how should a frenchie walk?

[Kelly+Manja]

I was wondering if I could get some descriptions of how a 9 month old frenchie should canter (a moderate walking pace). Im beginning to worry that manja has some kind of problem with his back legs. At first I put it down to maybe a gangly awkward phase he might be going through as it just looks like his back legs are too long for him sometimes. He runs and jumps fine but when walking his back legs seem to be all over the place! sometimes they swing from side to side together and his knees dont really bend. It doesnt look normal. I am going to ring the breeder today and talk to her about it. Ive been putting it off though because I dont want to hear bad news like he has spinal problems or something. He isnt in any discomfort at all and gallops ahead but I dont think that it is normal. Does this description of movement sound familiar to anyone???

[Carolyn]

Hi Kelly. Boy...I don't know what to think about what you have described. I am hoping that his gait is normal and maybe a bit clumbsy for being such a young pup. Ferris is 1 1/2 now (with no health issues) and he has quite a strut. He has a wonderful "male" gait but I will say it doesn't really look like his knees bend either. I think this is normal but hopefully you will get more information from others here. Let us know what your breeder says. Regards, Carolyn, Abby and Ferris

[fran]

Without seeing Manja in person it is so hard to even visualize ..
One of the aspects of Frenchies that is the cause of "heated" debate is gait or movement.Even the breeders can not agree on what is correct; is the dog truly double tracking?Are the back legs crossing? And even if the movement is not "correct" there is nothing structurally wrong with the dog.When Dari runs at full speed her back legs FLY out at different directions; she is physically fine.
Keep us posted..
fran

[guglots_upot]

I have a Frenchie that is just like that when he wakes up though... He would walk awkwardly after I let him out of the Crate then he would stretch and he'll become fine. Maybe your's just haven't stretched? Maybe you want to walk him more often so that his hind legs are exercised and would not be stiff... :)

[Martina]

Kelly,

I've been meaning to write for several days, but wanted to locate my Flat Face Encyclopedia -Bulldogs and French Bulldogs: A to Z (Jan Durr Grebes & Steve Eltinge) first. However, I took it on my trip to CA and put it someplace "safe" for the ride home and now, not surprisingly, it's lost :rolleyes:.

I recommend this book strongly to everyone. It's not cheap ($30) and it will probably have to be special ordered, but it is sooooo worth the cost. I read the whole thing when I got it and have referred back to it regularly.

It gives a great description of the frenchie gait - both regulation and non-regulation. It also has several drawings of the hindquarters and view through the rear of the legs (showing ankle, knee, hip position) - again describing regulation vs. non-regulation posture. As most people said, it's probably nothing (just a quirk of the breed) and, if it worries you, have your vet look the next time you're in (I wouldn't make a special appointment because it's obviously not affecting his ability to walk). If you send me your e-mail address, I'll try to scan the specific pages from the book in and send them to you - though I'm not exactly computer-capable so I can't promise that I can do it!

big hug to Manja the love-bug!
Martina
martinadesloge@yahoo.com

[Kelly+Manja]

thanks for all the replies everyone.
they've made me feel better. I think it must just be the way he is. It has occurred to me to help him stregnthen his back legs, sometimes we do little exercises like 'reach for the stick' where he has to balance on his back legs. I have also heard of the Flat Faced Encycolpaedia and have meant to buy it for ages I will get on top of that soon. Martina my email is kellyrobson@somethingorother.com
thanx

[fran]

Kelly, before you do excersizes with Manja,PLEASE talk with his breeder and your vet.Frenchies are condroplastic and there are things that they should not do.
There are several champion agility Frenchies;Ricki is one. Before his owner ,Tracey started doing this work , she had him fully checked out.
Normal play;running and having fun should be more than enough to strengthen his body.Dari goes to the dogpark every day and is muscled from normal play.
fran

[peter88]

What would be considered an abnormal gait/movement? Milo has a swagger to her. While walking at a slow to moderate pace, her hips sway from side to side. I have not be concerned about it and she does not seem to be in any discomfort. However, because I’m unsure of the movement you are describing, I’m curious if you are really talking about a swagger or not. Do most Frenchies swagger?

[fran]

Frenchies should have SOME movement to thier hind quarters as they walk. How much is up to debate.Bulldogs (the predecessor to our dogs) are required , in the breed standard to have a "roll" to the gait.This is not specified in the standard.
When Dari walks , she does "swagger" slightly.As she speeds up ,the movement of her rump decreases.But she is NOT stiff.It is my recollection ,from watching dogs at the show ring that there is movement as they move.
Dogs should also be "up on thier pasterns" ;or in English not flat footed. It is painfully obvious when a dog is down at the pasterns.

[Martina]

from The Flat Face Encyclopedia:

Hindquarters - Hind legs are stong and muscular, longer than the forelegs, so as to elevate the loins above the shoulders. Hocks well let down. Feet are moderate in size, compact and firmly set. Toes compact, well split up, with high knuckles and short stubby nails; hind feet slightly longer than forefeet.

Gait - Correct gait is double tracking with reach and drive; the action is unrestrained, free and vigourous.