Why Dogs Cross Their Legs: 6 Reasons

Dogs can sometimes cause surprise and curiosity in their owners.

One such behavior is crossing the legs, which is especially noticeable when the dog is resting or relaxing.

This action may seem random, but in fact it can be associated with a number of reasons, ranging from physiological necessity to emotional expression.

Comfortable

Some dogs may simply find it comfortable to sit with their legs crossed. This allows the dog to distribute their weight evenly and take pressure off, especially on their elbows and other joints. If the floor is cold (or hot), it may also help to put some distance between you and the floor.

Some dogs cross their legs all the time, while others do not. It is mostly a matter of preference.

Communication

Dogs may also cross their legs to communicate with people and other dogs. They may cross their legs to make themselves appear smaller, which can be a sign of submission.

Dominance and submission were once thought to play a big role, but this no longer seems to be the case, so this gesture in dogs may mean something else.

Imitation

Dogs learn partly by imitating other dogs (and even people, to some extent). It is possible that they learned to cross their legs by watching others. They may not do it for any particular reason other than that it is how they learned to lie down.

It's similar to how children pick up personality traits and habits from their parents.

Balance

Dogs may naturally cross their legs as part of their posture. Dogs with narrow or longer legs do this more often due to their body type.

Similarly, dogs on uneven or unstable surfaces may cross their legs to maintain balance. This shifts their center of balance, which can help maintain it in certain situations.

You may notice that your dog only crosses his legs in certain places, such as when he's lying down outside. In this case, it may simply be the easiest way for him to maintain balance or comfort.

Body structure

Some breeds of dogs are more likely to cross their legs than others. Some people point out that Labradors, Border Collies, and Poodles cross their legs more often than others.

This may be due to the way the body is built or some inherent trait of these breeds. All of these breeds are large, so perhaps this helps them stay balanced or feel comfortable.

Pain

Crossing of paws can sometimes be a sign of pain or discomfort. A dog may cross one paw over the other, unable to maintain balance while lying down due to an injury. Chronic conditions that affect the joints, muscles or nerves are often to blame, especially if the dog is older.

If your dog suddenly starts crossing his legs, it could be a sign that something is wrong with his leg. It's best to see a vet, especially if he's showing other signs of illness.

We previously reported on the smartest dog breeds .