elbows and chest conformation - Page 1

According to the OFA the two breeds most affected with ED (Elbow Dysplasia) are the Chow Chow and the Rottweiller, with nearly 50% of the dogs submitted to the OFA dysplastic.  I got to thinking about what they, and our Shepherd, have in common, and why the Great Dane isn't topping the list (in fact ED is very low).  My answer... a deep chest with the elbows positioned against the ribcage, thus causing more wear and tear when in motion.  I believe this may account for some of the cases of ED where there is only DJD and no sign of a primary cause, especially if the dog was previously cleared in pre-lims and lives a very active life.  For those who don't think the Shepherd's chest is conformationally similar to the other affected breeds, look here: http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/structure_information/2.html.  You will see how the elbow is lined up with the ribs. 

To test my hypothesis, I would need those whose dogs have minor irregularities see if this is the case with their dog.  You could take a ruler and put it under their chest against their front legs so the ends are sticking out at both sides.  Then feel for their elbows.  Are their elbows clearly lower than the ruler, or does the ruler touch the elbows?  I have various dogs I've done this with.  As excepted those breeds that have a low rate of ED have low elbows (or not so deep of a chest).  Females also don't usually have as deep of a chest which may partly explain (along with their weight) why they are affected with ED much less than males.  If my hypothesis is right, I would expect showlines to be affected more as well as they commonly have a deeper chest.