from the position of the withers when the head is down compared to when the head is up. For many breeds, you want to have the elbow directly under the withers. To find the point of shoul- der simply lift the leg and the point of shoulder (where the scapula attaches to the humerus) will be apparent. Most breeds call for the scapula (point of shoulder to the withers) to be the same length as the humerus (point of shoul- der to the elbow)—they should also form about a 90-degree angle. The rear is more fixed because it’s attached to the pelvis/spine. If you lift the leg (like in the photo) you should find, in most breeds, that the hock lines up with the pin bone. If the hock pro- trudes beyond the pin bone then the second thigh (tibia/fibula) will usually be too long and the dog will be over- angulated behind if the pin bone pro- trudes beyond the hock the dog will usually be straight behind. It’s a lot to put it all together but if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask! ABOUT THE AUTHOR I live near Guelph, Ontario, Canada. I’ve been involved in dogs for most of my life. I grew up with Irish Setters and have been involved with Lake- land Terriers and a few other breeds over the years but my main breed for more than 30 years has been Standard Poodles. I love to cook, garden, paint, and study.
“IF YOU LIFT THE LEG... YOU SHOULD FIND, IN MOST BREEDS, THAT THE HOCK LINES UP WITH THE PIN BONE.”
58 • S how S ight M agazine , O ctober 2018
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