We love the terms and expressions found in the dog world, and certainly “cowboy rear” is one of the more colorful ones.  It describes “bow” rear legs in dogs (so named for “cow-punchers” who’ve spent years in the saddle) whose hind legs are bowed outward. One might think this is a fault, but in Afghan Hounds, it most certainly isn’t. Afghan Hounds, bred to work for long periods, developed powerful and well muscled hindquarters, especially in their thighs; it’s this muscling that may give the impression of a slight bow, or “cowboy rear” in a well muscled dog whose legs are slightly bowed from hock to crotch.  This can be challenging to see for the untrained eye because of the breed’s luxurious long hair.

“On The Move” by Terry d. Chacon
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