Roach Back

[Wogger]

I tried to use the search function and it wouldn't work for me so sorry if this has been addressed too often, but what exactly is a "roach back"?

It seems in the last week or two I've noticed that Molly's back seems to be a bit rounded. It almost seems her back legs are longer than her front. Do Yorkies go through awkward stages where one end grows faster than the other (I've seen this in young horses). She does seem to be going through a growth spurt based on her increased appetite..

She 21 weeks old.

Thanks a bunch!

[Ellie May]

Ellie has roach back.

The topline is not even like it should be. The back is arched and reminds me of a camel.

[txshopper73]

As Crystal said, the topline is not correct. Yorkies with roached backs will have a hump. Back legs tend to be a little longer and they also tend to have shorter necks.

Roached backs do not interfere with a dog's health or ability to live a normal life. It's just not a correct topline and these dogs should not be bred.

Now, two perfectly normal parents can produce offspring with roached backs...it's in their lines.

[Judy in Waco]

Okay, now I'm confused. Gizmo's back legs appear to be a little longer than the front. So, his hind end is higher....kind of an upward slant. He does not have a hump, or does he? So does he or doesn't he have roach back? I thought he did until I read about the hump.

PS...I LOVE my baby no matter what, I am just trying to learn as much as I can about this wonderful breed. So, you won't hurt my feelings at all.
I pinkie-swear!

[Wogger]

Is it possible that she is just in a funky growth pattern that will work itself out? I don't recall her looking uneven when we first got her (at 16 weeks), just really noticed it in the last week or two. She is not quite 5 months old (born 9/11/07).

[mojo]

He looks normal (and too cute) to me. My boy has a roach back and it is severe (less noticable since he has put weight on, but he walks like a 90 yr man).
But you would pretty much know, it is not a topline that is not perfectly straight, it is quite a hump, almost like the spine is bent and goes downward - if that makes sense.

[Judy in Waco]

Originally Posted by mojo

He looks normal (and too cute) to me. My boy has a roach back and it is severe (less noticable since he has put weight on, but he walks like a 90 yr man).
But you would pretty much know, it is not a topline that is not perfectly straight, it is quite a hump, almost like the spine is bent and goes downward - if that makes sense.

Okay, so a not-so-even topline is not the same as roach back. Thanks!