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| Flossie is now 7 months, and she has shorter front legs than hind, giving her a slight slope in the back level, is this a normal thing to happen while puppies are still growing and could level out or is it quite unusal??
She wasn't like this when we first got her, it slowly devloped as she got taller, although I think it may have started to even out a little now, but if so it is only slight.
Could this be related to breeding?? As we know she was originally resuced from an awful place, before we got her from the rescue.
It doesn't really matter as long as is doesn't cause her and problems, just wondering if this can occur as they grow. | |
| I can't advise for her Beardie half, but the OES half will give that look.
The topline should have a curve, with the loin being the highest part. This gives the sheepdog the elasticity of gait that they are known for. So, the front can look lower than the rear.  | Ever watched a foal develop? They seem to grow first on one end, then the other, and eventually the ends catch up with each other  Puppies do that too to some extent.
Are you sure her front legs are currently shorter than her hind legs? They could be a little bit I suppose, but keep in mind that even though the legs will eventually (most likely) be equi-length upon maturity, the OES standard calls for a sloping topline - or as you reference a slight slope in the back level. I.e. her back shouldn't feel flat or level as you run your hand down the length of it (i.e. her topline).
Hint:
Withers = top of shoulder blades, i.e. the front part of the back
Loin - towards the rear
As described in the American standard:
"Topline-- Stands lower at the withers than at the loin with no indication of softness or weakness. Attention is particularly called to this topline as it is a distinguishing characteristic of the breed. "
To expand upon that, taken from the OESCA online judges seminar (an exciting read, quite frankly) http://www.oldenglishsheepdogclubofamerica.org/NEWFRONTPAGE/judgesed/judgel/default.htm
Robert Cole says: "The arch over the loin being a distinguishing characteristic serves a function complimenting
his wider hind quarters than forequarters. The wide and stout, gentle arch over the loin allows the bobtail to get his feet quickly under his hind end and lift into an instant gallop uphill much like that of a rabbit; the widely spaced hindleg generating thrust, then reaching past on the outside of the narrower forequarters. A square compact breed, the arch over the loin adds to the length of topline when the dog stretches out at the gallop. It is believed by those in the breed that this arched type of topline is stronger than a level one."
The topline of the OES is a unique characteristic. The loin is very stout and gently arched. The topline is not to be mistaken for a roached back nor is it a swayback with the highest points at the top of the pelvic frame. The correct topline has a gentle rise with the highest point over the loin. This rise is not as dramatic as grooming would suggest. The illusion of rise in the loin produced by grooming must be tested by actually feeling the topline of the dog.
The muscular development over the topline provides additional power to the hindquarters. This enables the Bobtail to perform his herding tasks exceptionally well.
From the slide off the withers the back is relatively level until the gentle rise over the loin Topline is examined by placing the left hand on the withers and running the right hand across the back to the loin. You should feel a gentle rise and your right hand should be slightly higher than your left. There should be a slight but distinctive slant as the croup drops off from the loin. Do not confuse a high flat croup with a rise in the loin portion of the back.
I know, I know - too much information just to note that if she gets that from the OES side of the family, she's probably quite normal.
Kristine | Great!! Thanks for all the info, yes it is slight and her highest point is above the loin, she's becoming quite muscular in the hind area too, infact she's quite a muscley dog all over but mainly around the rear and thighs!
I didn't know is was a breed standard in the OES. The description of the legs is exactly how she is...it's interesting finding out where all her different traits come from! She is growing into what seems like a mini oes, although some ask me if she's a beardie with a hair cut!
Thanks everyone. | | For the first year or so we could see changes in Chauncey almost weekly. Sometimes he would look leggy, other times he'd seem longer in body. After about 18 mos he seemed to grow into himself. | I love my miniOES. She is extremely strong in the rear......good ol' Thunder Thighs. Even at 10 she is still pretty bulky back there. She has always been constant motion and speed. Her overall proportions are off, her head is too small, and she is just slightly below the breed minimum, but of course I love her to bits. (she's a shelter puppy)
I also like the smaller package, she fits in spaces Jack only dreams about fitting. |
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