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09/18/08

Why Does my Dog Hop Like a Rabbit or Bunny?
Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM

rottweiler_kopf_3.jpgMy Rotweiler is 8 months old and someone pointed
out to me at the doggy park that he was running
funny. He trots normally (using all four legs) and
“jogs” the same but when he picks up the pace to
go run he picks his back legs up at the same time
(almost like a bunny). He has always done this
and I figured it was a puppy thing but I am not so
sure now.

Maritza
Browns Mills, NJ

An eight-month-old Rottweiler is roughly equivalent to a 14-year-old human. Both individuals will generally be in the process of rapidly growing and adapting to their new bodies. And, as anyone who can remember being 14 will attest, that process can be awkward.

Therefore, it does not surprise me that your pet might look awkward as he runs. It is a very common phenomenon in dogs that age. There is a very good chance that he will outgrow it as he matures.

However, keep in mind that Rottweilers are predisposed to problems such as hip dysplasia that also can cause abnormal ambulation or running.

Although I suspect that there is nothing wrong with your dog, I’d still recommend a veterinary checkup to make sure everything is OK.

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There is 1 Comment

  1. Stefanie Heske posted a comment on November 29th, 2008 at 12:55 am

    My 3 year old American Cocker Spaniel has been letting out these little crys every time she jumps into my car or
    when she runs fast. She won’t jump on my couch at night and stays in her crate all the time which is very unusual
    for her. What do you think could have happened to her? I can’t even tell if it’s her shoulder or leg!

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