My 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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