Paws - Page 1

Last week we had an unofficial show for GSDs here in Jordan (Middle East) as we still do not have clubs nor dog organizations and me and my friend noticed that the only two dogs who moved nicely had (A) paws and others who had (B) paws did not do well though total of 13 dogs took part and all of them are either sired directly by VA or grandfather is a VA. Just wanted to share this notice with you, maybe beautiful gaiting and nice reach is not only about balance, length and angles of front arm and blade !!!

Regards
Ibrahim

 So the splayed feeted dogs didn't gait as nicely, very interesting Ibrahim.  They dont' look as nice either IMO.

My male has quite the east/ west front feet, I wonder if that affects movement too?  I'm hoping he'll straighten in the front as he matures.

If you remember Red Sable, I once requested opinions on a female GSD, and you brought my attention to her splayed feet, since then I started paying attention to the feet, I think they are important to make a good mover and I would like to hear some opinions on this, maybe an explanation too.

Ibrahim

I do remember, but I've never watched the difference in the movement.  I'm going to start paying more attention to that also.

Obviously, there is a reason they like tight feet.  I had always thought it was because a poorly footed dog didn't last as long structurally as a better footed dog.  Obviously, though, if they can't move as well they wouldn't endure as long of distances, right?

Most probably you are correct, it sounds logical to me.
Ibrahim

I had a dog with the more open splade feet. He was American show lines, and he moved very smoothly. He was more of the "specialty" type, very long ligaments. I wonder if he had the feet open like that because of the looser ligements ?

If the nails are too long it can make the feet and legs off balance.

Pharaoh has very tight feet and thick pads.  He moves out very nicely.

Michele

Michele, I was going to comment about the nails too. I have work in a few vets offices and had dogs come in the could barely walk because the nails were too long. As the nails grow out and touch the ground, that puts pressure on the toes. If left to grow out more, the toe now starts to turn, as it is more pliable than the nail and gives in to the pressure.

Dawn

An old time (nearly 50 years he's been breeding) breeder I respect very much says "feet are the foundation of the whole dog." It makes sense, to a point. I have one female who does not have the nicest feet, and she's a V rated dog who has a beautiful gait- a lovely flying trot. Her feet aren't horrible, they're just not as nice as the dogs' feet that I got from the other breeder.

ALSO- the overall condition of the dog does count for something. My male has ok feet- not the best, but good. His feet will start to splay a little if he's not exercised as much as he's used to for some reason. When I was bedridden, his feet splayed a little. As soon as we were back to our usual activities (climbing, uneven territory hiking, etc.) his feet tightened right back up and look great again.

So, it also may have to do with the fact that the dogs who are in better physical condition overall move better, too, and how much of it is the feet is probably something we will never know for sure.