Forequarters - Forelegs
FOREQUARTERS - Forelegs are straight and parallel when viewed from all sides. They have strong pasterns and good bone. They are separated by a fairly deep brisket which precludes a pinched front. The elbows are close, and the ribs spread gradually from the first rib so as to allow space for the elbows to move close to the body. Fault - Loose elbows. |
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Rib Spread
The part of the standard that describes the "ribs spread" means that the lower portion of the chest between the elbows (from the first rib to just behind the elbows) is narrower than the lower portion of the chest behind the elbows. This is to allow room for "the elbows to move close to the body".
The cross section of the chest on the right shows the rib shape between the elbows (red), and the rib shape behind the elbows.
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Legs
When judging, check for strength of bone, straightness of legs, and placement of the elbow in relation to the chest by grasping the leg through the furnishings.
Feet must point straight ahead. You can check this by noting what direction the nails are pointing. |
forelegs | shoulders | feet |
Substance
