Re: McRib

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Jessica wrote:
"Improper shape in rib spring seems to be admired quite a bit. Can anyone explain what proper ribspring should look like...where it should start on the body, uniformity,etc"

It starts at the sternum point. A lot of dogs today have recessed and concave fore chests/brisket. Unlike humans, the clavicle or collar bone is frequently absent in dogs so the shape of the ribcage is pretty significant, especially in Bulldogs.

"Body -- The brisket and body should be very capacious, with full sides, well rounded ribs and very deep from the shoulders down to its lowest part, where it joins the chest."

Note, the standard states that the "brisket and body should be very capacious" so that's why I said it starts at the sternum point. The lower and more prominent the sternum point (to a degree), the wider and fuller you are up front, the better. Hopefully the gaps will be filled in with well developed muscles. i.e. chest, shoulder, arm, and trap muscles. In theory, your movement should be better and even your turn of shoulder. I think a full chest would probably give you better angles on your scapula because they basically lie atop of the ribcage. This in turn, would give you better angles on your upper arm.

I'm gonna try to break it down for those who might need a visual. I know you already know the answer to your question Jess but you suckered me in so here we go. Just keep in mind some of the examples aren't the best but it's the best I can come up with. Improvising here a bit if you will.

See how recessed this sternum point on this skeletal model. I touched up one photo of the same dog/bitch for comparison. [linked image]
[linked image]

Compare to the lower skeletal model with lowered sternum point and wider rib spring up front.
[linked image]
[linked image]

For whatever reason, I find that a lot of people I talk to believe brisket is the belly area or mid section and mostly judge rib at it's widest point (last rib). Not all of my dogs have brisket and tremendous rib. Some have very good rib and brisket and some don't but I recognize this. Some people don't. That's where the problem lies.

"Chest -- The chest should be very broad, deep and full."

I think the chest on this dog is nice, based on pictures. Lots of fill, it's very full and capacious. Does the dog tuck up? I don't know, I've never had my hands on the dog but I used it as an example of fullness compared to I guess, some of the dogs being admired today.

[linked image]

I was looking at Frenchies and couldn't help but notice the underline on this Frenchie is probably better than I've seen on a lot of Bulldogs. They use the same description in their standard. French Bulldog standard: "The chest is broad, deep, and full; well ribbed with the belly tucked up.". Notice the deepest part of the chest is between the forelegs and shoulders?

[linked image]

Posted on Feb 7, 2009, 3:27 AM
from IP address 66.74.132.170

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