Change of the topline in standard of German Shepherd - Page 2

Of course, a firm back doesn’t mean that the spine cannot flex. Flexing is most obvious at the gallop, when the spine itself becomes a instrument of propulsion, particularly through the lumbar region, gathering energy and propelling the body like a spring with each stride. Even at the trot, it may show a tiny bit of flexion at each stride, adding a bit more forward propulsion. A strong back needn’t look like a steel post without any flexibility at all (Fig 14). Despite its flexibility, the spine must remain level.
 

this is the problem with the language barrier.  not every language has the same words or meanings, and each standard for each country is worded differently.

so what is the standard changing too? Anyone find out yet?

BODY : The upper line runs, without any visible break, from the set-on of the neck over the well defined withers and over the back very slightly sloping to the horizontal line, onto the gradually slanting rump. The back is firm, strong and well muscled. The loin is broad, strongly developed and well muscled. The rump should be long, sloping slightly (about 23° to the horizontal) and, without any break in the topline, merge with the tail set-on.
 

The back is level when standing normally, and slightly sloped when posed. The withers must be long and high, flowing up into an arched neck and back over a straight back, as this is where the long muscles that move the scapula are found. In a normal spine, the vertebrae are strung together in a straight line, while the long upper spines of each vertebra describe a high arch at the withers, and a longer, lower arch over the lumbar region, with a slight dip in between. In a well muscled dog, this dip is not visible, while the lumbar arch should only be apparent as an arching of the muscles of the loin.
 

 In movement, Dog A shows length of stride, power and suspension. His head is at about 45 degrees, not straining up or down, while his neckline flows down through long, strong, medium high withers, over a short, straight, level backline with no arching or dipping, and down over a gently sloping croup. Because of the sloping withers and croup, there is the appearance of a slight slope to the topline, even though the spine is level.