Page 105 - Aussie Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

The AKC/FCI standard states, “The croup is The Pelvis
moderately sloped.” The ASCA breed standard The angle of the pelvis affects the way a dog
currently states, “The croup is moderately sloping.” engages his hindquarters and how much energy
While the use of the word “moderate” here may travels upwards versus the energy that travels
imply room for interpretation, a previous version straight forward. This directly affects suspension.
of the breed standard (ASCA 1977) clarifies what A pelvis that is steep is good for a dog that makes
is meant by moderate when they wrote, “the quick turns and twists. A pelvis that is flat will give
croup is moderately sloping, the ideal being thirty better rear extension for dogs working in steep,
(30) degrees from the horizontal.” A 30-degree hilly areas, like a mountain goat. If the ischium is too
croup angle (from the horizontal) is typical for short, the muscles that extend the leg rearward will
the structure and movement called for in the be short, making adequate rear extension difficult.
Australian Shepherd. These words from a past
breed standard form a strong basis for the analysis The AKC/FCI breed standard states, “The angulation
on tails in this article. of the pelvis and upper thigh corresponds to the

angulation of the shoulder blade and upper arm,
forming an approximate right angle.” The ASCA
Pelvic Angle Versus Croup Angle breed standard says, “The angulation of the

pelvis and upper thigh (femur) corresponds to the
angulation of the shoulder blade and upper arm.”

The angle of the pelvis directly affects rear mo-
vement. A steep pelvic angle causes the back to
rise during movement and restricts rear swing of
hindquarters due to corresponding steep croup.
When the croup is too flat, the angle of the rear
drive is lower than the back and considerable thrust
is lost as the movement is not transmitted forward.
In addition, the forward reach of the hindquarters is
slightly restricted.

Pelvic Angle Croup Angle

Most breed standards describe the croup angle
versus the pelvic angle as if the croup angle
dictates correct rear structure and movement.
This is not accurate. The croup angle can mirror
the pelvic angle which gives us a visual reference
to the correct rear structure. But in fact, the croup
angle only determines tail set. It is the angle of the
pelvis that affects length of stride, and the force
of the drive forwards. Many standards discuss
the croup because it is an integral part of outline, The pelvic angle described in both breed standards that is to
but in reality, it is the pelvis which provides the approximate the shoulder angle is different than but comprises
connection between hindquarters and the bridge part of the pelvic slope. The pelvic slope is different than the
to the forequarters. croup angle.

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 2/2023 | 105