Toplines - Page 1

Hi all,

I would like to start a discussion about how our dogs changed to the nowadays modern (showline) GSD. A lot of people have said that it is the topline which went through the profoundest evoluation. Why?

Here is an example of our modern showline dog (a V-rated male, 3 years old). Do you guys think that he is roached backed? I am really curios and would like to start a discussion about the evolution of the topline. Personally, I think that he is a nice looking dog, but a lot of you have complained about this kind of topline. Opinions please: Roach or no roach?

Thanks, Chris

By ''our'' modern showline male...do you mean YOUR dog? If not, I do not think it is fair to ask for a critique of someone else's dog.

But, either way, yes I would consider that dog to be roached.

 I would like to see this dog standing naturally. Is that possible?

AIR, he is not my dog and I am not asking anybody for a critique. As a matter of fact, I have the owner's explicit permission to use him as an example to talk about toplines. He is my example. I am sure that you can add yours as well.

So, calm down and relax. Anybody who knows me also knows that I am not into stealing photos. If I want to use a photo, I always ask.

Can we discuss this without pointing fingers or attacking anybody?

Chris

IMO in this photo, yes he does look roached. But I have a feeling if he were standing naturally he may not look that way. Not my favorite topline (in this photo), but otherwise he looks very nice.

This could be a very good thread!

I cannot calm down if I am not upset. I was simply asking a question, which you answered, thank- you.

I am hoping that it will be a good thread. But this is not supposed to be about just one particular dog. Although, I can not resist to add another photo of him.

Why would a dog appear roached? Is it really the topline or is it an accummulation of different characteristics? Like rea angulation, high withers or a long croup?

Chris

Tough to say, he looks roached to me in both photos. He looks 'hunchy'. Maybe him bringing his head and neck higher would make some difference.

This is going to get interesting!

In this new photo his front legs are a bit more forward and his back legs a bit more stretched (I think) making his topline not have as much of an "arc" altho still there somewhat.. I think it is mostly the spine having an upward curve that creates a roach. You can't get anymore rear than an  American Showline dog but they do not exhibited this topline, so I don't think its the rear angulation. Maybe the rear and the shorter body (?).... do you have a photo of him just hanging out?