Back legs longer than front?

[Emmett_Ronan]

I've measured my EM Riggs recently, because when he stands it's very obvious that his back legs are longer than his front legs, and from floor to shoulder he's about 27" (though it's hard to keep him still and get an exact measurement) and from floor to butt, along his back legs, he's about 29". He turns 7 months old on Jan 10. Is this a normal thing? He's the first EM I've owned, and I haven't met any other in person. I've assumed it's normal and that he'll probably level out as he keeps growing, but just to make sure I thought I'd ask. Thanks!

 

[AKBull]

It should be normal. He's in his dragster stage right now. With such big dogs, it's fairly normal for front and back not to grow at exactly the same rate.

 

[Emmett_Ronan]

haha "dragster stage", I like that. Thank you though! I've mostly been a little concerned about it when he's getting out of the truck (just yesterday he finally was able to jump down to the ground by himself) and when he's on a downward slope and trying to sniff or dig at something on the ground. I just picture him somersaulting forward.

 

[AKBull]

Not to alarm you, but you should still be carefull of the jumping down. I don't know how much of a "jump" he has, but just because he can do it, doesn't mean it should be free will to dive out of something. All of those ligaments and ball joints have some ways to go before they're secure. Trust me, I know the back relief when they can get out of something by themselves, but I don't think he's quite there yet.

 

[Emmett_Ronan]

Yesterday was the first day he's done it, and he was very gentle and graceful about it, but yeah from puppy until then I've always lifted him into and out of the truck. He's 113 lbs now so it's getting difficult, but I'm trying to find some sort of ramp or something for him. He can get into and out of the lower cars just fine, but the trucks we always lift him into and out of for that reason. I had read you should do that up to 6 months, but I figure a bit longer is probably better for him since he's so big so fast.

 

[DMikeM]

Butt High is normal for a growing mastiff, but any jump down over 2 feet should be assisted for giant pups. Especially if they have been confined and not warmed up like when in a car or truck ride. I have seen Jade make amazing leaps but I do not encourage it. Having recently spoken to a breeder from Scottland she recommends free run in uneven terrain to develop the muscles and tendons at the same rate as the bone growth. Her line has the highest Hip, and elbow scores in the UK from what she tells me and her dogs are huge for the breed.

 

[masteneo]

Dang it Chris , you straight robbed me of "dragster" stage. LOL!!

 

[raechiemay]

Totally normal. Mastiff pups tend to go through awkward growth stages where the back will grow more than the front. They will even out though. Just give it time. I agree with getting him a ramp & not allowing him to jump from any high surfaces. Don't want to cause any type of injury on his growing joints.

 

[chuckorlando]

It should be normal. He's in his dragster stage right now. With such big dogs, it's fairly normal for front and back not to grow at exactly the same rate.

AHAHAHAHAHA. I swear I read the title of the thread and thought "drag racer"