Improper movement? Yes or No - Page 2

Agree with Uber Land. I don't care for the movement of most showline dogs. This one for me is no different. Even on a relaxed lead, the back is convex which I don't like and don't believe to be correct. The photo Uber Land posted, whilst not a stunning GSD does, to me, have the correct backline in movement, which makes a really harmonious whole..

hiya dingodog,i have to agree with louise and mo.those 3 pics show how the topline distorts when pulling too hard.the picture by Uberland appears to me as if the dog is moving slightly downhill and tho.the backline looks almost correct there is a slight break near the croup where it drops rather steeply to me.it should slope gently from top to bottom without any break.THE 1ST PHOTO IN LOUISE POST IS HOW I LIKE TO SEE A GSD IN MOTION.Carole S.

Hi Carole

I do agree that pulling into the lead distorts the topline considerably.  However, when on a loose lead, as in the first picture, I prefer to see no upward curve of the spine.  No, the dog in Uber Lands photo is not of great construction I agree, but for me the backline (not the croup) is more correct. 

The point of showing the photos was to show how pulling on a lead distorts the image of the dog.  I didn't ask for a critique of my dog.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that wasn't the reason for the photos.

This criticism has prompted me to say that the shape of a dog doesn't necessarily affect its movement or stamina.  We have shown two "English type" GSDs, and currently show three "German type" GSDs and they all move equally as well out of the show ring and they all have a work out on the dunes virtually every morning.  This is on top of obedience and agility training.

I am inserting these photos which are of the same dog shown in my earlier post.

Louise.

it seems almost too obvious to mention but movement can't be judged by a still picture.

louise,i see no curve of the spine in your photo.looks the same as the dog in uberlands photo except for round the croup area.i consider your dog has having a better topline.Carole S.

As has been stated, the dog is pulling very hard into a high held leash. This raises the front and sets the rear down. This also restricts the opening of the shoulder somewhat.

Louise's pictures show excellently the differences. No way to judge true movement except off leash or loose leash.

While I am making great strides in being a kinder, more gentle board member, I find it very bad form to post someone else's picture with a negative critique when one obviously has no experience or idea what they are talking about.

JMHO,
Rik