Cow hocked? - Page 1

Can some one explain what this means and how bad is it for a dog that might be cow hocked? Does it come from the parents, does it go away when the puppy gets older or is it something that they will always have? Thanks for your time.

Cow-hocked means that on the legs, the feet turn out away from each other, and the hocks turn in toward each other. Generally genetic, does not really go away although it may lessen some in appearance as the dog gets older and more muscled up and tighter in the joints.  It is not only unattractive, but it would appear that the hips cannot seat well and normally in the sockets, though I have seen a-normal and OFA good dogs that are cow-hocked.

Actually many herding/pastoral dogs lean to being cow hocked, it enhances cornering ability.

It is not inextricably linked to hips and there is no proven correlation.

Not to hijack this thread but, on the topic of cow-hockiness (is that a word?)lol, is it just me or does this seem to be more prevalent in the show lines rather than the working lines?  And with this, soft pasterns?  I don't really hear of it or see it in the working lines.  Does anyone have working lines that tend to be cowhocked and/or have weak pasterns?  I'm just really curious about this.  And, if not, would it not stand to reason then that by incorporating some of the working line blood into the showlines, we might possibly be able to breed away from this?  Thanks for the info in advance.

I agree that many herding breeds tend to be cowhocked as Langhaar has stated. However, their standards do not call for cowhocks, so it is still considered a fault. The AKC collie and sheltie breeders have been using that excuse for years - yeah, he/she's a little cowhocked but needs to be that way to corner quickly. If that were true, I think their standards would ask for a slightly cowhocked dog and they do not. I also think some confuse cowhocks with dogs that move or stand close, their rear feet point ahead in the right direction, their feet don't turn out as Altosland has described. When you watch them move from behind their hocks brush or dust each other.

Blitz is very cowhocked, 100% showlines. His hips are normal.

From the illustrated standard, a diagram showing cowhocks:

http://www.shawlein.com/The_Standard/05_The_Hindquarters/The_Hindquarters.html

You have to scroll down a bit to see it.

I have read these threads with interest, since I think that my 5 1/2 month old puppy may have this problem.

Since bringing him home, we noticed a weakness in his back legs, but this improved.  However, his back feet turn outward (almost like Mary Poppins), and when walking he first turns his feet inwards before moving.  His hips do look sound though, and he is showing no sign of discomfort or pain.

We have kept in touch with the breeder, and made our concerns known, but she felt that he would grow out of it and seemed not concerned.  I have no reason to doubt her at all.

We took him back to our vets yesterday, who feels that there most certainly is a problem, and has booked him in for x-rays.  Obviously, we are extremely worried, but a little heartened since reading that in some cases dogs can really grow out of cow hocks.  Am I right to feel optimistic, or should we prepare ourselves for the worst?

Petnanny, I'd be inclined to go back to your breeder or get in touch with your nearest GSD club for an opinion.  If your puppy's not suffering in any way, why X-ray?  Being cow hocked is not attractive but it's hardly a terminal condition.

Greatestgsd, have a look at a cows hocks!  That's where the term comes from.  I can't fathom why it would enhance a dogs cornering ability to have cow hocks... perhaps it's just that the sheep slow down to have a look at them?

Gsdfanatic1964, there are many "show lines" and "show dogs" without cow hocks... I promise you!

My daughter's GSD is cowhocked and has PERFECT hips. If I had to choose between poor hips and cowhocks, I will take the cowhocks! She is from hearding lines, and one fast moving gal that is always on the go. I think she runs in her sleep. We also have some VA dogs that are cowhocked. If this is the only health issue for your gsd, count you blessings.

I meant to say if you go thru the URMA books on the seiger shows, you will find some VA Dogs that are cowhocked.