We all thought Pluto of Looney Tunes looked cute with his dog front paws turned out.
But is it equally cute when your dog feet turn outward when standing in real life? Let’s find out!
Dog front paws turned out is a common sighting in breeds like Dachshund and Bulldog. The dog feet turn outward when standing due to a lower center of gravity. A dog will stand in the odd position of front paws turned out to support its body weight and maintain posture.
The Dachshund is famous for having its dog feet turn outward when standing.
But why do some breeds have their dog front paws turned out while others have straightened paws?
🐶 Fun Fact
In dog shows, canines with paws facing forward and good postures are considered the smartest.
It has to do with the following reasons;
- Genetics
- Joint problems
- Obesity
- Long paw nails
Genetics
Genetics can play a big role in causing a dog’s front paws to turn outward.
In the dog anatomy, the pastern is the rear section of a dog’s ankle to the ball-shaped joint section.
Some dogs are genetically born with a high or weak pastern which affects their overall gait.
To compensate for gait, a dog would walk with the rear paws turned outward for balance.
Unfortunately, there is no way to correct this genetic defect.
But you can reduce the strain on rear joints by preventing obesity in your dog.
Also, ensure your dog is not engaging in rigorous exercises that will straight the ball joints too much.
Joint problems
Some joint diseases can alter a dog’s posture and push the feet outward.
Two common canine joint conditions include;
- Elbow dysplasia
- Carpal valgus
Elbow dysplasia affects the three bones that make up a dog’s joint.
When these three bones don’t fit into each other- through genetics or obesity- it affects the integrity of the entire elbow joint.
Dog front paws turned out is one of the first symptoms of canine elbow dysplasia.
Larger dogs are more likely to suffer elbow dysplasia than toy breeds.
If detected early, this condition can be fixed using non-invasive methods.
But in advanced cases, surgery is the only option to correct the problem.
Carpal valgus or valgus deformity is a condition that causes a dog’s limb to deviate outward.
Carpal valgus affects puppies more which makes it easy to correct at an early age.
But if undetected this condition may last for the first 7 months of a puppy’s life.
Carpal valgus affects the front paws.
The only way to prevent carpal valgus deformity is by feeding puppies a healthy diet.
Focus on nutrients that promote growth and development in a puppy.
High proteins and omega 3/6 fats are necessary for the development of strong bones and muscles.
Medial Patellar Luxation
This condition affects the rear knee joints of toy breed dogs.
The knee joint moves out of its position and wobble when a dog is walking.
Small dogs will walk with their hind feet facing outwards to minimize the movement and discomfort.
Overgrown nails
Overgrown nails can cause your dog to lose his paw grip.
He will shift the leg to the side to find a better posture whilst accommodating the overgrown nail.
Besides giving your dog a weird gait, long nails can grow inwards and puncture your dog’s paw.
That can be painful for Bingo.
Always trim down your dog’s paw nails to prevent this from happening.
Once the nails are short, he will be able to walk better and resume his normal healthy posture.
In dog shows, canines with paws facing forward and good postures are considered the smartest.
❗Important
Overgrown nails are dangerous to a pet. They cause a lot of discomfort and interfere with everyday activities like feeding.
Dogs breeds with turned out feet
There are dog breeds that naturally walk with their front, back, or all paws turned out.
Such dogs have a low center of gravity and have to spread the paws out for better posture and support.
Below is a list of dog breeds with turned out paws;
1. Bulldog
If you live with an English, French, or Toy bulldog, you are a witness to his unique gait with the paws out.
Bulldogs have heavy bodies and tiny legs which compels them to stretch their paws out for better posture.
You will also notice the elbows sticking out creating more space for their broad chests.
2. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is one of the most exquisite floppy-eared dogs.
They have long ears, narrow faces, and an impeccable sense of smell.
Because of their law COG, they stand with their paws out for better support.
3. Dachshund
The Dachshund proudly walks or sits with his front paws turned out.
The elbows bend inwards to better support their heavy sausage bodies.
As cute and harmless as he looks, the Dachshund was born to hunt and flush out prey from narrow hideouts.
4. Chihuahua
A Chihuahua’s adorable round eyes and funny large ears can easily distract you from his turned-out feet.
Even with a slender lighter body, chihuahuas still walk with paws turned out for better support.
They spend most of their time on your arm or lap which makes it harder to notice the turned-out paws.
Learn More:
5. Pomeranian
A cute fluffy fellow, the Pomeranian’s bushy coat hides his turned-out feet very well.
But watch him closely and you noticed how slightly turned and spread out his paws are.
He is born this way so you do not have to worry about his health.
6. Pug
Another adorable fellow whose large, dark, round, and inquisitive eyes draw you away from his feet.
Pugs are so cute in their wrinkly face and walk around in quick strides.
If you want him to add more muscle, and never worry about his turned out feet, consider getting a pug mixed with pitbull.
7. Welsh Corgi
Like their pug friend, Corgis walk around in hastened steps with their stubby tails raised high.
They are one of the toy-breed dogs with lower COGs because of their heavy bodies.
Though the turned-out paws support their heavy bodies, they can easily suffer joint problems because of excess weight gain.
Corgis are hearty eaters too so be careful about overfeeding one.
8. English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel also walks with his dog front paws turned out.
Like the Basset Hound, he spots floppy ears with signature wavy hair on them.
The same wavy hair is visible on his tail and a bit on his paws.
The rest of his body hair is smoothed out which is what makes his looks unique.
Conclusion
If your dog’s front paws turned out all of a sudden, it could be a sign of disease or escalating deformity.
Take your pup to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
But if your pooch was born with natural turned out feet, then celebrate his unique looks!
See Also
Frequently Asked Questions
Sadly, there is no cure for elbow dysplasia. But a combination of surgery, medication, and therapy can slow down the effects of dysplasia. Take your dog to a vet immediately when you notice his front or back paws are suddenly turned outward.
A common sign of dysplasia is when dog feet turn outward when standing. The elbow joints will be swollen and the dog will walk with a limp. As walking becomes difficult, your dog becomes less enthusiastic about walks or playing.
Chilly weather can cause dry cracked paws in dogs. Also, pet allergies, hot pavements, and harsh detergents can cause your pup’s paws to crack. Cracked paws if untreated can end up being painful and hinder your dog’s mobility. You can use shea butter or coconut oil to moisten and soothe dry cracked paws. Pet-friendly paw-balm can also be used for the same purpose.
Dogs like the Alaskan Malamute are vulnerable to splayed feet. While the splayed feet pose no threat in warm weather, they can be a problem when it is cold. The spread-out feet and thin pad are ineffective in preventing heat loss.