Why are there no more "flying" gaits? - Page 1

Firstly, I'll describe a "flying" gait as harmonious quick successions in movement that it appears the limbs are floating, or quick fast movements on air. In such movement, the dog literarily appear to move without touching the ground; an optical illusion created by the quick harmonious movements of the dogs limbs
This type of movement is quiet common in german shepherd shows and often mesmerising to spectators.
But, of late, it's nowhere to be seen or heard of anymore.
Now, does this have anything to do with the anatomical alterations of the german shepherd dog?

They have emphasized the Flying Trot so much that they increased the angulation in the rear legs which cause the extreme drop in the rear quarters, and the dogs are literally running on their hocks for the Flying Trot.

The flying trot requires that the front and rear of a dog be evenly balanced. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case with the modern emphasis on extreme angulation of the hind legs. Therefore, one of the rear legs is usually still on the ground while the front legs are in the air. The trot is no longer a 2-beat gait as it should be. The dog below is about as close as the German show line dogs get to a flying trot these days.

Also, the dogs in the German style shows are gaited at speed while pulling hard against the leash. This shifts the wieght to the rear quarters, and raising the front end, which exaggerates the problem. (Second photo)

You will occasionally still see it in some of the American showline dogs. This is Lockenhaus' Rumor Has It von Kenlyn, winner of Best In Show at Westminister struttin' her stuff!!

it's still there, not going to see it on a tight leash though. it;s probably easier to find than in the past because IMO, Am./Can. breeders have toned down a little on the rears.

note, I didn't say eliminated them. :)