I would like to say right now, if you want to learn this is just a start. You will be much better off to attend some of the National seminars, read the books on this subject, put your hands on as many dogs as you possibly can and get some of the authorities of our breed to help you.

I hope you find this helpful and if you do I would love to hear from you.

Please be patient as the images load. They are large files to maintain the clarity and preciseness of the structure measurements.

The first picture will be of a skeleton with lines to show the placements of where and what to measure for. I thought that a visual of a skeleton to see the bones themselves would make it easier to know what you are feeling for.

The following pictures are of dogs I have bred.

Length to height

The first Bitch, I think, is close to ideal in proportions, although she is out of coat (I think it is easier to see the proportions):

The red dots are where you should be able to feel bones, (the front of humerus to the pin bone at the rear), they stick out farther than the rest of the bones in these areas. Measuring height: the top dot, is where you will find the Scapula, this would be measured to the ground.

Feeling for layback

Feel for the center of scapula (you should be able to feel a slight indent when you have found the center), measure to shoulder joint to wrist. The old adage is a 45 degree angle, this has not been the case with the live dogs measured.

Incorrect proportions

This bitch is a finished Champion. She has some nice qualities, however, I don’t like her proportions, they are not correct to the standard, she is in need of more leg.

This dog that is almost square, in my opinion.

If you print off the pictures and measure the lines of these dogs you will find that they all differ in length of back to length of leg.

As I said to begin with, I hope this has been of help to some of you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you may have.