ruby55
Well-Known Member
I see the same thing in Bullmastiffs, the fact that a "weak" back end is present doesn't bother me so much as some people being seemingly blind to the faults in the back end. I don't believe ANY dog is perfect, they all have one or some "weak point(s)". It seems to me that so much focus is being put on the front end of the BM that the back end is being neglected.
What bothers me is seeing a breeder breeding a weak back end to a weak back end. To me, that is like stating to the world that you don't see a problem with it. Straight stifles, high rumps and roach backs to one degree or another are all over the BM show world.
Rodeo I don't know if you show in AKC conformation, but here's the skinny: in the judges' criterion for bm's there is absolutely NOTHING regarding rear ends. No "the dog must be this way, or that way". The rear end is not mentioned at all. Ruby (the fawn pictured above) attended a workshop for judges last week. Two experienced judges were working with three people, working on apprenticeships(?) to judge. When they examined Ruby, the apprentices all commented on her rear. The judges all said, "But look at her head & shoulders! Beautiful!" So until the standards are changed for this breed, I think you're going to see dogs like Ruby over & over.
DD: While Ruby doesn't strain to sit, it's almost like she has to think about it. Usually, if I give Ruby a command, it's immediate response. When I say "sit", it's almost like she has to think about what muscles she has to use to obey the command. It just takes a few seconds to gather her stick-straight legs under her. I have to leave for work soon, but I'll try to get a video sometime this week. And yes; I'm very afraid of what will happen in a few years with her. Is she going to be in constant pain? Will she lose the ability to walk or run? It's a wait & see situation. I'm sorry I didn't think to ask her mother's breeder about the dogs in the pedigree that were afflicted with this, so I would know what to expect. I was so shocked that this was in Ruby's line somewhere, & that it might be a hereditary condition, that I just didn't think to ask.