Ambling / Pacing - Page 1

Any comments on why some dogs display this unattractive and incorrect gait?  Most dogs I have seen moving this way have tended to be overweight, but is that a factor?  Does it seem to come from any particular lines?

Margaret N-J

First of all, pacing is very normal for any short bodied FCI/SV GSD of correct length, especially when held on a tight lead at low speeds.  When the spped of movement increases that GSD will shift into a gait.  Pacing is defined as when the legs on one side of the dog's body move in the same direction in parallel fashion and gaiting is when the move in opposite directions.  A GSD that is too long in loin or back typically will never pace.

Well my Xtra must be correct then!  LOL! But it sure looks funny, I call it her camel walk! I have also heard it is an easier way to travel.

Most dog people will tell you pacing is a fatique gait. It's easier than the correct extension for the trot.

TIG can you define "fatique" or is it a typo for fatigue?

Yeah typo. My brain thinks a lot faster than my fingers and the result is often not pretty.

Most of the greatest VA and V GSDs from past Siegerhauptzuchschaus for many years paced when on a tight lead at slow speed.  It is actually energy conserving, that is, very efficient at slow speeds.  Most folks just don't notice things like this when they go to the shows.  Check the movies for verification.

Yes, it is energy conserving.  I see it in my male when herding, he will consistently change from a pace to a trot to conserve energy.  My female tends to not to this, she's either running or trotting, only seen her pace a couple of times.  However, she will also waste a lot of energy doing this.  You don't notice it in cooler weather, but she will definitely burn herself out faster than he will in hot weather. 

My Great Dane has paced for at least the last two years, exclusively.  He NEVER trots.  I thought it amusing, as I have a Tennessee Walking horse who gaits, and it seems as if the dog is trying to imitate him!

Pacing can also occur when the dog's front and rear angulation is not balanced.  Too much rear might cause a dog's rear legs to interfere with its front legs, making it more comfortable (for some dogs) to pace to avoid interference.