New puppy: Is this normal?

[hudamang]

I'm a proud papa of a 10 week old male rotty. He's currently about 25 lbs and is very well behaved minus the occasional "rabid" behavior where he gets on his back and tries to bite everything.

1) I noticed some pictures online of show puppies and see that their backs are straight and they don't have the protruding hip bones. Mine has a slightly arched back where it goes from low at the neck to slightly high to the hip bones and then back low where his tail is. Is this normal? I've been reading about HD so I was concerned. Perhaps if I feed him more, those bones will show less?

2) When he trots, he looks normal but when he walks, his butt moves like it's shaking from left to right. It's cute but is this normal?

3) Finally, sometimes when he runs, he bunny hops (not that often) and sometimes he does a weird run where he's moving almost sideways and not straight.

I thought this would be a perfect place to post this question since I am new to rottweiler ownership. Other than that, Baron is healthy, playful, and a lot of work haha. I just want to make sure my rott is healthy. The vet hasn't said anything that would say he isn't but wanted to be sure.

Thanks for your help!

[JemarsSerena]

[quote=hudamang;755182]
1) I noticed some pictures online of show puppies and see that their backs are straight and they don't have the protruding hip bones. Mine has a slightly arched back where it goes from low at the neck to slightly high to the hip bones and then back low where his tail is. Is this normal? I've been reading about HD so I was concerned. Perhaps if I feed him more, those bones will show less? [quote=hudamang;755182]

Don't feed him more to make him grow, he will grow according to his genetics. You should be able to feel his ribs easily but not see them. After 8wks, you won't get a realistic picture of his structure for a while because his body will be growing in different ways at different times.

[quote=hudamang;755182]2) When he trots, he looks normal but when he walks, his butt moves like it's shaking from left to right. It's cute but is this normal?[quote=hudamang;755182]

In most cases this is fine. Gotta love that rottie sway.

[quote=hudamang;755182]3) Finally, sometimes when he runs, he bunny hops (not that often) and sometimes he does a weird run where he's moving almost sideways and not straight. [quote=hudamang;755182]

My girl has dome this for the last 16months, especially when chasing rabbits. Once again, perfectly normal.

[EmmysMom]

On the flip side - Emmy has been diagnosed w/HD. Mild on one side and mildly severe on the other and she has never bunny hopped in her life. Would'nt worry about it yet!

[rottcrazed]

He is just 10 weeks old, so you don't want to get into a habit of overfeeding now, believe me.

He sways, most rotts do. Because they are a trotting breed, when they walk, they pace and swagger, usually quite normal.

Level toplines are a nice thing to have, I finally have a pup with a super topline - but I show my dogs, so I NEED it. If your boy is a pet, and has a bit of a roach back, no big deal.

Kristi

[Valentine]

I was thinking roachy topline too. Just enjoy him, and don't forget to have him neutered. Also it wouldn't hurt to have his hips checked at 24 months by the OFFA just to make sure his hips are not dysplastic. But a 10 week old pup will run all sorts of weird ways, Val used to run sideways as well sometimes...so all completely normal...and about the butt sway...its sooo cute when they do that!!! hehe

[moz205]

I love that sway they do. Wish I could walk that way, I'd be on a runway!