Quasimodo, Adorable Hunchbacked German Shepherd, Has Rare Spinal Disorder

No, this dog isn’t shrinking away from you and he's not shrugging his shoulders. 

Named after the character from the “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Quasimodo has a rare condition called Short Spine Syndrome. Dogs with the disorder have a normal-sized head, but it typically tilts to one side and rests up against the shoulder blades, making it appear as though the canines don’t have a neck.

And if you think he's beared a heavy burden in his life, you're right. Quasimodo, or Quasi as he’s known for short, hasn’t had it easy.

It’s believed he lived his life in a kennel, according to his Facebook fan page, which now has more than 25,000 likes. He was found as a stray by a shelter before a rescue organization in Minnesota saved him, where he's been given a second chance.

"He is goofy, cuddly, and playful. Quasi loves eating cheese," SecondHounds shelter director, Rachel Mairose said in an email to NBC Owned Television stations.

The disorder is so rare that the purebred German Shepherd is one of only 13 dogs in the world known to be living his life with the condition, according to his Facebook page. 

The pup, who is estimated to be between 4 and 5 years old, is undergoing x-rays and testing to make sure he has a clean bill of health before he’s ready to go to his forever home, Mairose said.  

And in case you're wondering, Quasi does have a penchant for chasing kitties. But don't worry, he has a big heart so he doesn't mean them any harm.  

"(He) is a perfect gentleman when he catches up," Mairose said. 

Contact Us