We love our 2 shepherds. unfortunately one is 12 years old and my wife wants to get another.

Usually no big deal but the kicker is our old dog doesnt have legs (well they are real short) and she likes that.

Is there a certain breed of shepherds that have short legs? Or is it just a fluke?

Our pup is great and he has learned alot from kayser but she likes the short leg thing. beats me.

In his prime he had short legs as well, he's just in "retirement" mode and eats well.

Seems to me that this would come from someone breeding outside the breed standard. I do not know of anyone doing this on purpose but I am not a breed expert.

You might find one that way by accident or that is a mixed breed. Shelters down here seem to be full of Shepherd mixes.

My preference in German Shepherds is within the breed standards but a straighter topline than you see in the show ring now and back legs more under the dog than is fahsionable now. I think this makes a more solid foundation for the dog. I have only had a few Shepherds so my experience is limited.

Thanks Charles,

we picked up Kayser at the pound 12 years ago. hell of a dog. Matsch we got from a breeder (with papers) and he doesnt have the show line in him (ie: he looks normal).

I'm not to fond of that drop hip (my terminology) and funky gate that they breed in.

My wife like havin 2 dogs around and kayser probably wont be with us much longer (he really hurting most days) and she likes the stumpy look.

Most of my dogs have been someone's discards. So far we have been pretty lucky, although you need to be able to assess temperament.

I have seen some purebred Shepherds that did not have the stable and friendly temperament you really need in the breed. High-strung, aggressive, or fearful dogs are bad news. I am sure you know all this if you are a fan of the breed.

Good luck. Hopefully you will find what you are looking for if you look around.