Puppy gait flaws: Are they early signs of hip dysplasia?

[Teresa]

Hello fellow doodle owners! I have an 11-week-old mini who has absolutely stolen my heart! I've noticed a few things about her gait and how she sits that concerns me.  She walks crooked which is defined as "crabbing" or "sidewinding".   She also sits in a very cute fashion... but I have since learned it's described as sitting like a frog.  I'm worried about hip problems.  My intention with getting this dog was to have a running mate and also possibly breed her.  Obviously, I can do neither if she has hip dysplasia.  Curious if any of you have experienced this?  Is it serious or is she just being a clumsy puppy?    Thank you! 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think your vet would be best to evaluate the pup's gait. As to breeding her, do you have breeding rights? That would be step one. Breeding is a major undertaking with much testing and lots of considerations.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with F. Your first step is to consult a vet ASAP. If you purchased this puppy from a reputable breeder, you would have a two year warranty that would cover HD.  However, if you did purchase her from a reputable breeder for the purpose of breeding her, you would also have a breeding contract. If you did not purchase her from a breeder who does genetic health testing on the parents,  she should not be bred whether she has HD or not.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Even with your concerns about her gait, how mini is your dog supposed to be and how much running were you expecting to do with your dog? I agree with what the others said about breeding.

[Katrine]

Stella walked sideways when we got her but she is now a little over one and that's corrected itself. She also sits like a frog from time to time, but I always think she's just relaxed. All said, as others have mentioned check with your breeder and vet. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Did you take her to the vet for a puppy wellness check? Most reputable breeders require that you have the puppy examined by a vet within a few days of purchase. If you did then the vet should have checked her joints at that time. Perhaps you can contact your vet to confirm that they were examined.

If she has not seen a vet yet then I would recommend a complete exam not just for the hips.

Agree with the others about the breeding issue. It's complicated and not to be undertaken without a great deal of knowledge and certified healthy dogs.

[Lori Wilkins]

My vet told me that there was no definitive way to tell if my dog had hip dysplasia until about 18 months. I was walking with her at 5 months for 4 miles about 4 times a week. He told me that was too far for a dog so young, because the constant repetitive motion was too hard on her hips. I would ask your vet at what age jogging was safe.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think you may have misunderstood what your vet said about diagnosing HD. Lots of dogs, including some doodles right here on DK, have been diagnosed with HD before one year of age, and had surgery to correct it. In fact, there is a very short window for certain forms of surgery, they must usually be done before the dog's first birthday. Maybe  your vet was referring to doing genetic testing and grading of the hips? 

[Lisa O.]

Hi Teresa,

I have a standard doodle that just turned a year old.  He has the sidewinding gait. His hips are fine but I don't think that I would ever take him for any serious runs.  It just doesn't seem like his body is built for it.  He does love to run at the dog park and playing ball but we stick to nice long walks and we both love that!  Best to check with your vet just to be sure.