8 Dogs Without Necks You Need to See
A rare genetic condition that shortens a dog’s spine from birth, short spine syndrome can cause health issues in dogs from an early age. Short spine syndrome compacts a dog’s vertebrae and makes them appear shrunken. But the condition impacts the dog beyond just aesthetics. It will sometimes impact a dog’s ability to eat properly, will cause problems going to the bathroom, and cause other various functional difficulties like making it hard for a dog to scratch themselves.
Typical characteristics include:
- Sloped back
- Barrel chest
- Short, wide neck
- Elongated jaw
- Small stature
- Possibly no tail
- Bobbed or short tail
- Long rear legs
Life Expectancy for dogs with short spine syndrome
Normal puppy activities, such as eating from a bowl or picking up toys, are difficult for dogs with short spine syndrome. However, short-spined dogs can still live active, healthy lifestyles. And fortunately, short spine syndrome will not shorten a dog’s lifespan! One of the oldest dogs with short spine syndrome passed away at 14 years old.
Health Issues For Short Spined Dogs
Since short spined dogs have a rare genetic condition, they will likely face health issues throughout their lifetime. This condition causes the vertebrae to fuse, leading to characteristics like fewer ribs, a hunched back, and a less flexible spine.
With proper care and love, dogs with short spine syndrome can overcome their health struggles and lead a long life. Most short-spine dogs are not in frequent pain either.
1. Cooper
Cooper was born with this rare condition that shortens a dog’s spinal column and literally made him look like a dog with no neck.. After a good samaritan called about a stray dog on her porch, animal control rescued Cooper and brought him to a generous rescue group, Secondhand Hounds.
2. Ivy
Ivy is a pit bull mix that is active on TikTok and loves hanging with her fur siblings Gio and Ortley. She appears to have been in her loving home since early 2021. Ivy really looks like a dog with no neck!
3. MoMo
MoMo appears to have been rescued by his loving family in early 2020. He moved from Texas to Florida where he now enjoys plenty of playtime with his dog brother, Triple.
4. Tilly
Tilly is two years old and was rescued in 2019. She is a Tibetan spaniel mix with a loving personality and sweet disposition.
5. Pitchula
Pitchula is a special female pup named after a popular Brazilian soft drink that comes in a short bottle. She is one of the only known short spine syndrome cases in Brazil.
6. Danko
Danko is a golden retriever with a big heart and a happy smile. He loves taking long strolls on the beach and spending plenty of time playing and cuddling with his family.
7. Vicky
Vicky is a short spine bulldog with dwarfism that lives with loving owner Bonnie Brock. Even with missing hip joints, she loves active playtime sessions with her toys and cuddling with her loving family.
8.Phoebe
Phoebe is a sweet pit bull pup with short spine syndrome. She loves playing fetch with her family every day. Phoebe’s family hopes that by documenting her daily adventures with short spine syndrome on social media, she can teach others about love, tolerance, inclusion, and acceptance.
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