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by Rachael770 on 07 May 2010 - 22:05
I could only figure out how to post a link, not embed.
by hodie on 07 May 2010 - 22:05
Rachel,
Your female is definitely cow hocked and given her age, awkward. She also appears to me in this video to be very weak in the hind legs. I suggest that she needs more exercise outside in a surface like some sand or loose dirt where you trot her a bit. If she spends most of the time inside on that kind of flooring, or does not get enough real exercise, she cannot build her muscles. She looks like a nice pup. Many dogs are cow hocked and while a fault, and in her case it likely won't go away, when her muscles are stronger, it may not make such a difference. I saw the time she ended up sort of crossed over, but just looking at this video makes me think it is mostly just weakness from lack of exercise. Keep her lean as well while you help her strengthen those muscles. If you have some serious concern, a visit to a good vet is always in order, but I see nothing to be terribly concerned about except if I were to choose a pup, all other things being equal, I would try not to choose one who was cow hocked. However, no dog is perfect and otherwise, she may grow up to be a lovely female.
Good luck.
Your female is definitely cow hocked and given her age, awkward. She also appears to me in this video to be very weak in the hind legs. I suggest that she needs more exercise outside in a surface like some sand or loose dirt where you trot her a bit. If she spends most of the time inside on that kind of flooring, or does not get enough real exercise, she cannot build her muscles. She looks like a nice pup. Many dogs are cow hocked and while a fault, and in her case it likely won't go away, when her muscles are stronger, it may not make such a difference. I saw the time she ended up sort of crossed over, but just looking at this video makes me think it is mostly just weakness from lack of exercise. Keep her lean as well while you help her strengthen those muscles. If you have some serious concern, a visit to a good vet is always in order, but I see nothing to be terribly concerned about except if I were to choose a pup, all other things being equal, I would try not to choose one who was cow hocked. However, no dog is perfect and otherwise, she may grow up to be a lovely female.
Good luck.
by Rachael770 on 07 May 2010 - 22:05
Thank you for the advice Hodie. I will certainly step up her exercise if that may help out a bit. Good to know an outside opinion. I agree that she is awkward for her age, like a small pup still getting it's balance... but she never quite did. I am planning on taking her to the Vet soon for a PennHip anyhow, just in case.
One question I still have is... because neither of her parents or grandparents are cow-hocked, is this just a genetic fluke? Is it likely that if she were bred to a normal legged male, that this would show in the pups?
Can cow hocks sometimes show up randomly in otherwise good pedigrees?
Has anyone bred a cow-hocked dog for his/her other good qualities?
One question I still have is... because neither of her parents or grandparents are cow-hocked, is this just a genetic fluke? Is it likely that if she were bred to a normal legged male, that this would show in the pups?
Can cow hocks sometimes show up randomly in otherwise good pedigrees?
Has anyone bred a cow-hocked dog for his/her other good qualities?
by Red Sable on 07 May 2010 - 22:05
Have you actually seen the parents Rachael?
by hodie on 07 May 2010 - 23:05
Rachel,
Many GSDs are cow-hocked and yes it is a genetic trait and yes, if you pick later a quality male who is not cow-hocked, chances are high that you will see at least some of the pups who are better. As I said, this is a fault, but it is a minor fault. And in some cases, as the dog matures and the pelvis and hips grow, it improves. She is gangly and awkward at this stage.
As for Penn Hip, of course, do as you wish. But if you intend to breed or show according to SV rules etc., better have her OFAed. This is the only recognized registry in the US.
Many GSDs are cow-hocked and yes it is a genetic trait and yes, if you pick later a quality male who is not cow-hocked, chances are high that you will see at least some of the pups who are better. As I said, this is a fault, but it is a minor fault. And in some cases, as the dog matures and the pelvis and hips grow, it improves. She is gangly and awkward at this stage.
As for Penn Hip, of course, do as you wish. But if you intend to breed or show according to SV rules etc., better have her OFAed. This is the only recognized registry in the US.
by Dre Stylez on 07 May 2010 - 23:05
Cute puppy! The video made me go gaga when she was scratching at the wall at the end. My guy was also cow hocked so what we did is go swimming at least once a week and sometimes more if we had more free time. Along with that, everyday we would go for a warm up walk and then trotting a bit after. Remember you have to build stamina first and don't go crazy the first week and also do this on grass/sand or a soft surface which induces less impact on the joints compared to the concrete. After a few months we some improvement and now he is not so cow hocked than before so he's pretty much normal. You just got to strengthen those muscles. People also recommended me exercising him in sand and walking up hill will also help. You just got to stick with it and be persistant. One, more thing you should watch out when you play with your puppy on the tile floor b/c there is a chance where she could slip and hurt herself so be careful!
Dre
Dre
by Rachael770 on 07 May 2010 - 23:05
Red Sable-Yes I have seen both parents in person. They are very nice dogs, the father in particular is well-muscled, and a great example of the breed, with great movement. The dam is of course more feminine in the legs. Both dogs have what I would call straight and "sturdy" legs/movements.
by Red Sable on 07 May 2010 - 23:05
That is great, chances are your girl may straighten up as she matures like Dre's did.
by SitasMom on 07 May 2010 - 23:05
I would get preliminary x-rays to make sure her hips are OK, and is so, take her to a beach, or sandy river shore or a sand lot volley ball court and trot her a few times a week. This will build muscle and help to stabilize her hind legs.
by vomzellmer on 08 May 2010 - 01:05
Id be a little concerned about how weak her one ear is if shes already six months old. What are you feeding her?
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