Which description correctly describes cow-hocked hind legs?

• A. The hocks turn in toward each other and rear feet/toes point out
• B. The hocks turn outward and rear feet/toes point inward
• C. The legs are perfectly straight with no angulation
• D. The hind legs bow outward

Answer: (A)

Hind leg alignment is about how the hock joints sit. In cow-hocked hind legs, the hocks turn inward toward the midline, which makes the rear feet and toes point outward. That inward rotation of the hock is what creates the outward-pointing feet, giving the distinctive cow-hocked appearance described here. It’s different from a normal, straight leg with no angulation, and from a pattern where the hocks turn outward with the feet pointing inward. It’s also different from hind legs bowing outward, which is a bow-legged configuration. The key idea is the inward-turning hocks paired with outward-facing feet.