Curved backs and health problems - Page 1

I was wondering if anyone know if the german showline dogs with the curved backs are more likley to have joint or spine issues? Does it cause any kind of health problems? We are looking at a dog from showlines and the dog has great tempermant I am just concerned about long term health.

Thanks

I think I've seen some articles by Fred Lanting that talk about health problems, but I don't have links to them. Google his name to see if anything turns up.

I remember asking a similar question why the croup had to be LONG... (normally short in working-lines...and a bit wider)  I asked wether the LONG KRUPPE could be the cause of H.D.... I got a bashing from clearwater...  with a smile... at least I got an aswer...

Fred Lanting has many articles on the web site www.siriusdog.com

The show folks claim the roach makes the back stronger. As with most situations, if you breed for one particular thing (say orange fur and a roach) something else is bound to suffer. Seek balance.

A roachy topline is against the SV breed standard and that trumps personal likes and dislikes. No reason to have a standard if it's ignored. I don't know if it causes any permanent physical problems, but , ouch, it sure does look like it hurts.....a LOT!! 

I though I remember reading something about the shrinking of the spinal colom or something of that sort, pinching nerves and causeing lack of muscle in the rear limbs. Some of these dogs do appear shriveled up or deformed in the rear, legs look bent and cannot be straitened. How can they have power from behind like that?

They don't" 4 pack................

I kinda figured when my show line couldn't jump a thing.

 "shriveled up"......I love it, very funny!!

BTW Blitz is 100% highlines and is a very excellent jumper, he just walks funny.