German Shepherds are true companions and good working dogs full of energy and atheism. German Shepherds are full of personality that’s why all dog owners love them but at the same time, no dog breeds are perfect. It’s the same case with German Shepherd dogs as their back legs are bent but again why do the back legs of German Shepherds are bent? This may be the curiosity in your mind.
So why do the back legs of German Shepherds are bent? The confrontation varies from breed to breed in German Shepherds from the time of their breeding and as a result, the movement and limb loads are highly variable. The German Shepherds that sloped backward displayed a larger vertical force in the forelimbs and a greater mid-thoracic flexion (n=60), according to correlation analyses and statistical differences. Greater movement asymmetry was seen with an increase in the back slope in response to stifle flexion, hock flexion, and hock adduction (n=30).
They can also be the reason for the pain in their hips that let the German Shepherd dog change their gait and walk lower that making their legs look more bent. They also consist of a history of hip and the weaknesses of the hindquarter.
The purpose of writing this article is to enlighten you about all the relevant facts about their bent legs and musculoskeletal disorders.
There is much more to learn, so let’s dive into our topic and discuss it in detail.
Table of Contents
Why Do German Shepherds Have Short Back Legs?
German Shepherds have come through various transformations, the GSD breeders bred them for herding and protecting their livestock. As a result, some of them bred them with back sloped while some bred them with straight backs.
When there is a curve in their backs the German Shepherd’s hip is closer to the ground that causing the hindquarters to become more angulated. This automatically results in shorter back lags in the German Shepherd’s breed.
According to the American Kennel Club, the whole thigh, if we view it from the side, they are broad with both upper and lower thigh well muscled that nearly forming the almost right angle.
So whenever German Shepherds are seen anywhere or on Tv, they have been bred in such a way that their rear legs will come as close to 90 degrees.
There may be some health issues that let your German Shepherd to have bent back legs or shorter legs that you should also look at.
Let’s discuss some of the health issues that may bend the back legs of German Shepherds:
Health Problems for German Shepherds to have bent legs
Many health conditions are genetic i.e they come from generation after generation. But here are some of the health issues for German Shepherds that let them have their back legs bent.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip or elbow dysplasia is mainly seen in German Shepherds which is a genetic disease. In this disease, the gait of the German Shepherds is changed making it difficult in climbing stairs and do other physical activities.
Hip dysplasia generally affects the bones of the hips and hindquarters in German Shepherds, however, some of them are more affected as they lose function in their tail end.
Warning Signs For Hip Or Elbow Dysplasia
- Uneasiness in standing on hind legs
- Unwillingness to jump
- Unable to climb stairs
- Difficulty in standing up
Wobbler Syndrome
This genetically linked neurological condition is popularly known as wobbler disease. In this disease, the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves become narrow.
As a result, when pinched, the nerves are not able to send signals to the brain and finally, the pets are unable to feel their feet.
Warning Signs For Wobbler Disease
- Unstable hind legs
- Stumbling
- Sometimes falling
Degenerative myelopathy
This neurologic condition is much similar to ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease in people that cause poor nerve function in the hind legs and provide weaknesses.
The German Shepherds have mostly affected breeds than others from this disease. Due to this disease, German Shepherd back legs become increasingly weak and their hind legs also become disabled. They can also suffer paralysis in their hindquarters.
Warning Signs
- Excessive weakness
- Unable to Stand
- Stumbling
Myasthenia Gravis
This disease is also a genetic issue in German Shepherd dogs that allows disorder of the nervous system in the German Shepherds.
Though it doesn’t affect the whole body of a German Shepherd they traditionally have hip weakness and the hindquarters that are certainly vulnerable to this disease.
Warning Signs
- Rapid depletion of energy
- Always want to lie down
- Unable to stand and move
- Tiredness
Arthritis
Arthritis is more common in human beings and our pets are also affected by this disease. This disease has a great impact on the body of a German Shepherd.
The German Shepherd dog feels pain in their hips causing a change in gait and walking lower that makes its legs appear more bent.
Warning Signs
- Not Comfortable laying down
- Uneasiness
German Shepherds are prone to hip and hindquarters weakness and it is also clear from their history. All these diseases that affect our German Shepherds are treatable and the only thing is to visit your vets regularly if you see any type of warning sign that is listed above.
They are a very lovely and wonderful dog breed who can adapt to any environment and love their owner very much so do care for them and never ignore any type of disease. Remember a healthy dog always makes its owner happy and proud.
Final Thoughts:
German Shepherds have gone through many transformations and they have also got a great history. German Shepherds are prone to hip and hindquarter weakness, this may be the reason behind their back’s legs being bent.
The diseases that mostly happen to German Shepherd dogs are mostly treatable which you should not ignore visit your vet regularly and let them live a healthy life.
Related Questions:
Why do German shepherds drag their back legs?
German Shepherds drag their back legs because of Degenerative myelopathy as this disease affects the back legs first that causes muscle weakness and lack of coordination. Because of this disease they can drag one or more paws while walking. It may affect their nails badly and injure them.
Why do German Shepherds walk on their hocks?
German Shepherd dogs walk on their hocks because of over-angulation of the hindquarters. German Shepherds’ one leg creates a 90-degree angle when they extend their back and the other leg hock touches the ground.
What Does Hip Dysplasia Look Like In German Shepherds?
Hip Dysplasia can be difficult to diagnose in German Shepherds, as it can manifest itself in different ways. Generally, signs of hip dysplasia include limping, difficulty rising or getting up, a “bunny hopping” gait while running, and stiffness after long periods of rest or exercise.
Additionally, German Shepherds may have a decreased range of motion in their hips, which can be seen as stiffness when they try to move. In later stages, pain and arthritis may develop in the affected hip joint.
It is important to seek medical attention for your German Shepherd if you notice any of these signs of hip dysplasia so that a proper diagnosis can be made. Diagnosis usually involves radiographs of the hips and a physical exam.
Why Do German Shepherds Have Weird Hips?
German Shepherds are known for their muscular bodies, loyalty, and intelligence. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to hip dysplasia, which is a genetic disorder that causes the hip joints to develop abnormally.
This can lead to weakness in the hind legs and pain while walking or running. It’s thought that German Shepherds’ sloped backs may be partly to blame for this condition.
Their long backs and disproportionately heavy heads cause extra stress on their spine, which can lead to hip misalignment. This can eventually develop into hip dysplasia, resulting in the weird hips often associated with German Shepherd dogs.
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