The Stafford – Forequarters
& Great Strength For Size
| “The front legs should be straight with the feet turning out slightly at the pasterns. Legs are perpendicular to the ground, dropping straight down from the shoulder. “ A strong well-balanced front possesses bone in proper proportion with the rest of the body. The shoulder assembly is one of the main components to making a correct front. The scapula (shoulder blade) needs to be well laid back and in and the upper arm needs to be angled back and of a length that puts the front leg back to support the weight of the dog under the withers. This correct angulation, layback & lay-in of shoulder will ensure the shoulders are not overloaded and the dog moves freely with economy of effort. The feet are set wide, as compared to other Terriers, for stability. The elbows are approximately the same distance apart as they are off the ground, and that point is approximately ½ the height of the dog at the withers. Feel for the correct thickness and roundness of the bone, which should be ample rather than heavy. Elbows lie tightly against the body showing no looseness. The chest drops to the elbow or VERY slightly lower, not well below this point. It should be blunt and wide at its lowest point forming a U shape as oppose to a V shape. Feet are well padded with strong pasterns. Feet should be tight, and toes short, but not to the point of being a ‘cat foot.’ There should be no sign of weakness. Remember the standard says the “feet turn out a little.” Moderation is key – Not overdone but showing strength – too much rib spring will hinder efficient movement and too much depth of brisket only adds bulk and heaviness not conducive to agile and free movement. Not enough chest or brisket weakens movement and crowds the vital organs important to an athlete. The Stafford requires excellent balance to move freely. The Stafford is often shown on a 3/4 angle or facing in, towards the judge in most countries, unlike other terriers who are shown in profile. The Stafford is also often shown in the traditional leather ‘Stafford show set’ (with brass or nickel embellishments) which can be buckle or martingale. Great strength for its size, Muscular, Active & Agile A Stafford should be very agile. He will exhibit “economy of effort” in every move and is in general nimble – both physically AND mentally. They are amazing athletes when kept in good condition. Staffords should be shown in fit, athletic condition. This doesn’t mean completely “stripped down” as if they are getting ready to go into the pit, but it certainly does not mean the dog should be carrying excess fat. Excess weight is unhealthy and interferes with the dog’s function. Always look for a well defined waistline and “tuck”. The Stafford is “rather light in the loin”. Expect great strength for his size comprised of long lean hard resilient muscle; not bulky, rounded muscle that has power yet lacks stamina. “Great strength for his size” again alludes to efficiency. You would expect a large, heavy dog to be powerful. Do not fall for such an animal. A Stafford’s strength is sometimes surprising since the package should be much more compact than other dogs of similar strength. This and other descriptive excerpts can also found inside SBTCA mentor packets and seminar materials as well as all the other materials available for free and often updated download on the JEC page on our website. |
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