Why do Jack Russell dogs sometimes run on three legs with a hind leg lifted?
14 October 2007
Question
Why do Jack Russell dogs sometimes run on three legs with a hind leg lifted?
Answer
This one has stumped the Naked Scientists team - we really don't know! Do you have any idea why this may be? If so, let us know!
Comments
JRT trots with one leg lifted intermittently.
Our JRT is now 7 and has done this since being a puppy, I have been told that it is a trait of this breed and nothing to worry about. He certainly has no discomfort and his leg joints all checked out ok, I have seen the same thing on other JRTS it’s actually a quite cute affliction, if there is such a thing.
re: Why do Jack Russell dogs sometimes run on three legs with a
How random, I came across this answered question when doing some background reading into dog gait pathology! Answer - small breed dogs are predisposed to luxating patallae (kneecaps). When the kneecap gets caught out of it's normal position, the dog can't bend the knee, so has to do a funny hop for one stride before the kneecap clicks back into place. In some dogs this is a mild problem, but in others it can go on to cause arthritis in that knee joint. Luckily for the unlucky ones, the problem can be fixed with surgery. 10 year-old mystery solved :)
The comment above cannot be
The comment above cannot be proved. I have a little guy (mixed breed) who trots around frequently with a back leg up, has done so from infancy.
He can go from three to four legs like a rocket in an instant.
Jack Russell's only using three legs. Mine only does when walkin
When running she a bullet and I swear seems not to touch the ground. Walking she lifts rear back leg
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