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To: Varda

That’s kind of an oxymoron that the conformation has nothing to do with health...at least as far as long term, though you’re probably technically correct that this dog is “healthy” right now since I think they are still required to have hips/elbows screened before breeding. Just like someone obese could be technically “healthy”, they also are at greater risk for certain things in the future.


7 posted on 03/14/2016 6:01:35 AM PDT by Gennie
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To: Gennie

You’re talking about including soundness in a term like health. Health is about dieases. As you say, there are tests and certifications for some health issues (hips, elbows, etc.) Some of the worst breeds for these dieases have very moderate conformation (Labs, Goldens etc.)

Soundness is about bio-mechanical competance. Bad conformation will break down over time given normal stress. I would call the dog in the picture a dog with bad conformation. If the owner never does anything stressful with the dog (most pet owners), it can live a full normal life.


13 posted on 03/14/2016 6:27:59 AM PDT by Varda
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