A closer look at the structure of the dog
When you look at the details, you will see that this German shepherd’s front feet land somewhat naturally directly below the shoulders. If you check the rear, you will see that even with extended angulation, the hock of the rear leg is perpendicular to the ground. You can see that the topline is even and presents a picture of substance (a far cry from the topline of many German shepherds of today, whose topline is outrageously sloped. ) The head is set nicely on the shoulders. In breeder talk, or judges’ talk, you will often hear the term “layback of shoulder”. If you will look in the shoulder area, you will see that if you drew a line from the top of the withers to the point of shoulder and from there to the elbow, the angle between these lines would be approximately 45 degrees. This is a fairly “steep” angle. Each breed is different, but a poor layback affects the movement and therefore the function of the breed. As an example of how judges look at dogs and how breeders need to breed for the standards of their breed, just look at the language in the standard of the Havanese “Shoulder layback is moderate, lying not more than 40 degrees off vertical. Extreme shoulder layback will negatively affect proper gait, and should be faulted. The tops of the shoulder blades lie in at the withers, allowing the neck to merge smoothly into the back. The upper arm is relatively short, but there is sufficient angle between the shoulder and upper arm to set the legs well under the body with a pronounced forechest.” This is a quote from the A.K.C. Standard for this breed. This is why you need to read and understand the standard for your own breed.

Function follows form or Does form follow function?

It is very important to remember the purpose for which each breed was developed. Dogs who dig are going to have a definition of shoulders, forelegs, and feet that is far different from the standards for a breed that is a sighthound and built for running swiftly and making sharp turns. When you hear exhibitors talking about the quality of the dogs they see in the ring, you will gain a far better understanding if you keep in mind the standard of the breed and the reasons for those standards.

Next Page: Baiting and Stacking go hand in hand