croups - Page 2

Please note that length of croup is comparative to total length of topline and is not an absolute value.
Defining the start of the croup is also vital for defining the angle of croup, I will try to illustrate the croup angle later.

Which line do you think represents the start of the croup?

The length and angle of the croup  determines the "drive". for one thing. Too flat too much rear kick, too much "showing of pad"; too steep, not enough drive too little follow through and a lot of other movement faults that come along with it - another topic for another thread.

Croup length and angle is a very big deal in the show ring where a balanced, powerful side gait is everything. The effect bad croups have on working dogs most likely depends on the type of work they are doing and the level of endurance needed. A dog scaling an A-frame won't need to be  constructed as well as a dog tending a herd of 200 sheep 24/7. It can compensate for its lack of physical  correctness  in other ways that no one will notice because the dog isn't presented as a trotting dog as it is in the show ring. For sure dogs running the Iditarod will never make it if they have faulty croups.

I just know what I like when I see a dog move 

Best proof of good build and good conformation is what you see while a dog is trotting/gaiting

Some would argue that, based on movement alone, Dingo has the ideal croup length and angle. Now that most of the GSL's have a roach I think it's more difficult to evaluate croup lengths on still photos. Angles are somewhat easier to determine simply by looking at where the tail attaches, but even then, given the carp backs and a lot more coat than was seen in Dingo's day, without seeing the dog move, it's pretty hard to make a correct call on the angle of the croup from a photo alone. Best way to do that is to get your hands on the dog and feel where the tail attaches.  If the dog feels as if its tail erupts from it's anus it's a good bet that dog has a steep pelvis 

Yes Vonissk I too think it starts at the blue line or somewhere between the blue and black but closer to the blue.

I watched Dingo's gaiting video maybe more than 100 times. The best of him was his long front upper arm, quite long. His croup was slightly short and slightly steep but his topline was excellent.

One more way to evaluate a croup is by realizing that length and angle of a croup affect the eventual width of the thigh when seen from the side.
If you think of croup length and angle from mechanics eye you will know that the angle of croup itself affects the angle at which the hindquarters will function. Too short and too steep the croup is will cause loss of hindquarter drive due to upward motion instead of forward motion, this will also cause harm to the back spine itself in extreme cases. Too short and too steep croup will also reduce the arc of movement achievable in the hindquarter and thus making restriction in the drive.

 

This is Peik, in my humble opinion he has one of the best ever croups in regards to length and set.