Tag: show dog movement

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The Art of Show Dog Movement: Finding Balance in Motion

Few things are as mesmerizing as watching a well-balanced dog move effortlessly—floating across the ground with grace, efficiency, and power. I recently saw a post on Facebook by Kateriina Bartš, about the importance of body proportions on a poodle that create beautiful movement in the ring. It inspired me to write more about balance and movement for the Kerry Blue Terrier.

What exactly makes a dog’s movement appear effortless? The answer lies in balance, structure, and timing.

What Does Balanced Movement Look Like?

When analyzing a dog in motion, photo snapshot can reveal a lot. A balanced dog moves in perfect synchronization, with equal energy distribution between the front and back. Here’s what to look for in an ideal gait:

  • All four feet off the ground at the same time at peak suspension.
  • Front leg extension that reaches from the tip of the toe through the angle of the shoulder, forming a straight, clean line.
  • An “A”-shaped pendulum movement, where if the dog were suspended from the top of the “A,” it would appear naturally balanced.
A well-groomed Kerry Blue Terrier moves gracefully alongside a handler in a professional dog show setting. The handler, dressed in a light gray plaid suit, leads the dog with precision, showcasing its balanced movement and structure. The dog extends its front leg smoothly while maintaining an elegant posture. In the background, other competitors, judges, and colorful floral arrangements enhance the show ring atmosphere. A sign reading "First" is partially visible, hinting at a competitive event.
Malbec in Motion – Perfect Balance and Suspension. Malbec moves effortlessly, forming a textbook “A” frame with excellent front reach and rear drive. All four legs are fully off the ground, showcasing ideal suspension, balance, and efficiency in motion—hallmarks of a well-structured and graceful dog.

When Balance is Off: The Disconnected Dog

Not all dogs move with this level of balance. Structural issues—such as short forearms or upright shoulders—create a disconnect between the front and back end, leading to inefficient movement.

  • Front-heavy dogs tend to work off their front limbs instead of engaging their hindquarters. Their short, choppy strides limit efficiency, similar to how a Missouri Fox Trotter’s gait alters timing.
  • Over-angulated back legs can cause a dog to overreach, crossing underneath the body instead of moving in sync with the front. This can lead to a sloped posture and inefficient movement patterns.

The Sidewinder Effect: When Timing and Angles Clash

One of the most extreme examples of imbalance can be seen in modern German Shepherds, which sometimes have exaggerated rear angulation. This causes their back legs to overreach and cross under their body, leading to sidewinding—a movement where the dog does not travel in a straight line but instead shifts sideways to compensate for poor balance.

  • Too much rear angulation forces the dog to lift its back legs higher than necessary, creating wasted energy.
  • Unequal front-to-back energy distribution results in a dog that moves like a quarter horse sprinting out of the gate—explosive at first, but unable to maintain the pace for long distances.
  • A sloped, squatting run is often seen in dogs that work primarily off their hind end rather than engaging both front and rear efficiently.

The Power of Proper Structure

A well-structured dog moves like an Arabian Horse—efficient, balanced, and capable of sustaining speed and endurance over time. The best-moving dogs utilize power from their hindquarters while maintaining a smooth and coordinated front-end stride, and burn the least amount of energy over time.

Next time you watch a dog in motion, look for these key elements of balance. The best movers are those that float—not just fast, but effortlessly efficient. Because when a dog moves with harmony, they move with power.