Proper movement is the crucial test of proper conformation and soundness. It must be sound, straight moving, agile, brief, quick, and powerful, never lumbering.
The rear gait shorter and stilted because of the straighter rear assembly. It is from the side that the unique stilted action is most easily assessed. The rear leg moves up and forward from the hip in a straight, stilted pendulum-like line with a slight bounce in the rump, the legs extend neither far forward nor far backward.
The hind foot has a strong thrust which transfers power to the body in an almost straight line due to the minimal rear leg angulation.
To transmit this power efficiently to the front assembly, the coupling must be short and there should be no roll through the midsection.
Viewed from the rear, the line of bone from hip joint to pad remains straight as the dog moves. As the speed increases the hind legs incline slightly inward.
The stifle joints must point in the line of travel, not outward resulting in a bowlegged appearance nor hitching in under the dog.
Viewed from the front, the line of bone from shoulder joint to pad remains straight as the dog moves.
As the speed increases, the forelegs do not move in exact parallel planes, rather, incline slightly inward. The front legs must not swing out in semicircles nor mince or show any evidence of hackney action.
The front and rear assemblies must be in dynamic equilibrium.
Somewhat lacking in speed, the Chow has excellent endurance because the sound, straight rear leg provides direct, usable power efficiently.
