Symmetrical gaits of dogs in relation to body build

Symmetrical gaits of 37 breeds of dogs were analyzed. Usual walking and trotting gaits resemble those of other carnivores of similar size and conformation. Only certain long‐legged dogs pace – usually at the fast walk or slow run. At the moderate walk, long‐legged dogs tend to use lateral‐couplets gaits, whereas short‐legged breeds tend to use single‐foot gaits. Many dogs must turn the axis of the body slightly from the line of travel at the trot to prevent interference between fore and hind feet. The relative duration with the ground made by fore and hind feet is discussed, usual support‐sequences of the varicus gaits are presented, and the amount of variation is shown.