Croup(Kruppe) - Page 1

If a puppy has a flat croupe at an early age....Maybe 6 to 10 months old....Will this change over time or is this a genetic makeup that stays with the dog for life? Thanks in advance for the reply's

Jonah's Dad, the puppy is probably still skinny (just as he should be) at this age and does not have a great deal of muscle mass or any body fat to smooth his appearance. The appearance of the flat croup will improve over time as the body matures and not be so prominient. Without seeing it, it is hard to make a judgement call. Hopefully there is an experienced breeder in your area who can make a good visual assessment of the croup. Bob-O

if you mean by flat croup the pup lackx the angulation as shown by standard - then i have to disagree with bob-o --- the angulation may appear different as a GSD matures from time to time BUT if in your description you truely mean flat ... then IMO there is just way to much to make up with further growth -- E.G.- a 30 degree angulation ...with 10 degrees off -- way to much --- also IMO .. at 6 weeks of age most definately . perhaps also at 7 and 8 weeks with a good eye .. but again definately 6 weeks... that 99% of what your adult structure will present re: angulation -- so when i hear flat croup ... in my experience ... at that age don't expect much more angulation

Agreed, Alpha. Without seeing a good picture or the dog himself, it is hard to define the term "flat". If the angle and length are proper but the croup appears a bit flat but of correct angle-that is what I was describing. But as you said, if the angle of the croup is not correct (flat compared to the spine) then that is a very different thing. The croup angle, if imperfect, will not change with maturity. I agree that one can see this even in a very young puppy. Bob-O