Page 31 - Chow Life - Winter 2025
P. 31
The significance of these statistics is that the
increase in size and, more important, the doubling
in weight have coincided with a sharp increase in
stifle problems due to the exponential increase of
trauma in the joint when requirements of r straight
stifles are maintained. This can only be overcome by
allowing more bend of knee (which absorbs shock),
which, in turn, eliminates a stilted gait, considered to
be one of the most important characteristics of this
breed.
The point is that the blind pursuit of single
characteristics in any breed often results in a loss
of type. In future columns I will further pursue
some of the fashionable changes that have gradually
compromised breed type and functionality. Give it
some thought.
This article first appeared in AKC Gazette May 1993
and is reprinted with permission.
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