BALANCE, As Carolyn, corecctly points out, the GSD can only move as well as the poorest element. If the rear is faulty in some way, the front will compensate for that deficiency and shorten up or lift to give the rear enough time to complete its motion. Likewise if the shoulder is faulty the rear will compensate. Both must be connected with an iron back, and powerful loin to transmit this power and create the Balance so unmistakable when present. The written standard is awesome, the IS could use some tweaks And again Jane brings the voice of reason to the GSD community, what an inspiration, time to go out and hug our interpreations of this incredible breed. Happy Thanksgiving All. M ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2006. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - URL temporarily deleted due to AOL issues ============================================================================