straight back/roach debate-need some clarity please - Page 1

So I've been reading alot of discussion/debate about the german shepherd topline lately and realize that the west german showlines are getting alot of flack for roach backs. Now I know (or thought I knew) what a roach looks like-some are pretty bad-but I've seen dogs with backs like Ober von Bad-boll get called roach backed...I realize there is a curve there where Quantum von Arminius is much "straighter", (this is just pulling out 2 dogs). But I've noticed ALOT of the VA dogs have that slight curve in their back. So my question is are those dogs with the slight curve considered to have a roach? I have looked at the GSD guideline but it's hard for me to carry that over to actual pictures of dogs and to be able to say what's what. Anyhow, I hope my question is clear enough...

 

 

This dog "illustrates correctness, standing four square (with the hind feet placed under the hip joint), standing show posed and moving at a flying trot. This dog shows correct proportions of 10:8.75; slightly longer than tall. This is measured from the top of the scapula (including muscling) to the floor, and from the tip of the breast bone to the rear projection of the pelvis. This dog shows a strong head with parallel planes, a deep skull (measured from the top of the head to the underline of the jaw), and a muzzle no longer than the length of the skull (from the back of the skull to the corner of the eye). The neck is arched and is wide at the base, because of the well laid back scapula. The head is carried generally erect, at about a 45 degree angle."

Copied from the web.

Compare this dog to the dogs you are looking at to see if they may have a slight roach.

This thread better stay civil or it will end. There are so many of these threads here that just turn nasty so heed the warning, thank you.

Those drawings are from Linda Shaw's book, I'm fairly sure. I recognize her style. Just wanting to give credit were credit is due.

Good post, Reliya!

The back of a good GSD was never meant to be table-top level.

Yes. They are Linda Shaw from Shawlein. Sorry. I forgot to give her credit.

 

Edit: The book is The Illustrated Standard for the German Shepherd Dog. I can't wait until she's selling more.

 

 

A fine example of proper structure with 19 week old female.

@ maiya2012
Have PM'd you; see your Inbox.

Here is the same pup @20 wks old...proper gsd conformation.