critique on structure...any opinions appreciated (wl or sl folk). - Page 2

  One primary purpose of correct structure is to produce efficient movement, the length of croup probably has little effect on gait but it provides more space for the muscles which transfer and distribute the drive power created from the hindquarters to the spine and then to forequarters. so length of croup probably doesn't affect length of stride itself but its magnitude . The degree of slope in the pelvis and ultimately in the croup is the critical one for good efficient movement, this is my understanding of the roles of length and angle of croup, I hope I stated it correct, anyhow I'm certain if there is anything not correct Rik or one of the friends will correct it. On the other hans some believe that  the very long croup required for show GSDs may be sometimes problematic since it is observed that a longer croup is usually accompanied by a softer temperament of the dog and strong dominant and high drive dog that carries his tail high usually has short croup. I hope that helps.

Ibrahim