roached back in puppies- how old before you know?

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by starrchar on 29 January 2009 - 00:01

I so dislike the extreme backs on some of the west German showline dogs. How old does a puppy need to be before you can tell what the conformation of it's back is going be like? I know I need to look at the parents, but that is no guarantee.
char

by Xeph on 29 January 2009 - 07:01

You can see a roach at 8 weeks on most of em.

by Vinegarjoe on 30 January 2009 - 03:01

Please help enlighten a first time GSD (SL) owner.

Is the "roach" back a health issue for the dog ?

Our boy is 19 weeks and based upon research on this website, he has a "roach" back.

(middle of his back is curved and the curve is taller than his withers, this is the definition of "roach", correct ? )

any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks joe

by GFujioka on 30 January 2009 - 17:01

Here's a good article on understanding why some breeders choose to select for that topline: http://www.shawlein.com/The_Standard/04_The_Back/The_Back.html

I'm a non-roach back person.

by july9000 on 30 January 2009 - 17:01

I agree with Xeph..you know very early..

When a 6 to 8 week old pup is roach back..he will be as an adult..same with a soft back..the only difference is that the soft back can improve with age..but it is still a soft back..roach never improve..they usually get worse!

by Ryanhaus on 30 January 2009 - 17:01

It does run within certain bloodlines.

My pups are not angled very much, you can tell from looking at the parents.

www.vonryansgermanshepherds.com/upcominglitters.htm

I noticed alot of the GSD's with extra curve to their backs are also short bodied & very compact

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