Structural Critique?

[*blackrose]

I took some very informal stacked photos of Abrams today - the first I've ever been able to do, because normally he's flailing around like an idiot and won't hold a stand and/or he turns his head to look at me when I move to the side. We've been working heavily on stays with distractions, so I had the bright idea this morning to put him in a stand/stay and then toss a cookie off into the yard. Result? A dog that perked his ears, stood at attention and looked into the distance, while holding his stand/stay. Hooray!

Anywho, I have no idea what I'm looking at when it comes to structure and I'm curious to hear what others have to say about the way he looks. I think he looks like a very well put together dog...but that's about all I can say.

These aren't the best photos. I have no idea what I'm doing and he is 100% free stacking off lead.

He's 28 months old, intact, 73lbs, roughly 24" high.

Free stack 8\12\15 by Andrea Frey, on Flickr

Free stack 8\12\15 by Andrea Frey, on Flickr

Free stack 8\12\15 by Andrea Frey, on Flickr

Free stack 8\12\15 by Andrea Frey, on Flickr

Share your conformation knowledge with me, please! LOL

 

[Elrohwen]

I'm not great at this, but I think his rear is lovely, but his front is a bit straight.

Based on what I know of chessies and what I found in the standard, he has nice proportions for the breed, and a correct topline. Neck is nice and muscular without being short and stocky.

And I love his head and expression much more than some other chessies I've seen.

 

[Moth]

My experience with Chessies is limited...

That being said... he has a beautiful head <3

 

[noludoru]

His front and back look nice to me. I don't see the front as being overly straight, but I could be wrong. He looks a little downhill, though. GORGEOUS head, no idea if it fits the standard, but it's gorgeous. Ear-set is nice, too.

 

[Elrohwen]

He looks a little downhill, though.

According to the standard, the top of the croup should be level with or higher than the shoulders, so I think a bit of downhill build is ok for chessies. The ones I know personally are built a bit downhill.

I don't think the shoulder is super straight either, just not as nice as the rear.

And his front paws look a little easty-westy.

 

[*blackrose]

Thanks everyone! The way his front feet are may just very well be the way he's placed, I'm not sure. But this was very much so a free stack - as in, we walked outside and while he was in a semi-straight position walking forward I yelled "STAY!" and then proceed to place myself for the picture and toss a cookie into the yard to get his attention out/ears up. LOL

But it sounds like my initial thought of "he's a well put together dog" wasn't too far off! I can't believe how mature he is now. I still view him as a bumbling puppy. I don't think I give him enough credit.

 

[Elrohwen]

Thanks everyone! The way his front feet are may just very well be the way he's placed, I'm not sure. But this was very much so a free stack - as in, we walked outside and while he was in a semi-straight position walking forward I yelled "STAY!" and then proceed to place myself for the picture and toss a cookie into the yard to get his attention out/ears up. LOL

Yeah, that's what I wondered. Dogs can stand funny and throw the whole thing off.

But it sounds like my initial thought of "he's a well put together dog" wasn't too far off! I can't believe how mature he is now. I still view him as a bumbling puppy. I don't think I give him enough credit.

Definitely! I know a chessie breeder and see her dogs a lot, and they are nice and all (finished confo champs), but I think Abrams is a nicer dog than most of hers.

 

[meepitsmeagan]

I kind of did it on FB, but basically I like him a lot. Moreso than Iggy, if we are honest. He's got a fantastic rear angle and I personally think his shoulder is fine. He is a bit east/west in the front in the photo (could be skewed), but even if he is I really do think it will mainly correct itself once he is fully mature. That chest needs to come out a bit. His head is super. I love that he is light 70's because a lot of the dogs are getting way too big. Downhill IS within standard, but he's a million times better than a lot of the CBRs out there.

I lurve him.

 

[noludoru]

According to the standard, the top of the croup should be level with or higher than the shoulders, so I think a bit of downhill build is ok for chessies. The ones I know personally are built a bit downhill.

I don't think the shoulder is super straight either, just not as nice as the rear.

And his front paws look a little easty-westy.

Wow, I had no idea. "Downhill" is considered a really negative thing in most breeds of animals. I wonder what the advantage is?

I missed the paws, but you guys are right, they don't look like they're supposed to be easty westy. If you stacked him, that might be different.

 

[crazedACD]

He's pretty . As said above, nice rear and shoulder is a little straight. Could use a little more chest, maybe a slightly deeper rib cage.

You could probably finish him in confo.. haha. Do it!

 

[pinkspore]

And his front paws look a little easty-westy.

I told my non-nerd coworkers that "easty-westy" was a real term used in official breed standards. They didn't believe me.

 

[Shai]

For sure one of the more balanced and sound looking chessies I've seen. Boy looks good

 

[*blackrose]

Thanks for all of the replies, guys! It is an eye opener for me, for sure.