cow hocks - pigeon toes - movement - Page 1

In another thread people were discussing puppies showing signs of these traits and growing out of them so I would like to open the floor on a few questions im sure some would be interested in.

If a dog is going to grow out of cow hocks, or turned feet at what age would you say these traits be corrected by, if they are going to self correct?

What is the actual medical/scientific reasoning for these traits to occur?

What are the genetic components for these traits to be passed to offspring?

How does each of these traits impact movement? pros/cons 

What else will this effect in the function of structure and or what are the potential risks for break down in structure?

Where did these traits originate from in different lines or simply in the foundation stock of the gsd?


I know this has been discussed previously but couldnt find answers to all of these questions on here. Just thought this would be something worth discussing.
 

bump

If a dog is going to grow out of cow hocks, or turned feet at what age would you say these traits be corrected by, if they are going to self correct?

I think between age of 5 - 9 months if a puppy would grow out of it, some don't actually grow out of it. Some causes are; weak ligaments and poor muscles, inconsistent growth.

How does each of these traits impact movement? pros/cons 

I think there are no pros. Cow hocks would hinder endurance and smooth effective movement,it also, sometimes, cause injury to the dog as while gaiting some dogs land on almost whole of the hock.
Splayed feet and or toes pointing to the out mean that axis of forelegs bones is not in balance, therefore force acting on the axis and outcome momentum will not be equal,some energy is lost.

Where did these traits originate from in different lines or simply in the foundation stock of the gsd?

Many believe and connect these defects with the breeding of Show GSD excessive angulation and longer bones associated with weaker musculation.

Ibrahim

 

sam, a dog may tighten up on loose hocks. cow hocks are another matter, I am from Am. S/L and cow hocks were never acceptable.

They seem to be acceptable on SV dogs, even VA,

These questions should've use/asked in vet./animal science examination. @ibrahim. U almost aswered in a proffesional level.

My feelings are this:  When grading a puppy for any of the above, you should look for strong straight hocks, with a good but moderate angulation in the rear;  as my personal experience has been at 5,8, & 12 weeks that you will get exactly what you see at these puppy ages.  Fronts SOMETIMES can change as the chest drops into maturity SOMETIMES it can straighten up by pushing elbows outward if the dog tends to toe say outward;  toeing inward usually will be harder to grow and change at maturity.  Usually the legs just keeping toeing inward.  NOW, I do feel environment can play an important role;  soft surfaces versus running, playing, being kenneled on cement, jumping is extremely hard on the elbows front legs and feet as well as the knees (or stifle area in the rear).  Jogging too far at a young age, road working at too young of an age before the bones have fully developed, high jumps say like in obedience and agility, too fast starts like in Sch dogs that take off running like a bat out of hell even if it is on grass or dirt.  I feel warming up your canine athlete is crutial to their development and to prevent injury's;  some of the above problems listed by the poster can be from injuries, lack of conditioning, poor diets too much calcium or too little without proper balances.

YES, all of the above faults listed can also be inherited and can come from either sire or dam or a combination of both.  Fronts, rears, shoulders and layback is all about structure which can come from both parents. 

That is why I am a bug on structure as it is usually passed down from generation to generation.  Great days  Nan