Maybe it’s the anticipation for tomorrow (hello, Breed Day!), but I figured it was the perfect time to get ourselves ready—not just with hairspray and coffee—but with a better understanding of those ringside whispers we all pretend to know.
You know the ones.
Ever stood there nodding along as someone says “she’s groomed into square” or “needs more leg under her”—and you’re just trying to figure out if that’s a compliment or a warning?
Yeah. Me too. 🤷♀️👀
When I asked around, I usually got two totally different answers. So, I started digging—into the structure, the movement, the standard—and started decoding.
Truth is, these phrases carry a lot of meaning. But only if we actually learn them. So I’m starting a glossary of all that fabulous ringside shorthand—and I’d love your help. 🗂️🧠💬
Chime in. Share your favorites.
Let’s turn mystery into mentorship—and make this beautiful breed even stronger through shared knowledge. 🤝🐩✨
Part 1: Structure & Balance Faults
“Too Much Rear”
Excessive angulation in the hindquarters—stifles too bent, hocks set too far back. Creates imbalance with a straight or moderate front, leading to instability and wasted motion.
“Bicycling”
A movement fault where the rear legs pedal in an exaggerated up-and-down circular motion rather than driving straight back. Often seen in dogs with weak muscle tone, incorrect rear angulation (steep croup), or shallow second thighs. It reduces efficiency, power, and ground coverage.
“Straight in Shoulder”
The scapula is too upright, limiting front reach. Causes pounding front movement and throws the dog’s weight forward. Often paired with short neck and flat withers.
“Overdone”
Too much coat, too much angulation, too much sculpting. This can hide faults or exaggerate type, but the dog falls apart in motion or under hands-on exam.
“Off in Front”
Poor front construction—elbows out, narrow chest, upright shoulder. Causes flailing, paddling, or crossing over in motion.
“Doesn’t Hold Her Shape”
The outline breaks in motion—loses square, dips in the back, tail drops. A sign of weak core, poor conditioning, or imbalance between angles.
“Too Low on Leg”
Legs are too short in proportion to body depth. Breaks the square silhouette. Gives a heavy, cobby appearance instead of the elegant, up-on-leg Poodle.
“Not Enough Underjaw”
The muzzle lacks depth or width. Expression appears weak or pinched. A strong underjaw is vital for proper bite and breed type.
“Running Downhill”
The rear is higher than the front. Creates a sloping topline from withers to croup. Often seen in young dogs, but undesirable in mature animals.
“Topline Breaks on the Move”
The topline rises, dips, or sways in motion. Indicates poor conditioning, over-angulated rear, or incorrect back length.
“Overreaching in the Rear”
The rear foot steps far past the front foot’s placement during gait. Commonly seen in dogs with excessive rear angulation or weak core strength. While some overstep is normal, excessive reach can break balance, causing instability and inefficiency in motion.
(Note: In free stack, dogs with very angulated rears may also appear “stretched out” with hocks far behind the tailset. This is not a term always used formally, but describes an outline imbalance.)
Part 2: Ringside Code & Gait Clues
Quick Tip: In movement critiques, “front” relates to reach (how far forward the dog extends), and “rear” relates to drive (how strongly the dog pushes off). Perfect balance requires both working in harmony.
“Front Doesn’t Match the Rear”
A mismatch in angulation—often straight in front and overangulated in rear. Causes awkward gait and topline collapse.
“Too Pretty to Move”
Looks great standing but falls apart on the go. Grooming hides structural flaws that appear during motion.
“Moves Close Behind”
Rear legs converge excessively, sometimes brushing or crossing. Indicates narrow pelvis, cow-hocked construction, or weak thighs.
“Cow-Hocked”
The hocks point inward and the feet turn out. A clear structural fault that reduces propulsion and stability.
“Goose-Rumped”
A steep croup angle. Tail set too low. Reduces drive and interrupts flow from loin to rear.
“Overtrimmed”
Too much coat sculpted to “build” type where it doesn’t exist. Judges often see through it once the dog moves.
“Hangs in the Front”
Choppy, pounding front movement—no lift or reach. Often caused by straight shoulders or heavy front assembly.
“Loaded Shoulders”
Too much muscling or incorrect shoulder layback. The dog may look short-necked or bulky in profile.
“Short in Neck”
A short, upright neck breaks the flowing silhouette. Often caused by upright shoulders or overdeveloped traps.
“Backskully”
A head that is wide or heavy behind the ears. Detracts from elegance and refinement.
“Slab-Sided”
Flat, narrow ribcage. Lacks lung capacity and a heart-shaped chest. Makes movement less efficient and affects whelping.
“Tippy”
Dog teeters when stacked. Can be due to mental insecurity, weak pasterns, or imbalanced proportions.
“Doesn’t Drive From the Rear”
Lacks push or follow-through in the rear. Could be weak hocks, poor conditioning, or shallow angulation.
Part 3: Proportion & Outline Terms
“Short-Backed”
Back from withers to loin is too compressed. Can affect flexibility and create a choppy silhouette.
“Short-Loined”
Desirable. A short, strong loin provides support and power without exaggeration.
“Too Long in Loin”
Excessive distance between ribcage and pelvis. Weakens topline, causes sagging and lack of drive.
“Built Downhill”
Croup higher than withers. Shifts the dog’s weight forward and breaks the outline.
“Out at Elbow”
Elbows deviate from the body, usually caused by narrow chest or bad shoulder assembly. Ruins front movement.
“Tied in Elbow”
Elbows too tight—restricted chest, no reach in front, gait is stilted.
“Weak in Pastern”
Pasterns are too soft or collapsed. Affects foot timing and long-term joint health.
“Soft Topline”
Topline lacks strength or muscle tone. Dips in motion or under pressure.
“Hackney Gait”
High-stepping front action like a pony. Flashy but incorrect in Poodles. Often paired with poor reach behind.
“Cobby”
Short, blocky build. Acceptable in some breeds, but not in square, elegant Poodles.
“Overangulated”
Rear angles exceed front angles, causing unbalanced movement and break in outline.
“Lacks Fill”
The head, muzzle, or chest appear narrow or unfinished. A sign of immaturity or weak breeding.
“Bitchy Head” (in Dogs)
Too refined or narrow for a male—lacks masculinity.
“Doggy Head” (in Bitches)
Too strong or coarse for a bitch—lacks femininity.
Part 7: Presentation & Conditioning Sayings
“Needs More Finish”
Definition: The dog looks incomplete—whether in coat, body condition, or ring maturity.
Why It’s Used: Can refer to lack of coat, missing muscle tone, or a young dog who hasn’t fully matured.
Tip: “Finish” is both physical (condition and coat) and mental (ring readiness and composure).
“Out of Coat”
Definition: Lacking sufficient coat volume or length, often due to regrowth or stripping before show.
Why It Matters: Coat affects outline and impression. Judges may fault this depending on how well it’s compensated for.
“Need More Time”
Definition: Often said about young dogs who show promise but are not physically or mentally mature yet.
What It Means: The dog has potential, but needs to grow into itself structurally or mentally. Doesn’t penalize, just waits.
“Over-Conditioned”
Definition: Dog has too much weight or bulk. May look impressive stacked but moves sluggishly or lacks detail.
Why It’s a Problem: Hides structure, ruins gait, and indicates poor conditioning or feeding strategy.
“Cut Up Too High”
Definition: Tuck-up or underline is over-scissored, making the body appear leggy or houndy.
Why It Matters: Distorts natural proportion and can confuse the eye into misjudging balance.
“Topline Sculpted”
Definition: A fake topline has been built with scissors and product.
Why It’s Misleading: Will fall apart when the dog moves or under hands-on exam. Judges are trained to look through this.
Part 8: Reproduction & Breeding Lingo
“She Produces Herself”
Definition: Her offspring consistently resemble her in type and structure.
Why It’s Gold: This is prepotency—what every breeder dreams of. A hallmark of a foundational bitch.
“Whelps Easy”
Definition: Free-whelping, has uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries.
Why It Matters: Soundness and correct pelvic structure affect this. Important for longevity in a breeding program.
“Throws Bone”
Definition: Produces offspring with more substance or heavier build than herself.
How It’s Used: Often said when a finer bitch reliably produces well-boned pups when paired correctly.
“Stamped the Litter”
Definition: Her traits show up across all or most of the puppies.
Why It’s a Compliment: Indicates strong prepotency and genetic reliability.
“Carries Male Heads”
Definition: Female has a head that’s coarse or overly strong for her sex.
Problem: Breaks sex type; correct bitches should show refinement while maintaining strength.
“Keeps Her Outline in Whelp”
Definition: A bitch who maintains her correct topline and silhouette even late in pregnancy.
Why It’s Notable: Shows exceptional structure and conditioning—very desirable in a brood bitch.
“Good Brood Bitch Type”
Definition: May not be a top-winning show dog, but has all the right structure, soundness, and temperament to reproduce type reliably.
Why It’s Respected: Some of the most important producers in history never finished their championship.
“Throws Better Than Herself”
Definition: Her puppies exceed her in quality.
What It Suggests: She’s a hidden gem in the pedigree—strong genetics despite maybe being average herself.
Part 9: Coat, Color, Temperament & Ring Presence Phrases
“Cottony Coat”
Definition: A coat that is soft, limp, and lacks resilience.
Why It’s a Problem: Not correct for Poodles. The standard calls for a dense, harsh, curly coat that holds sculpting and resists matting. Cottony coats tangle, mat, and break easily.
“Open Curl”
Definition: Loose, wavy coat texture instead of tight, crisp curls.
Why It Matters: The Poodle coat should spring back into place when compressed. Open curls suggest improper coat texture—often due to poor genetics or improper coat care.
“Patchy Pigment”
Definition: Nose leather, eye rims, or lips with incomplete black or liver coloring.
Why It’s Faulted: The Poodle standard calls for fully pigmented points that match coat color. Patchy pigment can reflect weak genetics or dilute backgrounds.
“Coarse Coat”
Definition: A coat that is overly harsh or wire-like.
Why It’s an Issue: Though the coat should be harsh and dense, it should still allow grooming and sculpting. A brittle coat is not correct.
“Color Breaking”
Definition: In solid-colored Poodles, this refers to fading, dilution, or uneven patches of lighter pigment.
When It Happens: Often as dogs age, especially in reds, silvers, and blues.
Judges Should Know: The standard calls for solid, even color to the skin, though some fading is expected with maturity.
“Ringsmart”
Definition: A dog that knows how to show itself without overtraining. Confident, poised, connected to the handler.
Why It’s Valued: It reflects maturity, trust, and great training. These dogs often “ask for the win.”
“Over-Showing”
Definition: A dog that is too animated—throwing its front, bouncing, tail spinning, overly alert.
Why It’s Penalized: It hides true structure and disrupts gait. Judges want to see dogs show themselves naturally and efficiently.
“Flat in Presentation”
Definition: Dog appears mentally disengaged, tired, or lacking spark in the ring.
Why It Happens: Could be fatigue, poor temperament, or lack of training.
Why It Matters: The Poodle should carry itself with an air of distinction—engaged, proud, and responsive.
“Wired”
Definition: Dog is overly tense, reactive, or jumpy in the ring.
Why It’s Faulted: Indicates poor nerves or lack of socialization. Especially undesirable in breeding bitches.
“Sharp”
Definition: Not just alert—overly suspicious or potentially reactive.
Why It’s a Concern: Goes against the Poodle’s adaptable, intelligent, and stable temperament.
“Soft”
Definition: Too timid, shy, or easily spooked.
Why It’s a Problem: The Poodle must be resilient and confident. A soft dog may avoid examination or appear withdrawn in motion.
“Dull Expression”
Definition: Lack of engagement in the eye, no sparkle or connection.
What’s Missing: The breed’s signature “alert and intelligent” expression.
Why It’s Noted: Expression in the Poodle is a direct indicator of mind and purpose.
“Needs More Spark”
Definition: Mentally flat or low energy—not showing enough ring presence.
Tip: Can be improved with confidence building, training, and careful show handling—not harsh correction.
“Burned Out”
Definition: A show dog who’s mentally checked out due to overexposure, fatigue, or stress.
How It Presents: No joy in performance, disconnection from handler, sluggish gait.
When It’s Seen: Often in heavily campaigned dogs that need rest or a change of environment.
Part 10: Puppy Talk, Stud Dog Sayings & Movement-Specific Lingo
PUPPY PHRASES
“High in the Rear”
Definition: The hindquarters are higher than the withers—common in growing puppies.
When It’s Okay: Normal in young dogs during growth spurts.
When It’s Not: If it persists past adolescence, it suggests structural imbalance or poor topline.
“Out at the Elbow” (in Puppies)
Definition: Elbows visibly stick out away from the chest.
When Temporary: Sometimes due to rapid ribcage expansion or weak ligaments.
Permanent Indicator: Poor shoulder placement and narrow front.
“Lanky Phase”
Definition: A period where everything looks out of sync—legs grow fast, body lags behind.
Why It’s Normal: Puppies grow in awkward fits and starts. Judges/breeders expect this.
Tip: Focus on proportion, not polish, during this stage.
“Baby Hocks”
Definition: Hocks that are soft, long, or lack definition in young pups.
Why It Happens: Often due to muscle immaturity or rear overangulation.
Why It’s Watched: Strong hocks support future movement and drive.
“She Has to Grow Into It”
Definition: The pup has all the pieces but needs time for them to align.
Encouraging Sign: Structure is there; just wait for maturity. Often used about big-moving, slow-developing puppies.
“Looks Better on the Move”
Definition: The stack doesn’t show everything—but the dog comes alive in motion.
Why It Matters: Strong movement can reveal structural soundness missed in a static pose.
“She’s a Head and Tail Right Now”
Definition: Common early compliment—lovely expression, carriage, and silhouette, but not yet filled out.
Why It’s Said: A pretty pup with promise, though immature in body or rear.
STUD DOG SAYINGS
“Throws Himself”
Definition: Offspring look like the sire—reliable transmission of type.
Why It’s Valued: Indicates strong prepotency. Used in praise of sires who stamp their litters.
“Tightens Up Bitches”
Definition: A stud who corrects faults like loose elbows, long loins, or soft toplines in the bitch.
Why Breeders Like It: Shows genetic influence and value as a balancing mate.
“He Needs a Bitch With Neck”
Definition: He lacks length or arch in neck—best matched with a bitch who has what he lacks.
Why It’s Important: Smart breeding balances weaknesses, never doubles them.
“Sires Head”
Definition: His offspring consistently carry his head shape, expression, or skull/muzzle balance.
When It’s High Praise: In breeds like Poodles where head and expression define type.
“Doesn’t Improve the Bitch”
Definition: The sire doesn’t correct faults or elevate the litter above the dam.
Why It Matters: A stud should always improve or maintain—not diminish—type, structure, or temperament.
MOVEMENT-SPECIFIC LINGO
“Travels Wide”
Definition: Legs swing wide, either front or rear.
Often Indicates: Poor balance, weak ligaments, or misaligned joints.
“Crabbing”
Definition: Dog moves at an angle, not straight—front and rear are misaligned.
Why It Happens: Usually from imbalance or lack of core strength. Also known as “sidewinding.”
“Paddling”
Definition: Front feet flip outward during motion.
Cause: Often weak elbows, poor chest width, or straight shoulders.
“Pulls From the Elbow”
Definition: Dog’s front movement comes from elbow rotation, not shoulder reach.
Why It’s a Fault: Disrupts clean, ground-covering motion.
“Choppy Down and Back”
Definition: Front and rear steps are short, staccato, or rigid.
Why It’s Faulted: Lacks fluidity and spring—gait should appear light and effortless in a Poodle.
“Overreaching”
Definition: Rear foot steps too far past the front, often causing loss of balance.
Why It’s a Red Flag: Often seen in over-angulated rears with weak backs.
Part 11: Grooming Illusions, Seminar Sayings & Breeder Wisdom
GROOMING & TRIM CRITIQUES
“Groomed Into Square”
Definition: The outline appears square because of sculpting—not structure.
Why It’s Misleading: The dog may actually be long or short-coupled underneath.
Judge’s Tip: Use hands-on exam and watch movement to verify true proportion.
“Top-Heavy”
Definition: Too much coat or volume above the topline—creates a weighted appearance.
Why It’s Penalized: Breaks silhouette and throws balance. Often used to disguise weak rear or short neck.
“Over-Scissored Tuck-Up”
Definition: Excess coat removed to fake a more athletic underline.
Why It’s Common: Used to create the illusion of better rib spring or depth of chest.
Trained Eye Sees: Overexposed flank, abrupt transitions, unbalanced underline.
“False Front”
Definition: A front that appears full and deep due to jacket shaping—but lacks substance underneath.
Often Found In: Dogs that look wide-chested but collapse under pressure or movement.
“Bouffant Topknot Hiding a Flat Skull”
Definition: A large topknot disguises incorrect head planes or poor skull shape.
Judges’ Tactic: Feel the planes, feel the stop—don’t just trust the fluff.
“Tidy to Fault”
Definition: Grooming so precise it appears artificial or restrictive.
Why It’s Mentioned: Over-finessed presentation can distract from natural type and movement.
“Spayed Look” (in coat)
Definition: Coat is open, cottony, or limp—resembles the texture changes after spaying.
Why It’s Mentioned: Often indicates hormonal imbalance or structural coat weakness.
JUDGES’ SEMINAR LANGUAGE
“Doesn’t Take a Second Look”
Definition: Dog lacks the charisma, correctness, or presence to draw attention.
Why It’s Significant: Breed type and presence should be immediately recognizable.
“I Didn’t Have to Put My Hands On That One”
Definition: Said about a dog with such strong visual type and movement that structure is obvious at first glance.
Why It’s Rare Praise: Judges still examine thoroughly—but this phrase reflects clarity of type.
“Type Before Soundness… or Soundness Before Type?”
Definition: A common judging debate. Should a typy dog with minor faults beat a plain but perfectly sound dog?
Poodle Leaning: Balance is everything—but unmistakable type often edges out generic soundness in top competition.
“Typy Yet Sound”
Definition: The golden combination.
Why It Wins:* Type is preserved in motion, under hands, and through presence. Not always the flashiest dog, but the most correct.
“The Outline Tells You What’s Inside”
Definition: A good silhouette reflects correct proportion, structure, and balance.
Why It’s True: You can’t groom good bone, angles, or temperament into a dog.
BREEDER MENTORSHIP PHRASES
“Foundation Bitch”
Definition: A bitch whose traits, type, and prepotency become the cornerstone of a breeding program.
What She Must Be: Reproductively sound, consistent producer, strong in outline, temperament, and longevity.
“Corrects the Line”
Definition: A dog used to fix recurring structural or type faults in a pedigree (e.g., short upper arms, soft top lines).
Why It’s Strategic: These dogs aren’t always the flashiest—but they carry the missing pieces.
“Produces the Outline”
Definition: Passes on square shape, carriage, and silhouette across generations.
What It Signifies: Strong genotype, not just pretty phenotype. The blueprint is set.
“Throws Up-on-Leg”
Definition: Puppies consistently show leg length, lift, and elegance.
Desirable In: Toy and Miniature Poodles especially—prevents cobby, low-on-leg expression.
“Built to Last”
Definition: A bitch with the structure, health, and temperament to compete, whelp, and raise pups for years.
High Praise: Indicates value beyond ribbons—a true working foundation.
“Linebred Without Compromise”
Definition: Pedigree has been consolidated for consistency without doubling on major faults.
What It Tells You: Thoughtful breeding strategy—not accidental stacking.
Part 12: Behavioral, Postural & Neurological Ringside Phrases
“He Checks Out”
Definition: Mentally disconnects from the handler or the environment.
Why It Matters: Indicates low resilience, poor adaptability, or stress overload. The Poodle standard calls for “very adaptable” temperament—this phrase signals a failure to cope.
“Handler Dependent”
Definition: The dog only performs well when shown by a specific handler.
What It Suggests: Lack of true ring confidence or a fragile temperament. A correct Poodle should shine regardless of who holds the lead.
“Over-Threshold”
Definition: The dog is overstimulated—exceeds its emotional limit and can’t focus.
How It Looks: Panting, whining, avoidance behaviors, freezing, or frantic pacing.
Root Cause: Often a training or temperament issue, sometimes rooted in genetics or exposure.
“He Shows Despite the Handler”
Definition: The dog has such presence and self-confidence that it shows well even with poor handling.
High Compliment: Indicates a naturally ringsmart and resilient dog—a quality few possess.
“Drops Behind the Withers”
Definition: The back dips just behind the shoulder blades.
Why It’s a Red Flag: Indicates weakness in the front assembly, long back, or lack of muscle tone. It breaks the silhouette and affects balance.
“Rolls Through the Ribcage”
Definition: The spine appears to ripple or bounce through the ribs while moving.
Why It Happens: Weak core muscles, poor conditioning, or incorrect rib spring and spine alignment.
Judge’s Tip: Watch the back during movement—it tells you where the dog is carrying tension.
“Collapsed Loin”
Definition: Loin area visibly drops under weight or motion.
Why It’s Serious: Indicates lack of strength and compromises function. Especially detrimental in bitches intended to whelp.
“He Can’t Carry Himself”
Definition: The dog lacks physical strength or mental focus to maintain carriage.
What It Reflects: A structural, neurological, or conditioning flaw that breaks presence and outline under pressure.
“Doesn’t Fill the Outline”
Definition: Appears hollow or empty through the rib or loin.
Why It’s Mentioned: Even if square, a dog must have substance to support type. This phrase reflects lack of development or depth.
“He Wears the Coat”
Definition: Coat overwhelms the dog’s structure and exaggerates movement.
Why It’s Negative: Judges are trained to see through coat. If movement is hindered or masked by hair, the critique is about proportion, not grooming.
“He Lacks Engagement”
Definition: Mentally or physically disconnected from the job.
Signs: Stiff ears, dull eyes, mechanical motion.
Contrast With: Alert, intelligent, joyful expression that defines correct Poodle temperament.
“Shows on Nerves”
Definition: The dog appears animated but is running on anxiety, not confidence.
How It Shows: Tail spinning, clenched jaws, too much eye white, rushed movement.
Why It’s Penalized: Masked stress is still stress—true resilience is calm and alert, not frenetic.
“Post-Legged”
Definition: Hind legs lack bend at the stifle and hock—rear looks straight.
Movement Impact: Reduces spring, drive, and shock absorption. Leads to short, choppy gait and early breakdown.
“On the Muscle, Not the Bone”
Definition: A dog looks strong because of conditioning—not skeletal structure.
Problem: When conditioning fades, faults emerge. Judges value correct build over fitness alone.
“He Moves Himself Out of Square”
Definition: Stacked, the dog appears square—but motion reveals too much length or imbalance.
Why It’s Crucial: Structure must hold in motion. Square is not just a trim—it’s a function of bone, angulation, and proportion.
Part 13: Poodle-Specific Critique Shorthand & What It Really Means
“Outline’s There, But Lacks Follow-Through”
Translation: The dog has a good silhouette when stacked, but doesn’t maintain it in motion.
Why It Matters: A beautiful picture isn’t enough—true type must be functional and persistent.
“A Little Plain in Head”
Translation: Lacks chiseling, expression, or refinement. Skull may be broad, stop undefined, or eyes dull.
What It Suggests: Generic expression—doesn’t say “Poodle” when you look at her.
“Carries Too Much Behind”
Translation: Over-angulated rear or heavy muscling throws balance off.
Why It’s a Fault: Movement appears forced, not fluid. Often paired with a short or straight front.
“Pretty Dog, But I’d Like More Dog Underneath”
Translation: There’s not enough substance—bone, rib spring, or depth of chest.
What It Means: Type is superficial. The frame lacks athletic function or breeding strength.
“A Bit Down-Faced”
Translation: The muzzle tilts downward—head planes not parallel.
Why It’s Penalized: Poodles must have parallel planes between skull and muzzle. Down-faced dogs lose correct expression.
“Carries the Head Well”
Translation: Excellent carriage and neck set—moves with pride and ease.
Why It Wins Ribbons: Reflects correct angulation, topline strength, and mental poise.
“Earset Steals the Expression”
Translation: Ears are set too high, low, or far back, distracting from the correct oval eye and headpiece.
Why It Matters: Expression is everything in Poodles—earset helps frame it.
Note: Over-angled earsets can make an intelligent bitch appear confused or wide-eyed.
“Needs More Leg Under Her”
Translation: Appears too low on leg—may be due to short pasterns, long body, or poor trim balance.
Why It’s Crucial: Poodles must appear “up on leg.” A low station breaks silhouette and elegance.
“I’d Like to See More in the Second Thigh”
Translation: The upper thigh may be strong, but the area below (second thigh) lacks muscle or angle.
Movement Effect: Weakness in this area reduces rear propulsion and compromises follow-through.
“She Stacks Into Herself”
Translation: The dog looks small or collapses when stacked—loses lift or leg under body.
Why It Happens: Weak core, lack of confidence, or poor structure.
“Outline Caves When She Moves”
Translation: The dog starts with a nice silhouette but dips, wobbles, or sags in motion.
Cause: Poor muscle tone, incorrect back length, or an unbalanced gait.
“A Bit Rolled Over in the Shoulders”
Translation: Shoulders appear rounded or loaded—impacts flow from neck to back.
Why It’s Important: Good shoulder layback should form a clean transition. Rounded shoulders cause break in line and limited reach.
“Trim Exaggerates the Topline”
Translation: Scissoring has built or disguised a dip or rise.
Why Judges Note It: Structure should define the topline—not scissors and spray.
“She’s Got the Look, But Needs the Legs”
Translation: Beautiful head and expression, but lacking in leg length or overall height.
How It Affects Placement: Typey, but out of proportion.
“A Strong Bitch, But Lacks That Last Degree of Elegance”
Translation: She has substance and structure, but could use more refinement, taper, or fluidity.
What It Often Refers To: Thicker neck, broader head, heavier bone—still valuable in a brood bitch, but not a standout in a top line-up.
“Not Breeding Quality” (used carefully by mentors or judges off the record)
Translation: The bitch may be sweet or showy but lacks the structural foundation to reliably reproduce soundness and type.
Why It’s Said Quietly: It’s not about ribbons—it’s about responsibility.
“Could Be Useful in a Breeding Program”
Translation: She has faults, but her strengths might complement another line’s weaknesses.
When It’s Positive: Indicates a breeder’s-eye view—potential lies in what she can give, not just what she shows.
“Moves True Coming and Going”
Translation: Clean front and rear movement—no paddling, weaving, or hocking.
What It Means Structurally: Shoulders and hips are aligned and strong. Soundness at its most visible.
“Flat in Croup”
Translation: The tail set is too low, and the angle from the loin to the tail lacks lift.
What It Causes: Lower tail carriage, shorter rear stride, loss of silhouette.
For those who’d like to print it—hope it works! I’m no tech wizard.👇🖨️
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