Revealing Paws

A symmetrical, relaxed gait between the walk and the trot, in which ipsilateral limbs move in unison.

Weight is transferred from one side to the other, usually resulting in a rolling motion of the body. The pace offers faster speed than the walk, but expends less energy than a trot.

Many cats, and larger and older dogs, use this movement to leisurely cover ground.

A fast pace may incorporate a brief suspension phase (when all four limbs are off the ground), in which case it is described as a flying pace.

Some breeds of dog, e.g. Springer Spaniels, pace at slow speeds. The characteristic rolling movement of Old English Sheepdogs is achieved with this gait.

Cf. amble