take4roll10
Moderator
Photos of all the BOB's
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/...216-westminster-dog-show-parade.html?hp#/0_83
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/...216-westminster-dog-show-parade.html?hp#/0_83
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- the German Shepherd had the same "low hock" stance that is becoming the norm for this breed. I deplore this!
- and the rough collie who placed.....seemed to me that the tail was asymetrical when it went through its paces. Made me wonder why it would place?
Westminster is a very atypical show in many ways. The rings are tiny, and you are correct that the dogs don't have room to move. There are six rings on the floor at Madison Square Garden, and while two of them are a little larger, these are usually only used for the really big breeds (and Shelties get stuck in the tiny ring).
Rings at most shows (particularly outdoors) are considerably larger, and the ring for our national is always enormous.
...and here is probably a good place for me to say that Westminster is a pain to show at. There's a very good reason why handlers significantly higher fees for taking a dog to "the Garden" - nothing is easy, nothing is cheap, there's very little room to breathe or move or groom, it's hard on the dogs, and it's very hard on the people. Honestly, being in the ring becomes the absolute best part of your day, because you finally have some room to move about and not get trampled by the crowd.

I was disturbed by the GSD also. No wonder their hips get so bad! It is a shame, I love them. The collie at the show was beautiful.The GSDs were really bad this year. They ALL moved on their hocks.
Because he is a beautiful dog, and Collie people aren't as worried about tails as Sheltie people. I'm not sure what you mean about asymmetrical, but they are allowed to have an upward twist or swirl on the end.
That was exactly my thought too!! Sandstorm did not let me brush his pants and butt the way I would have wanted to on sunday (husband wasn't home, it takes two) and while watching that adorable sheltie at the show, I started feeling bad about it!Me three! I was looking at my girls, and thought...tomorrow we are getting some grooming done!
The GSDs were really bad this year. They ALL moved on their hocks.
Because he is a beautiful dog, and Collie people aren't as worried about tails as Sheltie people. I'm not sure what you mean about asymmetrical, but they are allowed to have an upward twist or swirl on the end.
I meant that the tail was always cocked to the one side in the trot - I think it was to the left. That would seem a fault to me, but what do I know?
I agree that the rest of him was gorgeous!