Orwell / Pls critique - Page 6

Congratulations Ibrahim.  Orwell is a fine looking dog.  I don't think the muzzle is short, I believe it is more a function of how stout his head is.  I like his alert yet open expression.  Good luck in his development.

 Thanks Charlie319, that is reassuring. Good luck with yours too.

Ibrahim

 After studying all your critiques very seriously and closely and after more and better checking of Orwell physically and watching him here is my own evaluation to the best I can:

Good type bi-colored male and secondary sex characteristics.
Medium strong and medium size male
Good overall expression
A bit stretched in body
good musculature which is expected to improve as he matures and good bones.
Dog is fearless and very confident, very alert, not submissive, not dominant, good energy and shows good activity levels, agility is very good. Does not show aggression towards other dogs. He is careful about his movements when playing with the family, maybe uses his senses and brains well.
Dog is doing a very good job at herding sheep, gentle with the sheep but determined on doing his job, no concessions, makes very good sharp turns, does not tire and enjoys herding and very happy about it, very alert and watchful all the time, runs extremely fast to his destination. .

medium large and strong head, very good ear set and ears, dark brown eyes of good almond shape, A rather  fine stop for a pronounced head, a very slightly loose upper lips but lower lips are tight, throat is tight and dry just as how a good throat should be.
A strong neck of proper length and angle to the body.
lay of blade is very good, and very good high long withers. Lay of upper arm is good but needs more length. Dog coming shows forearms which turn slightly outwards (easty westy), the right one more., pasterns are of proper angle but when touching the ground in a running movement the feet seem more flexible than should be,maybe due to some weakness in related ligaments, front feet are slightly splayed with a slightly longer and flatter toes than should be, but pads are close and well developed ( I noticed that the pads are a bit softer than those of my other dog Erri)..
Less desired height at the withers, only 62.5 cms, chest depth is 29 cms making the ratio of chest to total height 46.5%.
Good development of the chest forward and good width, ribs are sufficiently sprung.
Strong back and a very good top line that is pleasing to the eye. loin is of good length (not long, just right length).
Croup lay is very good but can use some more length and muscles.Tail-set is correct, and blends nicely but not the best, tail is very good and of proper length.
Rear angles are very good, slightly soft hooks, and joints need more strength and exercise but not cow hooked. Feet are slightly splayed and toes have same flaws as on the front feet, pads too.

Dog shows good healthy side gaiting but a weaker movement in the rear part. Dog moves well and with no clumsiness but obviously can be better.

Very fair and honest critique Ibrahim.  Coming from the owner that is very refreshing!

Just for your information it is cow hocked, not cow hooked.  Your english is amazing really. Great job.

 Thanks Red Sable, I will remember it (hocked), you know since I want to learn the least I can do is be honest and tell what I see so others can tell me where I am wrong and where I am correct.

seems to me that splayed, hocked and easty westy  are not the best words to hear and use often, lol. I am trying to come over their effect.

Ibrahim

Ibrahim, you have taken on a very difficult task to try and learn these things with no support in your country. You show great determination to learn. I salute you.

I guess you will also have to learn the "dog speak", or the short terms used to describe conformation issues.

easty-westy - front feet do not point straight (when standing) as in different directions, east-west.

cow hocks, hocked, hocky, etc. = hocks turn in when standing. Not straight up and down.

loose in the rear = there is visible "twisting" motion in the rear of the dog in movement.

splayed = flat or spread out feet and toes. This is pretty common. If you ever see good feet, they will look almost like a fist or a cat's paw. The nails very seldom need trimming. This has almost become a lost part of the GSD.

hope this helps,
Rik

 Rik, Yes helps a lot and do keep sharing your knowledge with us and if possible as often as possible, thanks.

Ibrahim