03/09/2025
To fulfill the curiosity...
We evaluated how our first generation prospective "momma of the future" measured up structurally.
The dots represent landmarks (of the skeletal structure).
Ideally the pink and teal lines would be perfectly parallel however she is leaning ever so slightly forward, so the pink lines are a little slanted forward.
That aside, the plumb lines are quite nearly perfect in the front and rear (teal lines) with a slight arch through the loin which has a 1 - 3 ratio (blue line) as compared to the rib cage. This is great!
We are also happy with the moderate angulation in both the front and rear limbs.
How is the criteria determined?
This is based on what a balanced "moderate" structure looks like for a dog. Any dog! Changes to what would be considered "moderate" is what happens when you need a dog to excel at something more specific. To be fast as in sighthounds or to "go to ground", in dachshunds for example. The structure between the two is very different. In some cases deviation from moderate structure is due to confirmation that simply isn't the best or just because it was thought to appear esthetically pleasing to the human eye (think extreme physical features that serve no functional purpose).
In theory this girl should have balance between speed and endurance. She should be agile and able to be absorb impact.
In practice, she does! She competes in racing and lure coursing and with some luck will begin her introduction to weight pull this year. (After the babies are weaned and she begins her reconditioning).
Additionally, a tail. We want one, for us this is tied to spinal health and most certainly her balance and ability to be agile.
Is she structurally perfect? I think there is always room for improvement, but she's pretty darn good!
Why does this stuff matter in a pet?
In addition to athleticism a balanced structure helps ensure that the forces generated from movement produce the least amount of wear and tear. Both in the short term reducing chances of injury and in the long term reducing chances of injury as well as preserving joint health. This sets them up to continue to stay active well into their senior years. The benefits that a lifetime of movement and being active provides to the over all health of a dog (and human!) is an entirely separate topic, but you can see where this is going. You've heard it before.
We want long lived, happy healthy dogs. We can't hand pick each genetic trait or completely control the outcome. But why not try?
Anyhow, I like this dog. In case you didn't get that vibe. 😁
