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LEARN MORE ABOUT
PROPORTIONS
Translated by: Halina and Kris
Bienkowski
TEXT: MALGORZATA LULA - judge, Pon Breeder (Fervidus Kennel)
Ilustrator: Ewa Dobrzynska - artist, judge assistant, PON
breeder (Blusalka Kennel)
The PON standard reads:
"The body shape should be rectangular rather than
squared, proportions 9:10"
It seems that nothing needs to be added to this statement
but...
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This magical
"9:10" visually appears as a square. You could
verify this by drawing a rectangle on squared
paper. It is simple to draw a rectangle of 9
squares of height and 10 length, isn't it? It
appears almost square, but it's certainly a
rectangle!
Now place the
PON's contour into this rectangle in such a way that
certain anatomical points touch the walls of the
rectangle. Front vertical wall crosses the shoulder
joint, back vertical wall touches the point of the
buttocks (ischial tuberosity). Be sure to exclude
the coat.
Horizontal lines
are: upper at the level of withers and lower at
floor level. A well structured dog will fit into
this frame easily. For example: a PON of 50 cm
height should be 55 cm long, while a dog measuring
48 cm at withers should be 53.3 cm long.
The above
examples illustrate correct proportions of height to
length and the depicted dog appears visually compact
and almost square (Fig.1)
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A dog with correct angulations
of fore and hindquarters but incorrect proportions
does not fit into the previously described frame.
An elongated silhouette is definitely a rectangle
and exceeds the vertical borders of the frame.
Proportions are
not 9:10 as the standard is incorrect. (Fig. 2)
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The fact remains
that although a particular dog may fit the frame, it
does not prove that the dog is correctly
structured. A PON with an excessively long back and
steeply angled hindquarters, in spite of the correct
proportions (height/length ratio) will have improper
movement.
A dog with this
problem has a much shorter stride and weaker forward
drive. (Fig. 3)
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A similar
situation exists when a dog has the correct
proportions and fits the frame in spite of the fact
that the loins are too long and the front angulation
is too steep. (Fig. 4)
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The space that
should be occupied by a correctly angulated front is
filled by an excessively long body. A dog
structured in this manner keeps the head too high
and has a much shorter front stride. (Fig. 5)
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Front legs tend to
swing excessively upward. Often this type of dog
handled "à la terrier" achieves great awards,
because it is "different". A dog with his head held
up high appears more attractive and "professionally"
handled. This is not, however, a typical PON
movement or silhouette.
A PON with
excellent proportions and good leg angulation (not
exaggerated though) possesses a harmonious and
compact silhouette, a straight back and well
pronounced withers. The stride is long and
ambling. The head is carried naturally in an almost
horizontal position slightly above the line of the
back. Is is truly a great pleasure to watch this
movement. (Fig. 6)

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