Researchers say 'shorter backs are safer backs'

New research by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed that small dogs with long backs are more at risk of slipped discs.

Dachshunds, pekingese, shih tzus, basset hounds and dwarf crossbreeds are among those most likely to suffer, according to the study.

Researchers examined 700 dogs from a diversity of breeds for their study, each of which had been referred to the RVC's Queen Mother Hospital for Animals.

Of that number, 79 suffered slipped a disc – mostly those with long, low body shapes.

Miniature dachshunds, whose backs are two-thirds longer than their shoulder height, were found to be twice at risk of a slipped disc before they reach five years old than other breeds.

It was also revealed that being overweight makes a dog more prone to slipped discs.

Dr Charlotte Burn, who led the study, said: "The 'sausage dog' shape is highly distinctive of these breeds, but these results show that our demand for longer and lower dogs needs to be reined in.

"In this context, shorter backs are safer backs."

She continued: "We were also surprised that smaller dogs were more at risk, but this is likely because the human environment is larger relative to their body size, making things like jumping down a step, or into a car, more dangerous for them."

The study has been published in the Public Library of Science (PLoS ONE) journal.