"Roach-backed" GSD

"Roach-backed" GSD
I read posts from several boards, and I noticed that people use the term..\"Roach back\" quite alot to describe different dogs. I would like to know how many people actually know what a true \"roach-back\" is???? The GSD should have a firm , straight to slightly sloping topline. The withers should always be the highest point of the dog's topline. A true \"roached back\" is arched or curved upwards like a Whippet. It is just as incorrect as a \"level\" topline. ...I was just observing....... Robin

Re: "Roach-backed" GSD
=\"crhuerta\">I would like to know how many people actually know what a true \\"roach-back\\" is???? The GSD should have a firm , straight to slightly sloping topline. The withers should always be the highest point of the dog's topline. A true \\"roached back\\" is arched or curved upwards like a Whippet. It is just as incorrect as a \\"level\\" topline. Robin ************************************************************* No, a roachback is not at all like that of whippet--but exactly like this COCKROACH:

The back as described in the Whippet standard: The back is broad, firm and well muscled, having length over the loin. The backline runs smoothly from the withers with a graceful natural arch, not too accentuated, beginning over the loin and carrying through over the croup; the arch is continuous without flatness. A dip behind shoulder blades, wheelback, flat back, or a steep or flat croup, should be penalized.

The GSD back per the FCI standard: The back, including the loins, is straight and strongly developed yet not too long between the withers and the croup. The withers must be long and high, sloping slightly from front to rear, defined against the back into which it gently blends without breaking the topline. The loins must be wide, strong and well muscled. The croup is long and slightly angled (approximately 23 degrees). The ileum and the sacrum are the foundation bones of the croup. Short, steep or flat croups are undesirable.

IOW, when comparing backs, the GSD has more in common with the Whippet than with the cockroach :idea: Alas, I cannot locate a breed standard for the cockroach :!: :twisted: :roll: :mrgreen: Louise

Alas, I cannot locate a breed standard for the cockroach That is amusing given that the common cockroach has been around for a 100 million years as opposed to a little over 100 years for the GSD

VERY interesting, thanks Ravi!!!!! molly

All rightie then, does the GSD in Louise's photo have a correct topline or not? I have no clue who this dog is, so not trying to be critical or a smartie pants. I'm trying to understand the dynamics of the correct imported GSD's topline. I just don't get it. Thanks..................

BTW I've seen a load of whippets at AKC shows with a far more pronouned arch than this one has. Most Borzois, Greyhounds, other coarsing hounds have a lot more arch than this dog.

excuse me - I meant to thank Louise for her detailed post - thank you Louise! molly

WOW Louise!....I need to get into theatrics too! Nice colored type and size......I can barely use my computer to read e-mail. However;...I was posting an example of a \"roach-like\" topline...just as one of my German Shepherd books did. I know: The TERM \"roach-back\"...is used to describe a topline where the \"arch\" of the back is higher than the wither.......just as the toplines of most Whippets, Bedlingtons etc... actually are. Most novice people who use the term \"roach-back\" when it comes to the GSD....have been conditioned, that everything with a \"curve\" is \"roachie\". That was the \"small\" point I was trying to make...... Maybe the GSD book I used to help make the comparison in the post....should research their terminoligy too.???? I don't want to offend any cockroach breeders!!!...hahahahaha :lol: Good post Louise! Robin

Hey Molly! I was only trying to provide a little evolutionary perspective given the heated passion that this topic tends to generate. Just some sly tongue-in-cheek humor folks!! No offense intended.

Hey Lonewulf, I thought your post was funny!..........just like all of them. No offense taken here. Robin

No offense Ravi - I just read through the posts too fast and thought the cockroach/whippet/GSD pictures/post was from you. Wanted to give proper credit - but I liked your post too, very much! Gave a good giggle, a laugh a day is good for anyone! Great thread! molly

Louise, You have done so much research on the \"roach\". Love it. I knew a couple of them when I lived in NYC. I think they move too fast for a breed survey. Hard to get them to stand for the exam. My question though: Is the \"roach\" back the same as the hyenna dogs??? Is this what is being referred to? M.

I don't want to offend any cockroach breeders!!!...hahahahaha :lol: Good post Louise! Robin hey... i resemble a cockaroach breeder... aka Dena :D

I wonder if one would breed a roach to a waterbug the progeny would have flat toplines ......or would half have roaches, the other half flat.....would all the progeny carry the flatback gene recessively?????

Louise, please present a picture of a waterbug, so I can understand the breed betterment Blitzen is recommending. You guys are great. Smile or whatever thing majig I cannot operate. Like one of those Greenboard bananas.. . . M.

View Full Version: "Roach-backed" GSD