The hind limbs produce powerful motor shocks, the strength of which depends on the length of the thigh, lower leg, on the rational combination of the angles of all joints and on the degree of development of the musculature of the back.
The thigh is formed by the powerful flexor and extensor muscles of the hip and knee joints. The length of the thigh depends on the length of the thigh bone, which should be proportional to the length of the croup. The angle of the direction of the femur to the line of the croup approaches a straight line, and in relation to the horizon is about 80-85.
The knee basically has a patella with tendons and ligaments attached to it. It should be rounded, inconspicuous and be on the same level with the elbow. The angle formed by the femur and tibia is 125-135
The lower leg should be long, muscular, directed to the horizon at an angle of 45 °.
The hock joint takes on strong loads and provides the transmission of motor shocks when pushing off the ground. It should be dry, with a well-defined calcaneal tuberosity and a clearly defined articular angle of 125-135
The metatarsus provides the dog with stable support during movement and jumps. It should be strong, long, wide and almost vertically set.
The paw of the hind limb is oval, with tightly compressed arched fingers. The dog has four toes on its hind legs. The fifth finger is not always found and is called profitable. Some dogs have two or three dewclaws. Usually these fingers are cut off shortly after the puppy is born.
Figure 17 - Metacarpus slope and paw shape:
A Metacarpus: 1 - moderately inclined; 2- vertically set (end face); 3 - inclined (soft); from the shape of the paws: 1 - oval; arched; collected in a lump; 2 - round; arched; collected lump; 3 - flat; 4 - loose
Rice. 18. Position of the forelimbs (front view);
1 - correct; 2 - narrow; 3 - wide; 4 - close; 5 - markup; 6 - clubfoot
The position of the hind limbs is considered correct if, when examining the dog from behind, the legs stand straight and parallel to each other. This setting provides rectilinear springy movements of the dog (Fig. 19). Narrow stance is found in dogs with weak hindquarters and a narrow croup. With a close stance, the hocks and metatarsus come together, almost touching each other (close). The wide stance is most often found in broad-bodied, massive breeds of dogs that are not adapted to fast movements. Barrel staging occurs in dogs with hocks turned to the side and metatarsus brought together. In such dogs, as a rule, an inward clubfoot is observed.
When examining the dog from the side, one can observe deviations in the position of the thigh, lower leg and metatarsus (Fig. 20). The straight position of the hind limbs occurs when the thigh and lower leg are in a vertical position, as a result of which the angles of the knee and hock joints are straightened. Sabering of the hind legs occurs when the hips and lower legs are too oblique and when the metatarsus is set obliquely. The saber staging is associated with weakness of the hocks, which form sharp angles.
Rice. 19. Position of the hind limbs (rear view):
1- correct; 2 - narrow; 3-wide; 4 - barrel-shaped; 5 - close in hocks (distance)
Rice. 20. Position of the hind limbs (side view):
right; 2 - prima; 3 saber
The movement of the dog is carried out by soft successive pushes of alternating limbs with the participation of the back, waist and neck. When moving in a step, balance is maintained by a sequential rearrangement of the fore and hind limbs, and when moving at a trot, diagonal work and alternate support of the limbs are maintained by the front and opposite rear (Fig. 21). With fast gaits (gallop and quarry), the dog moves in throws, leaning alternately on the front and hind legs. Smoothness, lightness and duration of movements are achieved by the springing of all joints and the correct positioning of the legs, moving and resting parallel and in the same plane in the direction of the axis of movement.
Rice. 21. Dog Movement:
1 step; 2 - trot; 3 - amble
If the limbs are set incorrectly, the dog makes incomplete, inaccurate and unnecessary movements, for which additional energy is spent, the smoothness of movement is disturbed, and the animal quickly gets tired. The mechanics of the dog's movement are checked and described in the evaluation of the conformation by examining the dog in a standing position and in motion, in which the advantages and disadvantages of the limbs are better seen. Disadvantages include: deviations from rectilinear movements of the limbs, insufficient extension of the joints of the fore or hind limbs, movement of the buttocks in an oblique direction, amble, swinging of the croup or its sharp movements in the vertical direction.
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Tail, shoulder, front, hind limbs, paws, dog conformation
The tail is one of the characteristic breed signs. It comes in different lengths and shapes. It serves as a kind of balance organ, helping the dog to control the body during fast and well developed. The degree of development of muscle fibers is determined by the relief of the corresponding bundles of muscles, delimited by clear grooves. The direction of the scapula is determined by its midline, which passes through the center of the humeroscapular joint. The direction of the scapula to the horizon varies somewhat in different breeds and individuals; it is considered normal within 45-55°.
Fast-gait, galloping dogs with great endurance (greyhounds, hounds, foxhounds and harriers, pointers, fox terriers, etc.), with well-defined angulations of the hind limbs, have relatively straight shoulders. This provides greater freedom of movement forehand and stability. Stretched dogs (for example, English Setters, some breeds of hounds), whose characteristic movement is a trot, are distinguished by more acute angles of the fore and hind limbs. Heavy, not adapted for fast movement dogs have more obtuse angles of the shoulders and buttocks.
The humerus should be long (greater than the length of the shoulder blade) and set obliquely to allow for a wide stride in the dog. Its direction to the horizon and the existing norm are the same as for the shoulder blade. The scapula and humerus form the humeroscapular angle. The normal shoulder angle of 90-100° varies in individual breeds and individuals. An angle close to a right angle is considered the most favorable from a mechanical point of view (Fig. 9).
Rice. 9. Shapes of shoulders: 1 - normal; 2 - direct; 3 - spicy
Straight shoulder - the scapula and humerus are set vertically and form an angle close to 120 ° or more. A straight shoulder allows the dog to save energy with each stride of the front leg, but the stride width is reduced. A straight shoulder makes the dog more high-forward and is characterized by a straight forward stance.
A sharp shoulder usually occurs in older dogs or dogs that have had a serious illness, as well as in individuals with weak musculature of the shoulder girdle (due mainly to the low front and substituted forelegs). A dog with sharp shoulders is "forehanded", extending the shoulder angle more, but expends more force in doing this work than a dog with straight shoulders.
The elbow - a process of the ulna - must be long in order to provide better muscle attachment. The normal elbow points straight back and is loosely pressed against the chest. If the elbows are tilted outward (so-called outward-turned elbows), then the dog's limbs tend to turn inward*, which significantly impairs the correct movement. This defect is often associated with a barrel chest. If the elbows are turned inward towards the rib (under itself), the limbs are twisted outward, as a result of which the movement of the limbs in one plane is disturbed and the dog's working capacity decreases. This shape is often found in "flat" dogs with weak chests and narrow forelegs (Fig. 10).
Rice. 10. Position of limbs: 1 - normal; 2 - markup; 3 - clubfoot; 4 - parallel (when viewed from behind); 5 - proximity of the hocks; 6 - barrel-shaped
The ulnar angle formed by the humerus and forearm is usually 120-130°. A straight shoulder also increases the angle of the elbow.
The forearm is the area from the elbow to the wrist. The forearms should be straight, wide, parallel and, depending on the breed and type, long or short. The width of the forearm depends on the massiveness of the bones and the degree of development of the muscles. The forearm should always be vertical. Any deviation from this line violates the rational principle of supporting the body, since the heaviness of the body is no longer perceived by the bones, but by the muscles and ligaments.
The wrist should be dry and wide, located in the same plane with the forearm, when viewed from the front, its dimensions should exceed the lower end of the forearm.
The pastern should be voluminous, since the girth of the pastern largely determines the strength of the limbs. The width of the pastern, when viewed from the front, should be wider than the forearm, which determines a well-developed bone base for the tendons located on it. When viewed from the side, the pastern should be wide and even throughout. The direction of the pastern and its length may be different depending on the requirements of the breed standard. Metacarpus set with a slight inclination (15-20°), short, strong, typical for dogs with a square or shortened format, moving mainly at a gallop, in which the load on the forelimbs is significantly increased when landing.
An oblique pastern (30-40°) is characteristic of dogs of a stretched format moving at a trot. Set obliquely, it is long and absorbs smoothly and does not reduce the force of inertia. Characteristic deficiencies of the forelimbs: sharp shoulders, twisted forearms, usually the result of rickets, twisted out or tucked in elbows; narrow or close positioning of the forelimbs, which occurs with a narrow and flat chest; too steep position of the shoulder blades. two types: razmet - one or both pasterns are twisted to the sides, which leads to eversion of the paw and forearm to the sides; clubfoot - the elbows are turned to the sides, and the paws are twisted in. Kozinets also belongs to the disadvantages - the wrist and metacarpus are curved forward, not backward All of these shortcomings significantly affect the movement of the dog, do not allow all joints to work on the same plane, soften the force of shocks when stepping on the ground, perceive blows received by the limb on the bone base, and not on the muscles and ligaments, and etc.
The hind limbs produce strong motor impulses that help the dog move. In this regard, they have thicker bones, a greater number of articulation angles, more massive and strong muscles. The hind limb consists of the thigh, knee joint, lower leg, hock joint, metatarsus, paws.
The thigh should be long, with a powerful layer of musculature, when viewed from behind, be wider than the croup. The angle of the hip direction to the horizon is 80-85°.
The knee angle formed by the thigh and lower leg is considered normal within 125-135°.
The knee should be inconspicuous, rounded, at the same height as the elbow.
The lower leg, consisting of two bones - the tibia and the tibia, is considered in length, width and direction. The long leg, equal to the forearm, determines the amount of space covered when moving the leg forward. All fast-gait dogs, for which the trot is the main gait, have a long lower leg, all heavy and slow-moving dogs have short lower legs. The muscles on the outer side of the lower leg stand out sharply. The width of the lower leg characterizes the thickness and massiveness of the bone and muscles. The lower legs are at an angle of 45° to the hocks.
The hocks are considered in shape, dryness, width. The shape of the hock joint is formed by the direction of the lower leg and metatarsus, as well as the length and direction of the calcaneus. The hock joint must be dry, well-defined, with the outlines of bones, ligaments and cavities clearly visible under the thin and elastic skin, flat, but broad and strong.
The heel bone, which is under great stress during jumps, should be long and pointing backwards. The angle of the hock joint is 125-135°.
The metatarsus consists of a tarsus and a metatarsus (when determining the exterior, the metatarsus is considered as a whole). The metatarsus should be long, thick, wide and almost vertically set, this provides the dog with a strong, stable support during movement.
A characteristic disadvantage of the hind limbs is a straight back. This defect is inherent in dogs that differ in the sheer position of the thigh and lower leg, as well as individuals with too short lower leg and open knee angle. The limb in such cases is straight, with a slightly pronounced hock angle. If in such a dog a vertical line is drawn from the ischial tuberosity, it will pass through the center of the hock joint and even behind it. In the latter case, the setting of the hind limbs, in addition to the straight line, will also be called substituted. Weakly pronounced knee angles indicate a small amplitude of movements, the dog cannot produce strong motor shocks. The extension of the angles of the limbs naturally leads to the elevation of the sacrum (high back); this, in turn, is reflected in the shape of the back - it makes it arched.
Saber hind legs occur in dogs with a too oblique direction of the thigh and lower leg, as well as with a large length of the latter; fni are associated with weakness of the hocks. The saber is characterized by an acute angle of the hock joint and a spit inclined forward. Too sharp corners require a lot of effort to open them, which weakens the motor shocks. Weakness of the hock makes the dog unsuitable for long and strenuous work. In this case, a vertical line drawn from the ischial tuberosity passes in front of the hock joint. With bent joints and an inclined position of the metatarsus, the sacrum of the dog is usually lower than the withers (low back).
When viewed from behind, the hocks should be parallel. At the same time, motor shocks are transmitted to the spine without lateral vibrations, which eliminates the loss of strength during movement. In addition, a dog with parallel hind limbs has uniform support and correct gaits. If the tops of the angles of the hocks are close together, and the metatarsals in their upper part are set obliquely inward, an incorrect setting is formed - the proximity of the hocks, which is associated with weak muscles of the back (Fig. 11).
Rice. 11. Position of the hind limbs: 1 - normal; 2 - straight; 3 - saber
A barrel-shaped setting occurs when the hocks are twisted to the sides and the lower parts of the metatarsus are tilted inward. The paws are usually placed obliquely inward. This defect often occurs in dogs with a straight set of limbs and strong musculature of the hindquarters. Both in the first and in the second cases, the movements of the everted hocks are limited, and the obliquely placed metatarsus cannot serve as a reliable support for the dog.
The setting of the hind limbs is usually wider than the forelimbs. If you draw a vertical line from the ischial tuber down, it should pass through the center of the hock and divide the metatarsus into two parts. This setting is considered normal. If the hind legs are wider than this line, this setting is called wide. Wide stance is most often found in breeds that are not adapted to rapid movement, having significant weight and massive back muscles. With a narrow setting, the hocks and metatarsus are set almost together - close together. This setting is found in underdeveloped dogs, with a narrow croup and weak back muscles.
In addition to exterior defects and defects of the limbs, in recent years, a genetic (hereditary) defect has become widespread - dysplasia that affects the hip joints. With it, the articular cavity of the pelvic bone is deformed and the articular head of the femoral bone, under the influence of the weight of the animal, is forced out to the edge of the articular cavity or completely leaves it. With dysplasia, dogs develop lameness, a staggering gait, and entangled limbs when moving. Animals often sit down, move reluctantly, refuse to jump, and tire quickly. An accurate diagnosis of dysplasia is established only with an X-ray examination.
It is necessary to distinguish between two superficially very similar concepts, but arising from different causes. Nizkoperedost - the rear of the dog is higher than the withers. The reason is the defects of the forelimbs (acute shoulder angles, curvature of the forearms, weak sagging pasterns). Vysokozadost - the back of the dog is also higher than the withers, but the reason lies in the defect of the hind limbs - the straightened corners of the knee and hock joints (straight back).
The paws of dogs should be round or oval, with tightly compressed, half-bent fingers, which, when pressed, unbend and spring. A paw of this shape, when viewed from the side, seems high and convex, arched (Fig. 12). As a result of hereditary characteristics, poor education, as well as diseases or lack of exercise, there are a number of characteristic defects inherent in the paws of dogs.
A flat, or soft, paw with straightened fingers has no arch. Such a paw cannot spring and takes the whole blow flat, with a sharp push, which is reflected in other joints. Loose paw - the fingers are widely spaced, there are gaps between them, as a result of which the ability of the paw to spring is largely lost. The dog can easily injure the unprotected interdigital area.
Dogs have 5 toes on their front foot. The fifth finger with 2 joints does not touch the ground and does not participate in the movement. There are 4 toes on the back foot. The fifth finger, sometimes marked on the inside of the metatarsus, does not reach the ground and does not take part in the movement. It is called profitable, found in a number of breeds. Dewclaws interfere with movement and are easily injured during work, so it is recommended to remove them surgically from puppies shortly after their birth (on the 3rd-4th day).
The claws of dogs should be dense, unbreakable, of a color corresponding to the color, semicircular in shape and pointing towards the ground. With a well-arched paw, the dog evenly touches the ground with all fingers and grinds the claws equally, so that they only reach the ground, and do not rest on it. In slow moving dogs, the claws are long, resting on the ground, which causes an incorrect setting of the paw. In such cases, the nails must be trimmed.
Speaking about the limbs, we should mention the achondroplasia of the legs, characteristic of many breeds, found in all domestic animals, including dogs. Achondroplasia is a hereditary shortening and curvature of the long bones of the limbs, which should not be confused with the curvature of the bones caused by rickets, although they are very similar in appearance.
Rice. 12. Paw shapes: 1 - collected in a lump; 2 - loose
Short-legged and therefore elongated dogs are often simplistically called dachshunds, by analogy with the popular breed of dachshunds, which is characterized by this trait. Short-legged dogs met long before the formation of this breed in various and completely isolated regions of the globe and, obviously, were its ancestors. Images of long, short-legged dogs made 2,000 BC. e., are found on the ancient Egyptian pyramids. "Short-legged", often found among Nenets Laikas, are used for grazing deer herds, where there are newborn deer, which should not be quickly brought to the herd. Among the fossils of ancient Inca dogs, there are also individuals with shortened limb bones. This trait is dominant, inherited in a number of generations according to the classical Mendelian law of the ratio 3:1. The forelimbs change to a greater extent - the scapula, humerus are shortened, the ulnar and radius bones are shortened and deformed. Wrists and paws as a result of this are set in size, seem unnecessarily large. The hind limbs do not change so sharply, their directions and articulation angles are mainly disturbed.
In order for a puppy of large breeds to grow into a healthy dog and have no problems with the musculoskeletal system, it is necessary to provide:
1. Balanced nutrition with high quality Super Premium feed.
2. Reception of vitamins and minerals necessary for growth.
It must be remembered that if the puppy is fully fed with dry food, then all supplements should be given in courses and in half the size of the instructions indicated for them, since the basic set is already included in the dry food.
3. Necessary physical activity according to the development phase of the puppy.
If you want to competently raise a dog, you need to know the features of the anatomical structure of the dog and strictly follow the technology of growing a puppy of giant breeds.
A bit from the anatomical structure of the dog:
* Paw:
There are two types of paws in all dogs:
Cat's foot, the rounded foot found on most dogs
Hare, longer than feline, characteristic of high-speed dogs.
Each of these paws is correct if it is tight and compact.
* Metacarpus:
The pastern is more important to a dog's health than most people realize. It is the metacarpus that plays the role of a shock absorber for the dog. its action is almost identical to that of a shock absorber in a car.
Proper pasterns absorb the impact of each step, thereby reducing the impact on the shoulder blade.
A good pastern, in most breeds, is not straight, but should have a slight but pronounced angle relative to the bones of the forearm.
This angle provides a certain softening and as a result gradually reduces the push from each step.
A normal paw, one in which the fingers are closed into a ball and form, in shape, a cat's paw. If the fingers are unclenched, the paw is called loose or goose.
The forelegs turned out at the wrists to the sides are called (in size), this is when the dog's elbows are pressed to the chest.
The paws in the wrists, looking inward, are called (clubfoot), while the dog's elbows are, as it were, turned outward.
1-normal; 2-clubfoot; 3-size.
Position of front paws:
On the left - sagging pastern, In the center - the correct set of the paw, On the right - loose paw.
The hind limbs of a dog consist of the thigh, knee, lower leg, hock, tarsus, metatarsus, and paws. They are designed to throw the dog's body forward. Therefore, they should be strong and resilient, covered with strong muscles, and they should also be parallel to each other. The hindquarters may have deviations from the norm.
Position of the hind limbs (rear view):
1-correct; 2-narrow; 3-wide; 4-barrel-shaped; 5-contact in the hocks (distance);
Narrow stance is found in dogs with weak hindquarters and a narrow croup. With a close stance, the hocks and metatarsus come together, almost touching each other (close). The wide stance is most often found in broad-bodied, massive breeds of dogs that are not adapted to fast movements.
For example, cowhide - the hocks are close together, and the metatarsals are set somewhat obliquely, at the back they resemble the letter (x)
or barrel-shaped set - the hocks are turned out to the sides, the rear position of the limbs resembles the letter (o).
There is a narrow or wide set when the hind limbs are not in parallel lines with the forelimbs (narrower or wider).
Remember: Weak metacarpus, splayed paw and razmet - three different aesthetic flaws and each of these shortcomings is considered and identified, with a visual inspection or description ... and also these shortcomings have individual, specific elimination methodologies.
If you notice all this, you need to take immediate action. This will be fixed at an early stage. These are not vices. But to fix everything - you need to make an effort.
If you notice any deviations, then you should immediately contact a breeder or a specialist who can competently assess the developing trend and give advice on how to correct the situation.
There is no need to run to the doctors in a panic and start giving calcium and other mineral supplements urgently. It must be remembered that an excess of calcium is even more dangerous than its deficiency.
If the puppy is lame, then this is not a reason to run to do an x-ray. X-rays at an early age are done only in emergency cases and for health reasons. You must be warned about this by a qualified veterinarian.
IT IS IDEAL IF FROM THE FIRST DAY THE BREEDER FROM WHICH YOU TAKE THE PUPPY WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU AND HELP YOU TO GROW YOUR PUPPY PROPERLY.
Feel free to once again ask for advice, periodically send him photos and videos of your pet. By and large, the breeder is more than you interested in your pet growing into a future star.
ALABAY IS VERY HARD AND STRONG BREED!
The hind limbs of the dog can rightfully be considered the main motor levers, and the hip joints, which bear the greatest load, are their most responsible elements, ensuring the balance and reliability of the dog's movement. The hind limbs produce very strong motor impulses necessary for movement, therefore they have the most developed thick bones, strong dry joints, strong ligaments and well-developed strong relief muscles (flexor and extensor). Each hind limb consists of a hip joint, thigh, knee joint, lower leg, hock joint, metatarsus and paw.
The hip joint and thigh are equipped with well-developed muscles, which are much wider than the croup and evenly developed on the outer and inner sides of the thigh. The femur, by means of a ball bearing, is connected to the pelvic bones at an angle of 90 degrees. The femur is long, the bone is thick, but not loose, the femoral head is evenly rounded, 2/3 entering the acetabulum.
The knee joint is formed by the thigh and lower leg, making up an articulation angle of 125-135 degrees. The knee is rounded, inconspicuous, most often located in a straight line with the dog's elbow.
The dog's lower leg is based on two tibia bones (small and large) and, like the thigh, is considered in length, width and inclination. The long leg, equal to the forearm, determines the amount of overlapping space when moving forward. All fast-gait dogs that use the trot in movement have a long lower leg, and all large and not very mobile dogs have a shorter lower leg. The muscles of the lower leg are more pronounced on the outer side and less developed on the inner side. The width of the lower leg characterizes the thickness and massiveness of the bone.
The hock joint is formed by the lower leg and metatarsus, which, together with the calcaneus, give shape to this joint. It should be well-defined, dry and clearly visible by the contours of bones, ligaments and depressions under thin skin.
When jumping, the calcaneus experiences very heavy loads, and therefore its strength and length, as well as the direction backwards, are very important. The hock angle is approximately 135-150 degrees.
The hocks are long, thick and wide, set almost vertically, this provides a strong stable support for the dog during movement.
Paws - round or oval with tightly compressed, half-bent short fingers. When viewed from the side, the paw seems high, convex - arched. On the forelimbs of the paw with five fingers, the fifth finger with two joints does not touch the ground and does not participate in movement. There are four fingers on the hind limbs. Sometimes there is a rudimentary fifth finger, which is not involved in the movement, called the profitable one. Dewclaws in some breeds of dogs can be found not only on the hind limbs, but also on the forelimbs, they tend to interfere with movement, are often injured, and they are usually removed surgically at an early age.
The toes end in claws which should be dense and of a standard color, black nails being preferred. The sharp ends of the claws are directed to the ground and do not retract inward, unlike cats. Slowly moving dogs usually have long, curved, unworn nails, which can lead to malpositioning of the paws.
When evaluating the hind limbs of a dog, first of all, the anatomical structure of the limbs and their position are considered. These concepts are often not identical, for example, with the correct structure of the limbs, their position may be incorrect, which reduces the ability to move correctly.
Having considered the structure of the hind limbs and their components - bones, joints, joints between themselves, articulation angles, we can proceed to the position of the hind limbs and its defects.
The straight croup of the dog occurs when the thigh and lower leg are in a vertical position or when the lower leg is shortened and the knee angle is open (straightened). As a result of a change in the inclination of the bones of the thigh and lower leg, the angle of the knee and hock joints changes, and due to the straightening of the angles, the length of the step decreases and the movements become constrained, the step is short, mincing, and all this requires a lot of effort during a long movement, because the direction shocks are carried out not forward, but upward. If you mentally draw a perpendicular line from the ischial tuberosity, then it will pass through the center of the hock joint or even behind it. In such cases, the position of the limbs will be not only straight, but also, so-called, substituted.
Saber hind limbs are formed with too oblique direction of the thigh and lower leg, as well as with an excessively long lower leg and weakness of the hock joint. Saber is characterized by sharp angles of articulations and forward tilted metatarsus. The opening of sharp, excessive angles requires great physical effort of the dog when moving. The weakness of the hock joint makes the dog unsuitable for long and strenuous work, the metatarsus cannot withstand the load and, as a rule, sag. The line descending from the ischial tuberosity will pass, in this case, in front of the hock joint.
If the metatarsus is tilted back, then such a set is called set aside. Thanks to the bent joints and the sloping position of the metatarsus, the sacrum will be lower than the withers and give the impression of a sloping croup.
When examining the hocks from behind, they should be strictly parallel to each other; with such a position, motor shocks are transmitted to the spinal column without lateral vibrations and do not lead to a needless loss of motor efforts. If the angles of the hocks are close together, and the metatarsals are tilted inward, then such a set is associated with weakness of the muscles of the croup and thighs.
Barrel-shaped set of the hind limbs is called the set, in which the hocks are turned outward, the metatarsus is also tilted outward. Paws in such cases usually turn out to be placed obliquely, inward (clubfoot). With this set-up, there is a strongly developed musculature of the croup to hold the femoral head in the hip joint.
A normal position is considered to be one in which the perpendicular line lowered from the ischial tuberosity passes through the center of the hock joint and mentally divides the metatarsus in half. If the limbs are set wider than this line, then such a set is called wide, it is found in breeds that are not adapted to fast gaits, which have a large weight and massive muscles of the croup and thighs, creating stability.
A narrow set of hind limbs is called a set, in which the hocks and metatarsus are almost in contact with each other. Such limbs are found in underdeveloped dogs with a narrow croup and poorly developed musculature of the pelvis and thighs. With poor upbringing, illnesses and little training, deficiencies in the set of paws are formed.
A flat or soft paw with straightened long fingers does not spring well and, taking blows and shocks, breaks the joints. A loose paw is called when the fingers are set apart from each other and have gaps between them, that is, unprotected interdigital areas. Such dogs often injure their paws and limp, and long, curving claws exacerbate the situation.
When studying the structure and position of the hind limbs, special attention should be paid to the importance of the hip joint, which determines their position and provides movement. These joints are not only the largest and most complex in structure, but also hidden from the eye of an expert by the powerful muscles of the pelvis and thigh, and the irregularity of their structure is revealed by the movement of the dog with strong deviations from the norm. Their main and most common defect is hip dysplasia (genetically inherited or acquired - provoked) is confirmed only radiographically, and visible external errors in its functioning are noted as visible consequences: enslavement of the femoral head in the joint, low hip mobility, saber set of limbs, twisted joints outward, weak ligaments in the articular joints, wobbly, poorly coordinated gait.