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Evaluating a dog's movement is crucial for understanding its overall health and functionality. It's fascinating how the mechanics of movement can reveal so much about a dog's structure and fitness.
However, I wonder if we sometimes overemphasize certain aspects of gait at the expense of others. For instance, should we be more concerned with a dog's ability to perform its intended tasks rather than just its aesthetic movement? What are your thoughts on balancing form and function in canine evaluation?
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I recall when I didn't know anything about movement. Now I'm always looking at the dogs gait. This is important to the dogs function. My dogs use the back legs to to push off. It should be powerful. They need this to run down and catch an unruly cattle. They also use their legs in pinning down the cattle once it is caught. Pinning down is probably not the correct term. The dog had to catch and hold the cattle. This was the original function of the Presa Canario. Bored farmers later briefly used them in dog fighting. Today they are primarily used for personal protection. They can also excel in many types of dog sports.
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I think they subdued the cattle by gripping the nose. Much like humans do by putting a ring in the nose of the cattle to keep them compliant.
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