Spartacus has the longest tail of all of the short spine dogs.

12512625_1137127612988862_8698845887350704569_n

Source: Christina Davidson

15. Polliwog

Polly is a six-year-old Russian Borzoi who belongs to veterinarian Karen Dashfield. Borzois already have a sloped shape, so it seems exaggerated in Polly’s case. Nonetheless, she is happy and healthy.

10003540_10201103508307018_4404854911202586732_n

Source: Karen Dashfield

16. Squishy

Squishy is the latest short spine dog to surface. He is a one-year-old Plott Hound belonging to Kimberly Munsell in Utah. His long legs really enhance his adorable looks.

12651197_1139185056116451_6162195291165695555_n

Source: Kimberly Munsell

IN MEMORIUM

The short spine dog family recently suffered two heartbreaking losses. Although these two dogs are no longer with us on Earth, their spirits remain to watch over their families. Unfortunately, one short spine puppy passed away well before her time in 2012. Still, they are close to the hearts of the humans who loved these dogs.

17. Watson

Watson was a Border Collie-type dog who lived in Maryland and belonged to Mary Beth Goosman. She adopted him when she first met him while volunteering at a shelter in 2010. Watson suddenly passed away this past December just a month shy of his fourteenth birthday, making him the oldest short spine dog. Watson’s long life proves that short spine syndrome is not a death sentence. You can still follow his page at Wise Watson and keep up with short spine dog #14, Spartacus.

1914128_10206885590350891_6231996243678021951_n

18. Cricket

Cricket was also a Border Collie-type dog. She passed away suddenly at the age of nine due to illness. She belonged to Anna Canese in Italy. Criket is missed by all.

548993_286363408108142_1028587058_n

Source: Anna Canese

19. Molly Faith

Molly Faith was just a puppy when she passed away in 2012. She belonged to Brandon McDonald, who now has short spine dog #5, Cleo.

542086_3120592225914_895521167_n

Source: Brandon McDonald

I believe there are many more of these special dogs in the world to be found. Short spine syndrome was first identified as far back as the 1700s. These dogs were seen in abundance in South Africa and were also called “Baboon Dogs” for their appearance. It doesn’t matter that they all look different. They are dogs who have captured the hearts of many.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Written by: Dr. Katy Nelson

March 18, 2016

Nutritionist-crafted food for your dog's breed or mix.

Recipes designed for dogs' individuality

LEARN MORE

INNOVATIVE DOG STUFF, EVERY MONTH.

A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.

INNOVATIVE DOG STUFF, EVERY MONTH.

A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.