How do dogs walk?

You’ve seen dogs, horses, cats, elephants, and other four legged creatures walk more often that you could say. But can you describe how they walk? Could you draw an accurate diagram?

If not, you aren’t alone. Quadrupeds, of all sizes, walk the same way. But experts in natural history museums, text book illustrators, movie animators, and toy makers get it wrong about half the time, according to a study cited in Science Daily.

This is in spite of the fact that the walking behavior was studied, correctly described, and published well over a century ago.

So, then, how do they walk? According to researcher Gábor Horváth

It turns out that all four-legged animals step with their left hind leg followed by  their  left foreleg. Then they step with their right hind leg followed by the right foreleg, and so on. Animals differ from one another only in the timing of that stepping. 

The reason that manner of walking is so universal is that it provides the maximum static stability. In other words, when walking slowly, a horse's or dog's body is supported at all times by three feet on the ground, which form a triangle. The closer their center of mass is to the center of those three points, the more stable they will be.

With children’s toys and animated cartoons it might not be a big deal, but natural history museums and textbooks should be required to be accurate.

He notes that movies such as Jurassic Park and The Lord of the Rings generally do accurate portrayals of the computerized creatures, probably because they have experts in biomechanics and animal locomotion to help with the animation.

Thanks to Cissy

Comments

[Khyra]

Good thing I don't have to think about all that as I do it!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

[Tom and Icy]

Thanks. I found that interesting because I am interested in animation. Three feet on the ground at all times is a good thing to keep in mind when making a picture.

[jackie]

i love learning things i didn't know..thanks.

[Ray Marquez Jr]

It could more or less explain too why four legged creatures like dogs run much faster than humans and as they maneuver thru obstacles, they don't easily tumble. :)

[Rhea]

Thanks for explaining. I always wondered. My Lhasa apso walks so rapidly that I can never tell how he does it.

[Three Dog Blogger]

Great info. You are becoming my favourite Teacher Jan. I shall bring you an Apple soon.

[Shannon]

I got the dog up and walked him back and forth a few times to just see it! I had never really thought of it, but I imagined that they did one side (front and back), then the other... Very cool!

[Jimmy]

"Walk This Way" AeroSmith

[gus, louie and callie]

Wow we did not know that. Thanks for sharing.
Hope you liked Mary's post.. She sounds like a very special lady..

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

[Sling]

Always fascinating and informative stuff Jan!..

[Matt]

Great, now I'll be staring at my dogs for hours trying to watch his left paws going first...

[Col]

Interesting stuff.. and something about dogs I really didn't know. I am going to take note of both Sadie and Coco's gait next time we are out and about.

[LuLu and LoLLy!]

Two Paws UP for this interesting fact! Love, your PaLs, LuLu and LoLLy!

[Canny Granny]

I am now wondering just how I walk myself