Correct opening of the shoulder

by Blitzen on 12 October 2011 - 23:10

Someone said Hatter could charm the pants off the most avid dog hater and I think that was true. He was a very special dog. I've been told he was not a perfect dog, his front could have been better according to most. I never noticed it, I was too caught up in his charisma. He and Jimmie were the quintessential team. None before or since can handle a GSD like Moses. Did y'all know he learned to handle the breed in Germany?

A year and a half, Xeph? You really know how to hurt me!! I was a little bit older at the time. A ticket to the show was around $5.00 and it used to be limited to dogs with major points and champions. I'm not sure what it costs now. I suspect a lot more than $5.00.

by Xeph on 12 October 2011 - 23:10

A two day general admission ticket is $80. Reserved seating is $130-140 A child's ticket (up to age 12) is $25

by Blitzen on 12 October 2011 - 23:10

Yikes!! That's a lot of money!! And then if you want one of those box seats.......

Last time I was there my wallet was boosted by some enterprising citizen who promptly went on a spending spree at Macy's and The Gap paid for with my credit cards. One year I was there during the NYC garbage strike. Trash piled one story high and rats as big as cats. Gotta love the Big Apple and the Westminster Dog Show.

by GSDNewbie on 13 October 2011 - 06:10

This is my pup just turned 12 months old this photo.

same pup about 6 months old

as even younger pup

and last but not least 9 year old Quinto

by Voraus on 13 October 2011 - 07:10

Maybe they are bad pictures, but this does not look like very good opening of the shoulder? I hope you do not mind me asking for clarification - maybe someone who knows more can point out what they see? Am trying to learn more, but find myself confused more often than not. Very cute pup.

Here is a picture of my own dog's shoulder. I am attempting to apply what I have read and do not think he has correct opening of the shoulder, either... he also lacks reach. It is okay, he is not show quality.

Thank you for sharing your expertise.

by Rik on 13 October 2011 - 10:10

Xeph, Mirada has a nice shoulder, as do the dogs from GSnewbie and voraus.This is my first "German" bred pup, chosen with an AKC eye. At the time, that was my only experience with the GSD.

The majority of Am. dogs will have a poorly placed upper arm, some almost vertical, yet can have extreme front reach. I think the reach comes more from the shoulder layback and probably the ligaments being more "loose'. There are German dogs with just as extreme side gait, but with well placed shoulder assemblies.

JMO,
Rik

by Blitzen on 13 October 2011 - 13:10

From the GSD IS:

Gait: A German Shepherd Dog is a trotting dog, and its structure has been developed to meet the requirements of its work.

General Impression: The gait is outreaching, elastic, seemingly without effort, smooth and rhythmic, covering the maximum amount of ground with the minimum number of steps. At a walk, it covers a great deal of ground, with long stride of both hindlegs and forelegs. At a trot, the dog covers still more ground with even longer stride, and moves powerfully and easily, with coordination and balance so the gait appears to be the steady motion of a well-lubricated machine. The feet travel close to the ground on both forward reach and backward push. In order to achieve ideal movement of this kind, there must be good muscular development and ligamentation. The hindquarters deliver, through the back, a powerful forward thrust which slightly lifts the whole animal and drives the body forward. Reaching far under, and passing the imprint left by the front foot, the hind foot takes hold of the ground; then hock, stifle and upper thigh come into play and sweep back, the stroke of the hindleg finishing with the foot still close to the ground in a smooth follow-through. The overreach of the hindquarter usually necessitates one hind foot passing outside and the other inside the track of the forefeet, and such action is not faulty unless the locomotion is crabwise with the dog's body sideways out of the normal straight line.

Illustration 23
Click on image for larger version