Helpful Conformation Illustration


  • For some light holiday reading, I'm trying to familiarize myself with the breed standard. I found this link helpful supplemental information. For instance, before looking at this I didnt' have a good concept of a "well let down" hock. Still a little clueless about pasterns….

    http://www.geocities.com/RugosaB/ConformationPage.htm


  • For a newbie to the breed, this page of info is very helpful indeed. I have always been someone who has had trouble assessing fronts. Ok with the rear end, just a complete blank with the fronts. Just recently, though, with the help of my dogs breeder, this has all started to fall into place :D. Now this page shows exactly what I was thinking about fronts, and reiterated what I was assuming the fronts were all about. Thank you so very much for posting this info, its very much appreciated :):):).


  • You are very welcome! I'm glad they put up that page. Even though I've read throught the standard and some interpretations of it in books, it's hard to really get a working understanding of it by just doing that. I'm planning to ask my breeder many many questions as well.


  • I just want to mention that the page was made by Vickie Perrine of Rugosa Basenjis; a very good friend of mine. Not only one of the most contientous breeders you will find, but a real asset to the Basenji world as well. As some of you know, she was in a nearly fatal car accident last year, and has cut back on her breeding plans until life becomes a little more 'normal'. Her contributions to helping families determine if Basenjis are the right dog for them are immeasurable. I just love her and her family, and I am so happy that you (the general you) are finding her labor of love helpful 🙂


  • I can definitely tell by the detail and the amount information on her website that she is a great asset and resource to the breed. I hope her recovery is going well.

    I'd also recommend her "new puppy page" for those getting a new puppy this year. http://www.geocities.com/RugosaB/NewPuppyPage.htm It's a great reminder for me of what puppy parenting is like. (it's been 12 years since I've had one.)


  • Well from my point of view, I would be very grateful if , Quercus, you, could just let Vickie know that her very well documented visual explanation of the "standard", has been very much appreciated, by myself, and I would guess, by many other people as well. Thanks :):)

    Now onto the New Puppy Page…


  • Ok folks that page is great and I've used it a lot in judges education too - but that page only talks about the front - from the side view - there is a very important piece that many are missing with their basenjis - and that is the front 'fill'. Look at your B facing you - is the front hollow? is it very narrow (now if it's a puppy not too bad) Way too many B's out there have what we call 'Cathedral Fronts' meaning you could fit a church and steeple between their front legs - not visually appealing and not functional. Many times it comes with a 'front unit' set too far forward. Which again - is not functional for the breeds purpose and will impact the side gait and likely the coming at you movement in the down and back.

    With too little fill - animal may toe in or cross over in the front and with to much fill - elbows will be out and you may see some paddling.

    Just another tidbit for those looking for information


  • Very interesting information here. My husband thinks I am a bit "obsessed," though…:eek:


  • Arent' we all 🙂


  • @dmcarty:

    Ok folks that page is great and I've used it a lot in judges education too - but that page only talks about the front - from the side view - there is a very important piece that many are missing with their basenjis - and that is the front 'fill'. Look at your B facing you - is the front hollow? is it very narrow (now if it's a puppy not too bad) Way too many B's out there have what we call 'Cathedral Fronts' meaning you could fit a church and steeple between their front legs - not visually appealing and not functional. Many times it comes with a 'front unit' set too far forward. Which again - is not functional for the breeds purpose and will impact the side gait and likely the coming at you movement in the down and back.

    With too little fill - animal may toe in or cross over in the front and with to much fill - elbows will be out and you may see some paddling.

    Just another tidbit for those looking for information

    Thanks for the info. So much to learn….:D Info like this would be great in a sticky. I haven't found it through reading, yet.

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