Roach Back
 

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 has roach back.:(

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

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.

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. :confused:

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! :D

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).

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.:confused:

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

Answer to the original question?
 

Hi all. I don't think anyone has answered the original poster's question and I would really like to know the answer, as well.....

Is it possible for a growing puppy to temporarily have a hunch backed appearance because they are growing unevenly?

My little girl had a straight back two weeks ago at 14 weeks old, but now at 16 weeks, she seems to have a roach back. I hope this isn't permanent because I paid a ton of money for what I thought was a quality yorkie and now I love her way too much to even consider returning her.

Can any of you experts answer this "temporary hunch back/growing puppy" question?

Thank you in advance!
Wendi and Tinkerbell

Judy,
They call that low in the shoulders.
:(My first show girl I bought at one year old was like that :(
Of course she never got her first point and I gave my sister a very very sweet pet! :p
I was told by the breeder to string her up on the lead to make her even, well I wasn't going to choke/strangle this dog to get a CH title

Deana
Prestigeous Yorkies

roach back - Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

Here is a link to the definition of Roach back and an illustration.

Deana
Prestigeous Yorkies

I am hesitant to answer because I'm far from an expert but I do have some experience with this in particular. It is possible for a topline to be slightly off or appear slightly humpy during stages but in most cases it will not go away. The roach back is not a spinal problem it is an indication of a rear assembly problem. It often accompanies a front assembly flaw where the shoulder is at a steep angle, rather than properly laid back. This gives the puppy the appearance of a short neck because much of the neck is actually hidden by the upright position of the shoulder. The severity of these two will result in the "roach' look to the back. Sometimes the back will just slope down toward the front. These are structural problems that are the result of poor joint angulation. They will affect the overall mobility of the dog and his ability to move efficiently. This can make it difficult for him to stand comfortably, he will prefer to be in constant motion or lying down. He may move with a hopping motion rather than a smooth gait. This is exceedingly common in pet quality breeding programs, especially those geared toward smaller size, so common that many are not aware it is a flaw.

No he don't have a roach back .

Longer front or back often occurs when peoples breed dogs that have a great difference of weight .