Biewer Terrier Standard- Forequarters: …The shoulders are well angulated and laid back, the upper arm should be of equal length as the shoulder laid with good return, allowing for good reach and freedom of movement.
Diagram A is the Correct Shoulder Assembly: This diagram shows a balanced front, with the shoulder blade (scapula) and the upper arm (humerus) of equal lengths. The shoulder blade is described as “well laid back” at about a 45-degree angle to the ground. In addition, the angle of the point where the scapula meets the humerus is 90 degrees. This correct shoulder assembly allows the elbow to sit in line with the withers, beneath the upper tip of the shoulder blade. The layback of the shoulder blade determines the forward reach of the front leg and provides efficient, smooth movement.
Diagram B shows a Short Upper Arm: The short upper arm causes an incorrect placement of the elbow, farther in front of the withers. The elbow sits too far forward instead of directly beneath the highest point of the shoulder blade. This structure may cause a shortened stride; the leg cannot extend fully forward. Or, to compensate for the poor structure, the dog may lift its forelegs high in a hackney action rather than a smooth, low-to-the-ground sweep. The movement is inefficient and choppy.
Diagram C illustrates a Straight Shoulder: The shoulder blade in this picture is more upright or straight instead of laid back at a 45-degree angle to the ground. This incorrect structure may also cause a short reach or a shortened stride. The dog may show paddling or pounding, where the stride looks stiff or stilted, and the foot may lift straight up and down, a hackney-like gait, rather than sweeping smoothly forward. If the rear legs have more angulation and drive than the front can accommodate, the dog may “crab” (move sideways) or overreach, with the hind feet hitting the front.
Angulation can be determined when physically examining a dog and depends on certain “landmarks,” or points where the bones may be felt through the coat, skin, muscles, and fat of the dog being examined. On the shoulder assembly, one easily felt landmark is the spine of the scapula, which should be about a 45-degree angle to the ground. The shoulder joint and the desired 90-degree angle of the scapula and humerus can also be felt. Lastly, one can palpate the elbow and the upper tip of the scapula and draw an imaginary line to determine alignment.
Possible health Issues due to poor front structure: A short humerus (diagram B) or a straight shoulder (diagram C) may result in health problems over time. Poor front angulation reduces shock absorption and places excessive, abnormal wear and tear on the joints, tendons, and muscles of the forelimbs. This can lead more readily to osteoarthritis or acute injuries.
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