Different conformations of the German shepherd dog breed affect its posture and movement

A Humphries,A F Shaheen,C B Gómez Álvarez

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-73550-x

A Humphries, A F Shaheen + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73550-x

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Abstract

The conformation of the German shepherd dog (GSD) varies considerably within the breed. These differences may result in large variation in the movement and limb loading and undesirable consequences to their musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between conformation and biomechanical measures in 60 GSDs. Full body kinematic and kinetic measures were computed from 3D motion capture and pressure data. The dogs were divided into groups based on their back slope and curvature. Correlation analysis and statistical differences between groups showed that GSDs with a greater back slope have a greater contact area in their forelimbs and place them closer together when standing (n = 60). During trot, the dogs with sloped back showed a greater vertical force in the forelimbs and a greater mid-thoracic flexion (n = 60). Unilateral differences were found in the stifle flexion, hock flexion and hock adduction, suggesting greater movement asymmetry with an increase in the back slope (n = 30). In conclusion, several biomechanical parameters are affected by the GSD’s slope of the back and not by its curvature. Further studies are required to determine whether the variation in movement, posture and conformation within the breed relates to an increased susceptibility to musculoskeletal disorders.

Highlights

The conformation of the German shepherd dog (GSD) varies considerably within the breed
The various interpretations of the breed standard have led to a wide variety of conformations of GSD, with some conformations being perceived as having health related side effects and leading to unhealthy hindlimb mechanics in gait
A total of 60 (31 females) GSDs were recruited in the study with a mean age of 4 years and 2 months (SD: 2 year and 3 months), mean body mass of 39.8 kg (SD: 7.5 kg) and a mean combined hip score of 8.1 (SD: 3.8)

Summary

Introduction

The conformation of the German shepherd dog (GSD) varies considerably within the breed. The British breed standard of the GSD hindlimbs states that “Angulations (should be) corresponding approximately with front angulation, without overangulation”, the standards further emphasise that over-angulation of the hindlimbs are u ndesirable[3] Despite this standard, a GSD is considered to have a favourable topline by many judges with an incline that progressively increases towards the croup, as this seems to be based on people’s perception of aesthetics of the breed rather than function and health. This perception has led to a profound change in the conformation of the breed over the last century, with the back profile evolving from relatively straight, rectangular conformation to a curved (Germanic type) and sloped conformation (British type)[4]. After normalising kinetic parameters for size and body mass, Bertram et al.[6] concluded that the movement and limb loading of the Labrador and Greyhound were dynamically similar during trot

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