The stifles are well bent and the rear pasterns are short, clean, and perpendicular to the ground. When standing or moving, there must be no tendency for the hocks to turn in or out. Viewed from the rear, the hind legs drop straight and parallel to each other and the feet point straight ahead. FEET Feet are round and compact, with toes well arched. Pads are thick, hard, and darkly pigmented.
Nails are strong.
Front dewclaws may be removed but are normally left intact. Rear dewclaws, if any, are removed. Total lack of pigment on pads. The tail is set on low in a natural extension of the sloping croup. The tail extends at least to the hock joint and usually below.