In case you arent a compulsive webpage checker like me
http://video.westminsterkennelclub.org/player/?id=1006501

OK....questions/comments from a non-show person...

How come they run a little sideways? Akita trait?

Why, when the handler is running with them around the ring, do they have the leash on the side of their neck? It pulls funny, and I feel like I can't see those awesome heads! Wouldn't it look better if the loop was on top?

Akita and Handler #4 (fawn?) look like they has some miscommunication there!

I never realized how staight Mikko's rear legs are. Not much bend in his knee, not even close to standard.

SOO many dorito ears and short snouts! I heart them!!

some dogs run a little sideways. Its called sidewinding. Sometimes, its just that the dog is interested in what the handler is doing and wants to watch the handler while he's moving. Other times, it can be caused by structural faults.

The loop under the ear gives the handler the most control. Occasionally you will see handlers with the ring on top or even the ring underneath by the chin. Usually though its to the side. I have heard people say that its because the dog hears the chain sliding and it works like a little bit of a correction without actually pulling on the dog. There are lots of different styles though. You can see some handlers giving the dog just inches of lead and others getting literally feet of lead.

Sometimes it happens that the dog and handler arent quite on the same page. Its like the superbowl of dog shows too, so gotta figure everyone has a little bit of the butterflies.

So, the sideways thing isn't "good"....



Makes sense about the lead I did notice the one had a completely loose lead.



Thanks for answering my questions

I have to laugh because a friend of mine (non dog show person) asked me the EXACT same questions!!!

Sometimes sidewinding can be caused by the dog misbehaving. But normally I would say it is due to structure issues. On a good mover, the feet should come to a V when they touch under the body. If sidewinding, basically, the dog does not have enough room under its body for its feet when moving. To compensate, the dog throws its rear out to make room.

I have no idea why people feel they need to string their dogs up running around the ring. I usually give a quick pull to make sure they are paying attention. The lead is then taunt but is not jerking their head. It throws the movement off!

I was very disappointed with the handling. These are suppose to be the cream of the crop - I wasn't impressed.

After watching those great Akitas I was disappointed in how they looked going around the ring. I am not a show person and know nothing.....and I mean nothing about how they should look. They just seemed so unbalanced and unsure of themselves.

Julie

But since I don't know about that stuff, I thought maybe I was just being naive.

I picked the same top three. Not in the same order though....

Cecil