Angular front limb deformity (ALD) describes a markedly curved forelimb shape commonly observed in certain chondrodysplastic dog breeds. Typical components of ALD include carpal valgus (VALG), external rotation of the forelimb (ROT), elbow incongruity, and lateral displacement of the radial head. These alterations may result in discomfort and gait abnormalities. However, the clinical implications and breed-related variations in forelimb structure among chondrodysplastic dogs have not been fully characterized. This prospective cross-sectional study set out to compare front limb conformation across three chondrodysplastic breeds and to determine whether these conformational traits relate to clinical signs and limb function. We also introduce new approaches for categorizing interosseous space changes and for measuring lateral radial head subluxation. In total, 224 forelimbs from 112 dogs—including 30 Standard Dachshunds, 29 Skye terriers, and 53 Glen of Imaal terriers—were assessed. VALG and ROT were evaluated using a goniometer. Elbow joint incongruity (INC) and the humeroradial angle (HRA), representing lateral radial subluxation, were measured from radiographs. Associations between limb shape, clinical signs, and functional outcomes were examined using orthopedic assessment, goniometry, radiography, and kinetic testing. Marked breed-level differences in forelimb configuration were identified. Dachshunds exhibited the least ROT and the mildest radial head subluxation. Skye terriers showed the greatest VALG, the most pronounced subluxation, and the highest proportion of moderate–severe INC. Glen of Imaal terriers demonstrated the highest ROT values. INC, ROT, VALG, and HRA occurred independently and correlated with clinically relevant abnormalities such as pain, gait alterations, reduced joint mobility, and elbow osteoarthritis. These findings indicate that VALG, ROT, and HRA could complement INC grading when selecting musculoskeletal traits for breeding programs.
