MOVEMENT

TIME TO SEE HIM/HER MOVE, SO FIRST SEND UP AND BACK........

Moving away from you do his rear pasterns stay firm as his hind feet converge slightly to his center of his gravity under his body, then drive firmly to the rear, with good thrust .

As he returns to you do you see his front feet reach well forward, again converging slightly to his center of gravity keeping his legs in a straight line from shoulder to paw.

(NB: In a show ring situation the dog should not be moving fast enough to allow his front and rear legs to appear to reach the center....i.e. single track.)

When he returns have him stand naturally in front of you so you may see any faults that have previously been hidden by good handling.

NOW SEND HIM AROUND THE RING........

Is he moving freely and easily at a steady pace...not too fast and not too slow?

At full extension do his front legs reach well forward keeping a straight line from shoulderblade to front foot keeping a 45% angle to the ground?

Does his rear legs extend well to the rear keeping a straight line from hip joint to rear pad.

Is his head carried forward, to balance his stride?

Does his topline stay level and true?

Is his tail carried at the correct angle?

IN CONCLUSION

Whether you are a breeder or a judge, keep this criteria in mind in your search for a smart, stylish, well balanced, correctly constructed Boxer.

If you are a judge, and you find such a dog (or bitch), they should not only be the class winner, Winners dog or bitch, Challenge or Breed winner, but a strong contender for a Group or In Show award.

Links on Gait

Canine Lameness Learning Module > > >


Normal and Abnormal Gait > > >


Moving Boxer courtesy Amy Willder of VEZBEN Boxers Reg.