Conformational feature of the limbs when viewed from the front or the back. The axis of the distal portion of a limb shows a medial deviation with respect to the axis of the proximal portion of the limb. The deviation is usually at the level of the carpus, tarsus or fetlock joint. The joint in question may lie lateral to (outside) the normal limb axis; carpus or tarsus varus are therefore also known as "bow-legs."

Bow legged in front: a conformational fault of the forelimbs when viewed from the front. An imaginary line dropped from the shoulder passes through the medial portion of the carpal joint; the carpal deviates laterally, also known as a varus deformity.

Bow legged behind: a conformational fault of the hindlimb when viewed from behind. An imaginary line dropped from the point of the buttocks passes medially to the hock; the hock deviates laterally (hock varus).

A conformational fault seen from behind. The axis of the hindlimbs is not straight: the hocks deviate outwards (a line dropped from the point of the buttocks passes medial to the inside of the point of the hock) or, more commonly, the fetlocks deviate inwards (base narrow). Both result in a bowlegged appearance and lead to excessive strain on the lateral aspects of the limb.