[CowboyIndian]

From the info for updating your avatar:

An avatar is a small identifying image shown under the author's name whenever they make a post.
The maximum dimensions for avatars are: 110x110 pixels.
The maximum file size for avatars is 25 KB.

If your avatar is too large, it will automatically be resized.

If your avatar is distorterd, it is probably because you uploaded (or linked) an image that was not square; the software then resized it to be 110 x 110 pixels.  Your best bet if you want the avatar to remain undistorted, you should make sure that the avatar is cropped into a square before uploading.  Ideally, it would also be scaled to 110 x 110 pixels so that you are happy with the scaling before updating.
BC

It looks to me as if the avatar will adapt to the dimensions you provide. I uploaded a 4X3 photo and it's displaying correctly. LSJU's avatar isn't square, either.

[CowboyIndian]

From the info for updating your avatar:

An avatar is a small identifying image shown under the author's name whenever they make a post.
The maximum dimensions for avatars are: 110x110 pixels.
The maximum file size for avatars is 25 KB.

If your avatar is too large, it will automatically be resized.

If your avatar is distorterd, it is probably because you uploaded (or linked) an image that was not square; the software then resized it to be 110 x 110 pixels.  Your best bet if you want the avatar to remain undistorted, you should make sure that the avatar is cropped into a square before uploading.  Ideally, it would also be scaled to 110 x 110 pixels so that you are happy with the scaling before updating.
BC

It looks to me as if the avatar will adapt to the dimensions you provide. I uploaded a 4X3 photo and it's displaying correctly. LSJU's avatar isn't square, either.