Balance is the first feature of the dog that will come
to your eye. Many aspects of the dog come into
balance (e.g. shoulder placement) but here we will
concern ourselves with the simple balance of the dog.
The basic balance and construction forms a square
for the proportion of the dog in a ratio of 10 : 9.
Length => Height
Ratio
|
| Note that the Length/Height
"square" does not exceed the rear, it pulls
down through the rear at aungulation point (see Rear
Assembly). Any deviation from this is considered to be a
fault and this is in varying degrees - the importance
should be on balance. This proportion allows good reach and
drive but this has to be in conjunction with other
elements such as well angulated shoulders.
|
| Static Balance:
|
ABC = Points of Support
FB = Centre of Gravity
DE = Horizontal Centre
DA = Front Extension
EC = Rear Extension
|
| These two elements of conformation contribute to the
balance and outline of the Rottweiler and permit the
lever system that puts the dog together.
Angulation plays an important part in all this -
angulation is the angle of the bones within the front
and rear assembly. The requirements for
angulation differ with each different breeds, the
Rottweiler is a compact dog which has to convey power
and drive - to facilitate this he needs power both in
the fore and rear.
|
