Page 107 - Aussie Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

In the illustration above, and in many canine anato- Tail Type or Style
my books or breed educational materials, the croup A detailed description of the Australian Shepherd
angle is referred to, when in fact a more accurate tail type or style is likely of very little value.
term would be the pelvic angle. However, this Many tailed breeds consider the tail description
figure clearly illustrates how the angle of the pelvis and deportment of value. In a breed originally
and a corresponding croup angle affect structure developed as a natural bob tail breed, trying to
and movement, thus affecting tail set and carriage. capture a myriad of tail types for a non-tailed
1. A normally oblique croup and normal tail root. breed defies logic. The only part of this breed’s
The angle of the drive is not too steep, with tail description of importance refers directly to
thrust forwards along the back. Powerful swing structure, form and function. When you have a
of hindquarters (forwards and backwards) is breed that can have a short natural bob tail, a full
allowed by this correct angle. tail and all lengths in between, the length of the
2. A slanting croup [pelvis] (pelvic and sacral bones tail bone and where it is located in conjunction
with an excessive slant threatens irregular angles with the hock becomes irrelevant. Whether the tail
of the hindlegs adding labored movement. The is bushy or lacks feathering becomes irrelevant.
angle of drive is too high causing the back to
rise during movement. Restricted rear swing of
hindquarters due to the steep angulation.
3. A low set on tail (the pelvic bones are slanted
correctly while the sacral slant is excessive, so
as to place the tail too low.
4. A horizontal (flat) croup (pelvis) (the pelvic
and sacral bones have an almost horizontal
slant. The tail is high-set and often bends over
the back, causing a straight rump and deficient
thrust. The angle of drive is lower than the
back, and considerable thrust is lost as it is not
transmitted properly forward. The forward reach An excellent example of a less than full tail with correct tail set
of the hindquarter is restricted. There is more that follows the correct angle of the croup.
Elisabeth Eknes Photography
rear extension than forward thrust.

The area of focus for a discussion about tails. When working the tail should be level with or lower than the
Photo courtesy of Amber Jade Aanensen Photography topline. Photo Marco Rosetti

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 2/2023 | 107