In a message dated 12/6/2007 6:01:08 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, cnnpmm2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: On another list there has been a discussion going on re. why GSDs are stacked like no other breed. Several people said it is because the stack is the GSD's natural stance and that's the *only reason* the GSD is stacked this way in the ring. I contend that is much more than that... I've always been told, and have read, the purpose of stacking a GSD in this manner, is to show the GSD has the correct rear angulation to do what it's supposed to do, i.e. gait correctly. The GSD stack also shows off other structures as well. Such as the turn of stifle, the hocks, the croup, etc. In conclusion, I said the reason GSDs are stacked uniquely is because of the need for the judge to properly evaluate the rear assembly, which is such an *important* part of the GSD's anatomy and sooo essential for correct movement. Without a correct and powerful rear assembly, the GSD can not gait correctly and efficiently and will break down. One person who read my post, sent a link to an article that went into greater detail than what I did in my post. Here's a quote from that article that sums up essentially what I was trying to say: ========================================================= Forward movement in dogs begins in the rear. The strength of that movement or drive depends on how the rear assembly is designed. In GSD's, rear assembly is defined in terms of angulation, meaning the relative position of the bones to each other during a certain phase of movement. When we stack a dog for show in the typical "Shepherd stance" we present the angulation of that dog during two phases of movement. The leg retracted under the body shows the angulation at the moment when the effective push forward begins. The extended leg shows the position of the bones when rear drive is about to end and the leg is lifted off the ground in what is called follow through... ========================================================== If anyone would like to read the article in full, here's the link: http://www.kristophgsd.com/articles_beauty.htm Anyhow, this part of my post was ignored by most people who responded. Instead, the discussion went from "why are GSDs stacked this way?" to "natural stacking." Am I wrong about the reason GSDs are stacked uniquely? Are they stacked this way simply because standing with one leg behind the other is the GSD's natural stance? Thanks in advance for your help. Paulette McGuirt, GSDCA Member Qui Me Amat, Amat et Canem Meam No, you were right, but sometimes the effort it takes to argue exceeds the worth of the argument <VBG>. Kathy, member GSDCA, DVGSDC Celebrating generations of Dual Titled TC'd Champions visit www.geocities.com/pinehillgsds **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001) ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2007. 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 - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================