Sore Subject - Page 1

I hate to bring this up again but my husband is still confused as to what constitutes a "roach back".  He read the thread from VIdex and saw all the "Super" Sieger dogs and all they have accomplished yet he is confused as in his uneducated mind they all appear to have roached backs.  He is begging for someone to give him exact examples of a roach versus straight back.  I have pointed out other threads to him but he feels that a super seiger such as those shown can't possibly be roach backed.  He feels as if our 4 month old pup is roached but how can he be sure?  Please take a look at Morgan's Echo of Airin and post a reply as to what kind of back she appears to have and please let my husband know if anyone out there also thinks the Sieger champs are in anyway roach backed.  Please understand we are not trying to tear any dog down.  We just want a straight answer. 
Thanks!

Deb

she looks young her structure can still change but she does slope as of now which to a lot of people is good she is small? how old is she

I had the exact same question, and this is the best explanation I've found. It's also illustrated: www.shawlein.com/The_Standard/04_The_Back/The_Back.html

your girl has a nice level topline.

some of the sieger's also have level toplines when standing natural,  its when they are stacked that some of them get the roach look.

there are quite a few dogs around though that definitly have roached backs.  they look like a dog who is constipated and trying to take a dump.

It can be difficult to distinguish unless the dog is at a natural rest or in motion. The "roach" is often very exaggerated in pictures while the dog is in stance. I call it a roach back when any part of the spine is higher than the withers while the dog is at a natural rest or in motion.

The "straight" back is not truely straight, and has a slight upward curve. That is the correct back, and it stays firm and does not "roll up" when the dog is in motion.

Unless one can be around the dogs while they are moving naturally or around the ring, then it can be difficult to distinguish the two (2) types unless the extreme of either is present.

Best Regards,
Bob-O

Hi all,
I don't yet know if this is gonna work, but I can try it out.

This is what happens, when man interfears with nature:
(Imagine the tensions on bones and spinal collumn, hips and joints, internal organs, etc.)




Should the animation above not play, try this link: http://www.bloggen.be/hd/

My latest paper (which will bring a lot of footage concerning this very theme: the top line of the GSD) will be published any day now. Please feel free to visit, you're welcome.
Jantie

hi  bob o i agree with you 100% about the definition of a roach back and what you have said re  the extreme's of both types
jim h

Jante, This is an excellent animation.  Also please advise via this board when your paper will be published and where it can be obtained.  I have not seen anything here  that answers my questions completely, though. ecs

Wow!  If this doesn't set him straight I don't know what will!!!  Thanks to all who replied!  These are very helpful responses and I really appreciate all of your comments. 

Matthehatt80, she is 4 months 1 week old in the latest photo.  We don't have anything to compare her to but I think she is actually a little big for her age.  She has a lot of bone, huge feet.  I don't know what she weighs at this point but she will be in for a check up in 2 wks and we will know then what her weight is. 

Thanks again all!!! 

Jantie, nice to "see" you back.  That was an excellent animation.