Small front legs

[Lezlie Banks]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to doodle kisses and I have a question about double doodles. We have a 6 month old double named Braxton. Recently, we noticed that his two front legs appear smaller than his back legs. Is this normal? Our groomer brought it to our attention today. She suggested that Braxton might be chewing the fur off of his front paws; thus, making them look smaller. We have complained to our vet that he bites and pulls at the fur in his front paws. She told us that he is allergic to his dog food. Still, we do not know if this is just how double doodles are shaped, or if something is wrong. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

As mixed breeds, there is no conformity from one doodle to another, even within the same litter, so there is no certain way that all double doodles are shaped. 

Is it the front legs that appear smaller, or the feet? Just chewing the fur on the paws shouldn't make the legs themselves look smaller. And  if it is the legs, by smaller, do you mean the front legs are thinner, or shorter than the back legs? The front legs are usually not the same length as the back legs on many dog breeds.

My labradoodle's front paws are larger than his back paws, but he's a puppy mill dog and a mess structurally. 

Certainly, the vet ought to be able to tell the difference between having shorter fur on the front paws, and the size of the paws themselves. The vet should also be able to reassure you as to whether there is something wrong structurally with your puppy or not. If you are concerned, I would ask the vet.

(It's also very doubtful that he is allergic to his food at 6 months old, but that's a whole other subject.)

[Lezlie Banks]

Hi Karen,

Thank you for the response. His front legs are thinner than his back legs. He also has giant paws in the back and smaller paws up front.

We figured it wasn't the food; but the vet (Banfield) has us switch it out anyway.

Thanks for the great info! This is our first puppy, so we are anxious.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

My first suggestion would be to find a good vet in private practice rather than using Banfield, lol. 

My next suggestion would be to join the DK Food Group. Vets receive little to no education on nutrition, and the Rx foods they sell are pure garbage. 

As far as your pup's legs and feet go, I think it's normal for the front legs to look thinner than the back legs, as the hind legs are usually more muscular on many dogs, but I would ask the vet to be sure. Vets are usually pretty good at assessing physical structure and abnormalities. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Welcome to DK. This sounds complicated but I agree with Karen about the food and the rest. I am hoping your vet is a good one. We have discussed Banfield in the past and while some of the vets may be great some may not.

[Lezlie Banks]

Thank you.

Our vet is ok...