Hurricane Deck

Sometimes I get into discussions with people about dog structure and really, really, it makes me want to beat my head against a wall. However, those always make me publish those words and pictures that have been rattling around in my head for a while. Case in point – someone posted on a board that they thought that a high toe on a dog was a “cosmetic fault.” My opinion on this is fairly solid – NO! A high toe is a STRUCTUAL fault. Someone then posted that they wanted “proof.” Ah, here we go. The boondoggle of proof! Studies! Someone, somewhere, somehow agreeing or disagreeing with my point! The unfortunate thing is that it really isn’t to be found. Our Proof wanter found a website in which a couple had a Staffordshire Terrier with a high toe, and they readily admitted that the high toe caused issues with her gait, but then concluded that it was just a cosmetic issue. Hmm, really? The document can be found here , you can look at the pictures and read it for yourself. (Don't use the ...

I will admit it, I am a movement snob. I believe that dogs should move as their standards have them built. Since a Rat Terrier has a well laid back shoulder and "matching" rear angulation, its movement is not flashy nor is it "terrier-like." A Rat Terrier's movement should be balanced and efficient. I've argued for years that a Rat Terrier should move like a "trotter" - mostly like a Dalmatian amazingly enough! Their movement should be smooth, their toplines should not roach, their feet should not be caught up in a tangle at mid-stride, their reach and drive should be easy and go from the tip of their nose to the tip of where their tail would have been (easy enough to figure out). They should be able to trot all day and not get tired. They are not built for sprinting like a Whippet nor stopping to dig as a Jack Russell. It is a unique movement for a terrier, but it is fantastic to see nonetheless. Previously I have discussed the exaggerations of ce...