For obvious reasons, a dog that looks like the picture at the left has what’s called a “Fiddle Front.” 
Also known as the French Front or Chippendale front, it’s when the forelegs are positioned like a fiddle where the elbows are out, the pasterns close, and the feet turn outwards. At its extreme, a dog with this kind of front, medically speaking, has “chondrodysplasia,” a skeletal and developmental abnormality. Depending upon the dog, it can be caused by the premature closure of the growth plates which cause the front legs to grow crooked or bowed. In extreme cases, sometimes surgery is suggested, however, the results of such corrective surgery aren’t usually rewarding. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are recommended since bone deformities can cause significant pain.
What do you do if your dog has this? You love him. You spoil her. She is family, and she is part of your life. You’ll continue to have a marvelous companion, but don’t ask things of your dog that will make things worse for her. Jogging and miles of walking aren’t good ideas, and rigorous agility is out of the question. A good diet and managing the dog’s weight is important.
The gene for chrondodysplasia is what gives many breeds the short legs that are typical for them. It is normal for them and doesn’t cause pain.
Thanks for your input, Linda, it’s always welcomed!
One of my pups was born with this. Once they got outside at 4 weeks and started developing muscle by exercise, it subsided remarkably. We felt it had been caused by position in the womb. I put him with my vet’s family, and at 2 you can barely tell he had it. So no surgery needed, being raised with exercise ip to 8 weeks helped, he has lived a normal life since, and virtually grew out of the condition. I did place him on the basis of no rigourous exercise, no other dogs to strain him, but it seems unnecessary now.
A really interesting and helpful note, Betsy. Your pup was lucky that you worked with him for clearly it has paid off!
Hello Bestsy what did the Vet put him on ? Any diet ? What’s good what’s not good ?
This is my new foster, he’s a doxie mix, 9 months old, 14 lbs. should I be worried about his legs? He’s jumping up and down on the bed even though we have dog stairs!
Brandy, when in doubt, discourage him from jumping. He doesn’t weigh much and his growth plates are likely still open. Another few months and he should be fine.