Dogs moving like a camel (pacing) - it's not right, is it?

[kerilli]

just been out in the car and seen someone walking a spaniel which was pacing like a camel, moving legs on same side at same time, in 2-time. i've seen various dogs do this over the years, and always assumed they must have a major back problem or injury - is that right? or do some dogs just do it naturally, and not because of pain? just wondered really! thankyou.

 

[pinkcatkin]

I too have seen loads of dogs doing camel pacing. Think it is more comfortable for some dogs and dont think it necessarily means a dog has a bad back.

 

[echodomino]

They do it because it's easier for a dog to pace then it is to walk normally so they'll do it when they're feeling lazy

 

[Tia]

My SpringerX always does this when she is "trotting" along, never when she walks or slowly "jogs" though. She has no arthritis or back trouble - just always done it.

 

[kerilli]

thanks everyone!

 

[Enfys]

I had a border/patterdale terrier who always paced like that, the vet saw him doing it one day at the yard and mentioned how often he saw dogs doing that, mainly the smaller terrier or spaniel types.

 

[Fiona]

Mum and my brother have two litter sister black labs...
One paces, the other trots. Their mum trots too, but there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with Inca the one who paces. She is a much lazier temperament though.
Fiona