Structure And Movement Series

This is a "Half Day" Seminar

This seminar is designed as a special seminar for National Specialties, or as an evening seminar at dog shows (typically the first day of show weekend)

Many of the structural faults described in a breed standard are less serious when compared to those involving health and temperament.

Distinguishing between the many faults that occur can sometimes lead to confusion and often results in misunderstandings.

For this reason, it is important to think of the faults of conformation as the aesthetic flaws which can be divided into three major categories:
1. Cosmetic. The non-structural traits that are inherited. They include color, coat length, pigmentation, eye color etc.
2. Structural. These are the traits that can cause failure in the show ring. They include size, shape, proportion, top line etc.
3. Environmental. These are the acquired faults. Many are caused by mismanagement and nutrition and are not related to genetics.

Defects are different from faults, some will be described in a breed’s standard; others will affect a breed's function.

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In either case defects can be divided into two broad categories:
1. External. Most can be seen and generally affect the coat and skin. They are influenced by the genes, nutrition and environment.
2. Internal. These defects affect the skeletal structure, organs and certain body functions which include the joints, vision, behavior etc. They can also be influenced by the genes, nutrition and the environment.

Understanding faults and tracking them through pedigree analysis separates the average from the outstanding breeder.

This seminar explains how to understand the complexities of structure and how to make improvements.

Core topics include the following:
- What is "Correct Structure"
- Form and Function
- Foot Timing
- How to evaluate shoulder placement
- Tools for improved structure

Breeding Better Dogs Series

Developing Puppies
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Structure and Movement
Series