Improper movement? Yes or No - Page 1

I saw this pic in one of the ads. I don't care much for this type of movement in the German Showlines, it's too much uphill.
 
In my understanding of the GSD in motion, a gait like this results in wasted enegery at the hind-quarters. The dog is propelling vertically, rather than horizontally. While it shows the strength of the hind-quarters there is still more energy expended than is necessary for proper movement. Thus, this angle of gait is less efficient than level movement.

I like his forward reach, but I do not like the hind-end aspects. It looks like too much extension at the rear, and too much drop at the rear pastern onto the hock. I've noticed though, that this gait is not entirely uncommon in many of the younger German showlines.

Those are my thoughts anyhow. I am open for comments and debate.






And on a personal aspect, I prefer the more level topline in movement, rather than the uphill slope. I also think this dog is dropping a bit more onto his hock than I like to see. He looks like he has a a muscley, stouter version of the American GSD movement. He's a nice looking dog, but this pic doesn't impress me, movement-wise.

With the dog pulling strongly into the lead, you see the dog dig in with his hind legs and his hind end drops and front end lifts, so you can tell very little from this picture about whether the dog is really a nice mover. But at least he's not got a hackney front end with his foremost paw paddling the air near his nose at full extension.

I agree with Penny.  I'd rather assess the movement doing a fast lap on a loose lead.  I sincerely doubt the dog would look anything like this if pictured actually gaiting on his own.

I agree, I don't care for the movement of alot of german dogs. 
the dog pictured really isn't a bad example and would probably be nicer if it wasn't pulling so hard into the lead.
the ones I don't like lift their legs at the elbow,  do not properly use their shoulders.

even though this dog isn't everyone's cup of tea, and isn't a top german bred show winner, I love this movement
http://www.gaardog.com/Rose052709f.jpg

I really like the first dog pictured......you can tell that the (look of) movement would be much better on a loose leash, and not so much encouragement from the "front person"....too much digging in the rear and too much stress and pulling in the front......but overall.... IMO..nice dog!

Three photos taken of the same dog on the same day, one not pulling, one pulling and one really pulling.

Louise.