Action is the movement and gait of a dog. Proper action involves the dog moving smoothly and efficiently with good reach from the front legs and drive from the rear legs.
The head should remain level without bouncing, and the topline should remain firm and level from head to tail when gaiting.
For example, herding breeds require quick, agile action to effectively work livestock. Action is evaluated from the front, rear and side views in conformation dog shows. Faults in action can include paddling, throwing feet out, crossing over, sidewinding.
Related terms: gait, movement, reach, drive, topline, paddling, sidewinding.