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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gait_(dog)
Canine gait
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is an article on canine gaits, for other meanings see: gait (disambiguation).
The gait of a dog is its quality of movement. It is given a great deal of importance in the breed standard of
some breeds, of lesser importance in other standards, and in some breeds gait is not described in the standard
at all. A dog's gait is much similar to a horse's.
A dog judge must know the gait requirements in the Standard of the breed he or she is judging. The
Miniature Pinscher, for example, must have what is called a hackney gait, reminiscent of the gait of a horse.
In working small breeds such as the Miniature Fox Terrier, a hackney gait is a serious or disqualifying fault.
Types of gait
Walk
Gaiting pattern in which three legs are in support of the body at all times, each foot lifting from the
ground one at a time in regular sequence. [1]
Amble
A relaxed, easy gait in which the legs on either side move almost, but not quite, as a pair. Often seen
as the transition movement between the walk and other gaits. [1]
Pace
The pace is a two-beat gait with two lateral legs moving in unison. Example:
Left front and left hind
Right front and right hind
The pace is often used by puppies until their muscles develop more. When they do the puppies switch
to the trot. It can also be used by overweight dogs or dogs that need to conserve energy.
Trot
A rhythmic two-beat diagonal gait in which the feet at diagonal opposite ends of the body strike the
ground together; i.e., right hind with left front and left hind with right front. [1]
Flying trot
A fast gait in which all four feet are off the ground for a brief second during each half stride. Because
of the long reach, the oncoming hind feet step beyond the imprint left by the front. Also called
suspension trot. [1]
Canter
The canter is a three-beat gait. The pattern is a hind foot, the opposite hind foot and its front diagonal,
followed by the other front foot and suspension when present. This gait is often used to travel over
long distances because it is smooth and energy conserving. The canter is usually slower than the trot,
but can be easily be shifted to the faster gallop. The canter is an asymmetrical gait; the limb pattern is
different depending on which front leg leads. The dog is said to be in either "right lead" or "left lead"
when the front right leg or front left leg is in the lead. The leading leg is not part of the diagonal.
Example:
Hind left
Hind right and front left
Front right (leading leg)
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gait_(dog)
References
1. AKC Glossary. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/about/glossary.cfm .
2. Gilbert, Brown & Brown: K-9: Structure and Terminology , Howell Books; 1 edition (December 1995), ISBN
0-87605-421-1
Bibliography
Comparison between the two gallop styles (http://www.braquedubourbonnais.info/en/gallop.htm)
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Categories: Dog health Dog breeding Dog shows and showing
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gait_(dog)
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