What are some of the faults that can be seen by observing movement that can be hidden when the dog is still? For example, topline....if a dog is moving down in the front, is that due to poor shoulder placement or could it also be caused by straight stifles? What causes the hackney movement, is that poor shoulder placement also? What causes crossing over in the front?
Rear movement going away..... I see some that almost look like they are sorta paddling like a duck, what is this due to? Would being cowhocked cause that or too much angulation or pulling on the lead?
I have been to some shows where the dogs misbehaved badly and won. I don't see how the judges were really able to access their behavior. It seems that some judges really like dogs that show a lot of spunk. On the other hand, I have observed dogs that looked almost crippled at one show and the next show they had beautiful movement. I think that can be attributed to handling. If a dog is strung up or is pulling or being pulled it is hard to really judge their movement. That is one reason I have learned not to assume a dog has a problem just from observing them at one show. We all have a bad days and dogs do too.
