Why Does This Dog Look Like This?

You might have come across some viral images on the Internet of dogs with extremely short backs. Far from being a photoshop prank, these dogs are actually displaying a rare condition known as “short-spine syndrome.”

Perhaps the most famous of all is “Pig,” who has almost 100,000 likes on his Facebook page. The Alabama-born, mixed-breed dog has regular updates posted on the page to his steadfast fans.

The Internet holds very little information on this bizarre syndrome and there appears to be zero scientific research behind the condition. However, the University Of Sydney Veterinary School defines it as a “severe shortening of the vertebral column or spine due to the compression of vertebrae.” They go on to say the condition is caused by an abnormality in bone development where the vertebrae remain in their cartilage, which makes them compressed. Although the condition can make activities like walking and eating difficult for the dog, it apparently does not affect its lifespan.